Decking and fencing

Making the most of the small backyard was definitely a priority.  For starters, we needed a place to have that morning coffee.  Nothing big.  Just a place for two chairs and a small table.  A 6'x6' deck with Trex decking was the perfect solution to replace the tiny rotted stoop  while a treated wood fence and privacy screen took the place of a falling-apart stockade fence (Darn, I should have taken "before" backyard photos!).

Landscaping still to come

There's nothing that I hate more than old gray treated wood.  So, I just had to stain the deck and  fence.  It turned out lighter than I had hoped but it does give it a classier look than plain old treated wood and it will make it last longer.  So it's OK...

Back at the alley, we put two 4' tall and 5' wide gates.  Enclosing the backyard in this way provides a sense of privacy yet maintains visibility (which means more security).  Plus,  whoever buys the house can use the stone parking area as a patio when not parking their car back there.

Recently planted grass seed is now sprouting - in spite of the birds' best effort at eating it before it does.  So, hopefully, soon, all that dirt will be nice and green.