#DIY Deck with #Stoneffects

This past weekend we were busy working on a DIY project, the front porch.  It’s getting to the point now that I consider our DIY projects as DIY date nights.  I do love spending time together getting our many projects done but it would be nice to actually go on a date once in awhile.  

BEFORE YOU GO FURTHER: StoneEffects will not stick to treated wood. It may initially but it will not last. Also ensure that there will be no movement in the wood at all, either with a thick subfloor or cement board.

A month or so ago we had built the front porch out of treated lumber, joist hangers, carriage bolts…well I won’t bore you with the details.  Initially we planned on pouring stamped concrete but the cost was horrendous and we happened to have the wood lying around already which saved us a pile of money.  We had talked of what flooring we would use to cover the porch deck; I really didn’t want just plain stained wood and thought tile or something similar would look nice.  We already had plenty of leftover tile from the interior of the house but I wanted something different and to be honest, I was sick of tiling.  This is when Hubs mentions the Stoneffects product we had once used for a dog house; it’s durable, it looks beautiful in a variety of colours and it covers nicely over anything you put it on.  There are 3 steps to the process but the time is worth the savings by doing it yourself. All three steps can be located at Home Depot Canada (in store selection is better) and Rona.  The large tub is much cheaper in comparison to the smaller pails of stone coat.

We misjudged the amount we needed for the second coat of stone coat, the product with the colour in it, finding out after driving the hour to Home Depot that the Espresso colour we had already done one stone coat in was discontinued and of course they had none left.  Panic set in but we happened to find enough for the second coat over at Rona, crisis over.  Overall, I think it turned out pretty great; I love the colour and the feel of it when I walk on bare feet.  We will be finishing the porch, this DIY was just for the floor; the stairs will be changed out to match eventually but I’m hoping the next project will be the stucco and stonework on the house.  A girl can dream. *cough*

Materials needed:

Step 1 Stoneffects Primer Coat

Step 2 Stoneffects Stone Coat

Step 3 Stoneffects Sealant Top Coat

Stoneffects Plastic Trowel (we used metal oops)

Stoneffects Sponge Roller (2 – 1 for primer; 1 for sealant)

**Read the instructions to ensure you purchases enough of each product for the square footage you are planning to cover, especially the stone coat (colour coat) to ensure you don’t end up in a discontinued scenario like we did.**

How to DIY

1.  Clean the surface freeing it from dirt or debris.

2. Rid the area of unwanted “helpers” 😉

3. Prime the area using the Step 1 Stoneffects Primer Coat and the Stoneffects Sponge Roller; allow to completely dry as indicated in the instructions of the product.

4. Premix the Step 2 Stoneffects Stone Coat before using. Hubs is trying to show off her with his beater mixer drill but you can simply use a paint stick to mix up the stone coat evenly.

5.  Spread on the first layer of Step 2 Stoneffects Stone Coat in long strokes to avoid any lines; you want a smooth appearance and the lines will dry that way.

6.  Allow the first coat of Step 2 Stoneffects Stone Coat to dry completely before applying the second coat.

7.  Spread the second coat of  Step 2 Stoneffects Stone Coat. You will need 2 coats for an even coverage or the primer will show through.  Allow to dry completely before applying the final step.

8.  During the first and second coats of stone coat, don’t forget to spend a little extra time on any edges to achieve a finished and neat appearance. Again, spending the extra time during these steps are essential for the end result to look professionally done.

9.  Not pictured here but the final coat is the sealant coat; it goes on, dries clear and is crucial to sealing against water or weather conditions.  You will roll it on with the second sponge roller just as you did the prime coat step.  Allow to dry completely before applying the second coat of sealant and make sure to spend a little time rolling the edges to prevent dried drips; they do show after they dry if you don’t do this.  After the second and final coat of sealant,  you will want to let dry for 24-48 hrs to ensure a hard surface before placing any patio furniture onto the surface.

There are a few steps and a few coats but in the end it looks beautiful and will last for a long time through the elements for you and your family to enjoy those days sitting out on the deck.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. This is a DIY project, one of many, that we have done on our own home. All opinions are 100% my own.