I turned a concrete nightmare into a dreamy deck (Story 83) 

Rosie, you're a star! Really. Building a deck, a table, leveling out, painting a door, and giving so much thoughts to the beauty of things. And all of this with your great dry sense of humour! 😊 It' fascinating how far you've come. And it's fascinating to see how a project begins in the head and then changing during the process, needs adapting, and despite all difficulties is coming to a beautiful and satisfying end. ❤

The beauty of what you're doing and how you're choosing to do it, is that there's not really a wrong way, as long as works for you, it's great. What you've done is seriously pretty impressive!! 👏👏👏

I love how you chose to work around the greenery climbing the post into your design. Most would tear it down and start "fresh" but you worked the curves of the wood around it to enhance it. So satisfying!

I live in a 300 year old cottage built with Manx stone. Every wall is 3ft thick. Everything that has to be attached to the wall requires at least ten granite drill bits and I need to mentally prepare myself for a least a day before I begin. When you let out that cry, I heard myself, so many times, my entire body weight behind the hammer drill just willing it to move forward. I truly felt your pain. ❤ ETA - those raspberries will taste all the sweeter now. Well done for leaving them to their business.

Rosie, I loved this video so much. I hope you know you have been my inspiration at the age of 56 to do so many things since I began watching your videos. 2 years ago I didn't even own a drill. Now I can say I've built and refurbished so many things plus have a HUGE raised bed garden because of watching you. Yesterday I harvested a ton of green beans and had them for dinner. Cucumbers are busting out every other day and my tomato plants are a jungle of beautiful green fruit that will ripen any day now. I built a catio off the back of my house that is level and functional and loved by the two cats we have. (My son and I). I so can relate to your frustration in the middle of a project and trying to figure out how to move forward. I laughed with you during this video and could see myself in you the whole time!!! My lineage is Dutch and we have a lot of beautiful red hair in our family. We are all mostly sewers too so I am inspired by your sewing. I want to make some overalls just like yours for my work projects so I quit ruining my clothes with projects. I adore you Rosie! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talents with the world.

Put flat rocks at the bottom of the stairs to avoid a muddy mess when it rains

The new deck is amazing. But the star of this video for me was your clothes. Each outfit was functional, adorable, and so stylish. I know you sew and assume these outfits are your own creations. Stunning. You are inspirational in so many ways.

You’ve turned a sad, uncared for area into a lovely relaxing space. Who wouldn’t want to sit out there, particularly while the honeysuckle is in bloom. I love it!

Doors and stairs are two elements that people take for granted and don’t think about what’s actually involved in the engineering of them working properly. They are TOUGH and you’re figuring them both out like a champ. When you’re in it, you can’t appreciate just what it is you’re undertaking and how well you’re doing. Such a smart way to solve the problem of the crumbling stairs whilst giving yourself additional usable space that is inviting and, indeed, very *cute* 😊

For your information, there are two types of hammer-drills. One type (the one you have) uses a "wobbly"/uneven surface on a ball bearing, to create the hammer effect. The hammer strength is rather weak. The other type uses a genuine hydraulic pump, to create the hammer effect. The hammer effect (using the hydraulic pump) is about 5-50 times more powerful than the ball-bearing "hammer" method. So in essence, the type of hammer-drill that you have, simply does not hammer powerfully enough, in order to get through real stones. Just as you have observed. The "simple" hammer type of drill (the one you have), is okay for the small stones mixed with the concrete, but if it encounters a bigger stone, so you are essentially drilling in stone only (and not concrete mixed with small stones), the tip of the drill is likely to get so hot, that the hardened bit at the tip of the concrete drill bit, will get too hot, and will wear out in a few minutes. Thus, in order to drill through the bigger stones (or just actual stones), that can be a part of a concrete mix, then there is a need for a more powerful hammer function, like the true hydraulic hammer drills. These true hydraulic hammer-drills will typically also use a SDS coupling end, on both the drill-bit and the drill it self. --- But other than that: As always, you create some amazing results. Especially with the tools you have at hand. I am very impressed. And find you designs and creations to be very inspiring.

