Once upon a time there was a porch.
(Don’t you love a story that starts like that?)
Except this porch was a scary story. I would tell everyone to go in the front door…just so they’d miss the porch. It was peeling and flaking and in terrible condition.
Seriously.
It took “distressed” to a completely new level.
And now?
Now it’s all about itself. It’s waving people in from the driveway and throwing tail-gate parties…..
….and showing off its transformation at porch fashion week (can you tell I’ve been watching Project Runway)?
And here’s the DIY for the painted porch project.
Step 1: Sand and paint existing deck
I’ve spared you the before pictures.
You can thank me later.
There was a lot of loose paint and grit and grime on the existing porch.
Using a sander and then a deck cleaner, we made sure the surface was clean before we added the base coat of transparent deck stain.
Step 2: Measure the squares
You can make the squares as large or as small as you like depending on your design aesthetic.
Each of these squares measures 17″ across.
Measure and mark off the squares with a yard stick or tape measure.
We marked the outline of the squares with pencil.
Step 3: Tape off squares
This is a step with one important component.
Using painter’s tape the squares you don’t want to paint on the inside of your pencil lines and the squares you want to paint on the outside of your pencil lines.
It might take a few mistakes to get the hang of it (not that we would know anything about that)….but just double-check your taping as you go along.
Step 4: Score tape and paint
Make sure all of your tape is adhered properly before you paint.
I usually take a flat object (like a library card) and run it along the edges of the tape to make sure there aren’t any gaps or tape that’s lifted.
Then simply paint every other square with a contrasting stain.
We used a lighter deck stain for more of a farmhouse look, but you could choose a darker stain or even a contrasting color.
We chose to use transparent deck stain so the wood grain would show through.
Let base coat dry thoroughly.
Here’s another picture of the completed deck.
I love how the project turned out.
It’s gone from horror show to featured movie of the week.
It goes perfectly with sweet tea and a new attitude…..
….and a beautiful happily ever after. 🙂
You guys did a great job, it's beautiful!
Ooooohhh I liked very much. Simple but ellegant at the same time. You did a great job KariAnne!!
Looks fantastic! That is a lot of work and now my back hurts!!!! Fondly, -Lisa
Hi KariAnne, Your deck looks like it came straight out of a decorating magazine, awesome job! Happy Friday! Karen
Oh my!! What a wonderful place to dream -- to plan -- to sip some "whatever" -- to read -- to cuddle! We had a front porch with a swing at the house I grew up in. Oh the hours I spent there dreaming of what my life would be like. Your porch is beautiful and I bet at nighttime you can sit out there and listen to the creature sounds and see the stars and how about the harvest moon!! Can you get a picture???? I miss that :-)
Karianne, WOW! Lottsa work - and did it turn out spectacular! Christine
It is beautiful. I have a small front porch but I might try that in the spring.
Gorgeous!!! Source for the rug???
Awesome and inspiring...I have a front porch that needs a facelift!
Beautiful! Definitely worth the hard work!
Love it Kari...always a joy to see that gorgeous porch!!! Have a great weekend and have fun at the Chapel Market!
The biggest challenge for me - despite the taping/measuring.... Do I sit? and paint (better cush) :) Or... Should I kneel? (breaking out my 30yr old volleyball knee pads) "oy vey" The struggle would be real but YOUR porch is fabulous :) :)
This is beautiful, Karianne...transforms the space in a way I would never have thought of...
What a great idea! I've seen taped off walls and furniture, but wouldn't have thought of doing a porch. It looks super cute and definitely a great space for entertianing now! Have a lovely weekend! Jen
Your deck looks fabulous! Was it stained before? Did you sand it clean like you would before you stain a hard wood floor? I have a cedar chest that I want to do in the same colors but I have hesitated using chalk and milk paint. What kind of stain and colors did you use? I am so inspired! I am off to do some sanding and veneer repair! Have a great time in Alabama this weekend! By the way, this is the big weekend at the Nashville Flea Market if you have time to stop on the way!
Beautiful porch! Beautiful setting!
There you go again, using that library card! LOLOL! The porch looks awesome . . . I think there should be a "Project Runway" of DIY. I would certainly watch. :) Happy Fall!!!!!!
In a word... perfect!!! I can see why it's waving people to come see it. Happy weekend! Hugs, Gee
I love, love, love this. Did I mention that I love this? It looks so inviting. Maybe your porch and my porch should get together. I am serving lemonade and books. Heee heee! Have a fabulous weekend!
Ok, I love it obvi! But more than that I love your humor. I've been grody-to-the-max sick all week, and then I read this and had a giggle fit. It's weird to have a giggle fit when you're alone in the house. And why I felt the need to look around to see if anyone caught me, I don't know. The point is, any porch that tailgates, is one I'd like to spend time on. Thanks for sharing!
I am blessed now to have a cement patio, but at one time I had a house with a deck (they are high maintenance compared to cement patios) I did this exact thing to my deck 15 years ago and loved the look. Your deck is now so inviting and dressed well!
Charming! This gives me an idea for a painted rug in front of the washer and dryer! They are on the porch! Old farm houses. Gotta lov'em.
Looking good! Love the rug and pillows too! Sheila
Oh goodness. It looks wonderful. My own deck is in terrible shape. Unfortunately, I am afraid it's going to take more than a freshy-fresh coat of paint. Thanks for the inspiration!
That is a stunning porch. Have fun at Chapel Market.
Love a story with a happy ending! The porch is stunning; as is your home, XOXO
... wow... gorgeous.... I like the painted wood area around the table setting area... great... Hugs ... Barb xx
Awesome post.
Love the look…you've got me thinking…
I love this! Your porch looks amazing! I'm thinking I can do this to my back patio with concrete paint. I used three huge rolls of frog tape painting all of the trim in my house. That stuff works great.
THIS IS SO AWESOME! I adore this! We are building a house and I may try to talk the hubs into letting me do this on our screened porch! Such a wonderful idea!! I'm so glad I found your blog! You should join me on Tuesdays for the Celebrate Southern link up I host over at www.2catsandchloe.com for some southern-inspired posts. It's still live today! You don't have to be a southern blogger to join, this post would be a perfect fit! :)
Love it KariAnne! I am doing that same pattern in my screened in porch next spring.I was all set to do it this fall and ran out of time.I just painted the base coat and now we are in the 40's here.Winter will be arriving soon!
I seriously want to do this on our back deck, which is where everyone enters our house. I used a supposedly great product a couple years ago, but it didn't even hold up through it's first winter. I think stain would be better. Love your deck! Blessings, Deborah