Ah, the “alley.” That odd little gap between the original part of our house on the left and the later addition on the right. We’re glad the builders left that space so we didn’t lose those windows, but it’s undeniably awkward.
Right now it holds a very short, very worn balcony that looks over a patch of liriope, our AC unit, an oil tank, and the neighbor’s house.
It’s basically useless—unless you enjoy the thrill of wondering whether the wood will give way underfoot.
We briefly considered turning it into a walk-out path with steps down to a paved area for potted plants. But that felt like an inefficient use of space: it would mostly serve as a narrow transition zone for bikes or quick trips, and we already have a patio on the other side of the house that handles that function well. So we went back to the drawing board and focused on something truly useful—an alfresco dining deck.
At first glance this alley doesn’t scream “deck,” but it’s directly off the hallway next to the kitchen, which makes it far more convenient for meals than the patio across the yard that requires navigating multiple stairs with plates and glasses. We love the patio for lounging, reading, and relaxing, but we rarely eat there because it’s not convenient. A deck right off the kitchen would change that.
The space is nearly 8 feet wide, which is roomier than it looks—just a bit narrower than the den in our last house, which was only 8.5 feet wide.
To help visualize the idea we made a quick Photoshop sketch. It won’t become a giant party deck, but it will comfortably fit a medium-sized dining set for family dinners and small gatherings. The proposed deck will be long—around 17 to 21 feet—longer than many interior rooms. The drawing is rough, but it gives the idea.
You might wonder about the unattractive view of the oil tank and AC unit from the sliding door. Moving those systems would be a major hassle—especially the oil tank, which involves county permits and work—so instead our plan is to elevate the deck to the height of the existing deck. That elevation will hide the tank and AC from sight even before we add railings or planters.
We’re even considering a built-in planter box in place of a traditional railing at the end of the deck. Filled with greenery, it would screen the less attractive elements and also provide some soft privacy from the neighbor’s house beyond the trees.
Beyond functionality, the deck will help the house read more clearly from the outside. Our home’s footprint has always had awkward negative spaces—one of which we filled with a fenced patio last year. This deck will address the other narrow sliver, bringing the overall shape closer to a natural rectangle and improving the flow of the exterior spaces.
Next comes the practical work: planning, permitting, and construction. We’ll need a county permit and two inspections, so progress might be slower than we prefer, but it’s a chance to learn—we’ve never built a deck before. We’ll document the whole process, including costs, hours, and step-by-step progress. For now we’ve called Miss Utility to check for underground lines and started clearing the liriope and bushes so we can finalize materials and drawings for the permit.
We’re excited to transform this odd little alley into a functional, inviting outdoor dining spot just off the kitchen. Anyone else working on—or dreaming of—an outdoor addition? A deck, patio, pool, or pergola? If you’ve built a deck before, we’d love any tips or wisdom from your experience.