Don't change the roof, that rustic look only adds to the beautiful porch. It's perfect Rosie! Your wild flowers look wonderful, your homestead looks enchanted. I live with you through your videos ... which are not long enough!

Rosie, You are SO BLESSED to have a unique Property, no car sounds, no ambulance or fire engines sounds, no people screaming or shouting, or gun firing shots. No barking dogs. But only peace and quiet, and wild animals enjoying Your Space. Only the serene atmosphere of birds, wind, and sounding rain. God Bless You.❤❤❤Your avocado Green paint on Your door looks soft and tranquil.❤ Your work space table, is very inviting. Posh and very detailed.❤❤❤

That green linseed oil on the back door looks stunning, especially with that little new deck, table and those steps. I’m always happily surprised and inspired. I’m already looking forward to your next project 😄

So lovely. Glad you didn't cut down those raspberry bushes! Such a pretty area.

I have to say that as a carpenter, I like your work with the entrance and stairs. You could have made it easier for yourself by using a concrete plastic plug. Then the screws could have been shorter as it pulls the screw into the plastic plug faster. Your treatment under the pressure impregnated wood with tar oil against the concrete surfaces was great. There is no risk of rotting from moisture. Your way of thinking and your solutions are always so good and your creativity so rewarding. Thanks for a nice video. 😊😍👍

I recently, somehow, found myself rewatching your first videos about finding your cabin and beginning to renovate it. You have done so much to the cabin and your property, and have learned so much. Your progress and meticulousness are truly impressive. I hope you can see that.

Rosie, You are an inspiration. Every job you tackle turns out great in the end despite your angst to begin with. Your little patio will bring you joy every time you sit out there. Well done.

What a fantastic achievement again Rosie, your determination and resilience helped you create this fabulous decking area. Well done x

I love that you are working with-rather than against-the original structure of the house and the land around it. I've seen other RU-vidrs purchase an abandoned or rural lot and then build things that are overly modern, non-traditional, too shiny. My sense is that you're approaching this work in a way that is very culturally Swedish with a real respect for nature and the beauty of the home.

I hate for the videos to end. I could watch you for hours. ❤

am glad rosie you are taking one job at a time much better for you then you wont feel overwhelmed by it all. one step at a time

I’m in the UK, it’s Sunday morning, and this arrived perfectly to watch with my tea, thank you 😊

I love the colour of the back door.The patio looks amazing, the seating area I'm sure will be well used. You must feel so satisfied now it's complete.

To everyone who reads this: blessings to you, don't give up, chin up, shoulders back and Rock it anyway! Better done than perfect

The deck and the table both perfection. I can imagine you enjoying your tea with the scent of the honeysuckle. Sounds like a perfect morning!

just a suggestion to add to your wonderful work. Maybe when the Raspberry has fruited you can trim and train it so it hides the steps and is almost a green wall

Really can tell that you are a person who cares about things. Its the love for the detail that gives it away

Rosie, I wake up on Sunday morning looking forward to your viedos. I also watch Martijn Doolaard, you two are my Sunday morning delight, I think you two should be friends you have a lot in common.

It’s a rainy morning here, but a hummingbird came to the feeder just before it started, and then I noticed you posted a video. Two special things at once! I admire your knack to problem-solve and finish your projects. I noticed the beautiful flowers in the background. Your little homestead is blooming in every way!

God you are so incredibly FAST at making new things its soooo inspiring

The decking and steps look fantastic and the perfume from the honeysuckle must be intoxicating in the evening sun, such a great job Rosie

Looks amazing, I love the idea of being able to sit outside even when it's raining, brilliant

Oh Rosie that turned out so beautiful. What a sweet little haven.

