Expanding Our Blanco Farmhouse Deck: A Hog Panel Railing Renovation
Here at the Blanco farmhouse, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our outdoor living space. Our latest endeavor? Giving our front deck a major facelift and expansion! This project involved a significant deck expansion and a cool new hog panel railing system, completely transforming the look and feel of the front of the house.
The existing deck was… fine. But I wanted more! I wanted a grand entrance, a place where we could really spread out and enjoy those beautiful Blanco sunsets. So, I took on the challenge of extending the deck across the entire front of the house. This meant adding a substantial 16-foot by 8-foot section. We’re talking serious square footage here, and when you’re building something this big, you know the material costs add up. The pressure-treated lumber alone was just over a thousand dollars, but let me tell you, it’s worth every penny for the durability and longevity.
Building the Bones of the New Deck
I start by laying out the new section, making sure it aligns perfectly with the existing deck. This isn’t just about adding on; it’s about creating a seamless transition, making the whole deck feel like it was always meant to be this size. I measure, cut, and secure the joists, making sure everything is level and sturdy. It’s hard work, but I love seeing the structure take shape. As the framework goes up, you can already imagine the possibilities for outdoor entertaining. This expansion opens up so much more room for furniture, plants, and just general relaxation.
And speaking of entertainment, my three adult girls are absolutely loving the new space. They’re all super musical, and the old deck was just too cramped for them to really get their jam on. Now, they’ve got plenty of room to spread out their instruments and perform. It’s awesome to see them out there, making music and truly enjoying the expanded area.
Swapping Out the Rails for Hog Panels
Once the deck expansion is complete, it’s time for the really fun part: the hog panel railing. The old porch rails were, to put it mildly, dated. They were clunky and obstructed the view. I’m all about clean lines and unobstructed views, especially with the beautiful scenery we have here. So, I rip out the existing rails with gusto. It’s always satisfying to demo the old to make way for the new.
Installing the hog panels is a game-changer. I frame out the sections for the panels, making sure everything is square and secure. Then, I cut the panels to fit and secure them within the wooden frames. The look is so much more modern and open. Plus, it’s incredibly durable and requires minimal maintenance, which is a big win in my book. The black paint of the hog panels against the natural wood of the pressure-treated lumber creates a fantastic contrast, giving the entire front of the house a fresh, contemporary farmhouse vibe. Make sure when you do your bottom rail that you drill all the way through to allow water to drain.
Adding a Handy Mower Shed
As with any good project, there’s always a little something extra. While I’m deep into the deck work, I decide to tackle another much-needed addition: a mower shed. I’ve got an existing shed, but with all the yard equipment, a dedicated space for the mower just makes sense. The best part? I’m able to use leftover lumber, concrete, and plywood from previous projects, along with some old metal panels I had lying around. The only new materials I spring for are the roofing panels, because you gotta keep things dry!
Building the shed is a relatively quick task, especially since I’m recycling so many materials. I pour a concrete to secure the 4×4 posts for the foundation, frame up the walls with the leftover lumber, and use the plywood for the sheathing. The old metal panels work perfectly for the siding, giving it a rustic, repurposed look that fits right in with the farm aesthetic. This little shed is a testament to making the most of what you have and reducing waste. Now, my “new” riding mower has its own cozy home, keeping the main shed more organized for my tools and supplies.
This entire project, from the deck expansion to the hog panel railing and even the bonus mower shed, has been a labor of love. It’s incredible to see how a few well-placed improvements can completely revitalize a space. Now, we have an expansive, inviting front porch that’s perfect for everything from morning coffee to evening gatherings. We’re still thinking about extending the roof cover over the new deck for some extra shade, but that’s a decision for another day. And of course, the next big task on the list is to stain both the old and new sections of the deck to give it a unified, finished look.