Thank you for another wonderful video! I have the exact same crumbling concrete stairs/patio at the back and front of my (red, wooden, Swedish) house. Might be planning a new house project soon, thanks for the inspiration!😊

Despite your challenges,which you overcame,did you create a charming,organic place. Instead of your enjoying back door,you now have a useful space,with two seating spots, one usable even during rain. I love it.

Thanks for sticking to it, Rosie. I'm sure you're happy with the result.

Happy to see a video from you! Might I suggest that you either make or buy a trellis for your honeysuckle. You could attach it to the support post it is growing on already. You may have to cut some of it off but don’t worry it will come back quickly. You can weave it up and down the trellis to make it nice and thick. Also…where you have dirt at the base of your stairs you could put stones either set in cement or just the earth. Would keep your stairs clean. Don’t forget to put some sealer on your new porch to protect it. Finally…..please don’t be so hard on yourself!! You have done an amazing job already!! You have so much talent!! Far more than most people!! We all get frustrated from time to time just don’t keep beating yourself up when things get a bit tough. You have amazing skills and insight on how to do things.

Loving the back door area. The paint colour on the door is lovely. Rosie your hair looks stunning.

I love that you accommodated the greenery by the entrance. Lovely organic look and feel. So respectful and cozy. I’d enjoy a cuppa there…

I'm glad other people have the same feelings I do when I'm trying to work on a project that I had the best ideas for, and then get frustrated because it isn't going the way I want it to. You did it!

Hi Rosie, like usual you are so smart the way you think ,plan and do the work. We could tell that it was a bit of hardship.i hope you will enjoy a raspberry waffle and a goog coffe on your cute deck

so beautiful. you are such an old soul craftswoman and true artiste at heart. bless. xxx

My favorite detail to this little porch is the built-in mat in front of the door. How clever!

You are such an inspiration! I've been watching you transform this lonely, neglected little house into a little jewel... I love everything you've done.

You have every right to feel proud of this accomplishment.. absolutely stunning!

Hi Rosie, I must say that you have made an excellent improvement to your rear entrance, the whole concept works amazingly, love the colours, recessed mat , shelves, cut outs for the plants… all first class 👌👍well done 👍 ❤

For me, the more difficult to figure out a project, the better it ends. Your project looks amazing. I love the deck and the steps. Great job

RW-Rosie! Shout out from Norway! I have been watching your «day2day-life-in-the-swedish-forest» updates for a couple of years now and I always look forward to the next. I love sitting back in my chair and watch you takle everything from gardening to designing and sewing to cabin-builds! You really are inspiring! ❤ And… I love your editing!! ..and your use of music. And the nature sounds you -so beautifully blends in to your films! It’s like perfect zen for me! 🥰 So thank you for all you give and all your sharing of your life with all of us us! You are so good! The patio look sO good! And.. it did’nt break you.. 😉 Blessings Gina 🦋

The way you solved that section by the door is brilliant. I love that the mat has a cubby. ❤

Even if you say it’s not perfect it’s still a huge improvement and so lovely

They look brilliant Rosie :) I love that you didn't hack down all the plants in your way, that honey suckle is beautiful and in the evening sun the smell there will be so lovely. Well done you for another bunch of hurdles jumped and a gorgeous space created.

Everyone needs a place to sit outside in the rain & not get wet. Extra nice with the raspberries & jasmine organically surrounding the space. Once again you amaze!! Love your perseverance.

Hello Rosie, I wonder how long does it take to edit an average video? I think you are truly doing it great! And also how did you become so good at recording and editing, can you describe your improvement in your video series.

Well done Rosie! Your patience paid off, and it makes such a difference to that area now.

Patience rewarded in a beautiful new entry. It will bring you delight every time you step out.

It is inspiring and amazing how you do all of this things, Rosie. Makes me want to just pack up my things, leave my 8-5 job, and move to the countryside. I wish to be able to create things that'll give me meaning and purpose in life, too. You inspire me, Ms. Rosie! Thank you for all of these videos!

Your new deck is lovely. You have added a charming outdoor living space you can enjoy rain or shine. Also the flowers on your property are beautiful.

You do pretty well. We watch your skill sets improve throughout time. You should give yourself a pat on the back.

You did well to work on fixing the weak areas and connecting to some type of solid support. After you were able to see that you could add on to the corrected parts, you built the network of solid objects around it. What’s great is that you didn’t quit analyzing the big picture and made adjustments to improve the outcome. You learned new methods as you fixed the bits that needed repair. Full circle Lady. You achieved what you weren’t certain about and gained confidence with the process. Proud for you. Hang in there. You beautiful locale is growing more heavenly peaceful. Home sweet home Rosie

Those climbing flowers on the porch are actually edible, you can harvest the blossoms and sun dry them, then make tea or a nice drink, it's going to cool your body down during the heat of summer. We call them 金银花, which directly translate to "gold and silver flowers" in English.

You are amazing, I cannot believe what you’ve achieved through sheer determination, ingenuity and of course creativity. Thank you for sharing

By the time you’re done this house will be completely new, different, and all your own!

I love how you combined the organic circular edge with the more structural slats that match the house. This project had a big visual impact!

0:41 Friends & neighbors are wonderful people. Learning to ask for help is also wonderful.

Oooh it’s my birthday today. Perfect present to see one of your videos pop up. X

I get sooo excited when I see new posts from you..I havnt even watched it yet 😂😂😂

I admire how you never give up , and find a way to not only make it work , but make it look beautiful . Your climbing plant is a Honeysuckle ( Kamperfoelie ) . On sunny days they smell wonderful in the evening !

What an inspiration to stop, take it slow, think about it. You were hones in saying the project almost broke you (bless you heart). It looks so sturdy now, wider for materials and balance, AND a little cove for eating/resting/thinking. Loved it!!!

“Sitting Steps”❤ - that moment during a build when you think there is no possible solution! Yet somehow you always find a way to figure it out. Thanks for being an inspiration! I’m having a “sitting step” moment with a pantry door, uuuuugh …. a solution will come if I sit with it long enough - I hope!

What i like the most is that you respect de house, its character and wisdom...great outside porch🎉🎉❤

Like i said earlier: step by step.....it is looking amazing, the deck, the stairs and the color of the door..so beautiful ! You made a small cozy place of that dark corner of your House.

I'm not gonna lie, I reeeally wasn't seeing the vision on this one. But, as always, you pulled it off perfectly! Also felt you in my soul when you were like "I'm dying." Definitely me every time I try and pull off a big project. But we dust ourselves off and pull it off in the end 💅 all that matters

I’m so glad others get desperate too with their projects and I’m not the only one

What a super cute spot to drink tea in the rain ! Love it and it was wonderful that your worked around the beautiful honey suckle and wild raspberry plant !

Hi Rosie, I spent the last week watching your videos from the beginning again and I feel so blessed to be able to share on your journey of your renovation of your home and your hiking and camping adventures. Your parents and extended family are so lovely and you have definitely inherited their strong work ethics. Through watching your videos I have become inspired to revamp my own home. I live alone and love my own autonomy as well. I also was and am like your folks and have supported my son to go after his adventures and dreams. He is studying Computer Animation and started after quite conventional jobs and suddenly decided to embrace his creative side. I love how inspired and happy he is pursuing his passion. Rosie I feel your videos should be shown in High schools because they show how if you put your mind towards something and are willing to work hard you can achieve a good, fulfilling life on your own terms. ❤❤

The other comments say it all. Beautiful work and design too. The curves on the table and deck add so much grace to the little entrance to your home. And a nice retreat especially when it rains😊

Wat een gezellige lieflijke entree is het geworden Rosie 😍 Mooi die kleur groen van je deur met dat hout eromheen. Heerlijk om daar nu te zitten en uit te kijken over je tuin... 💚 Ik wens je daar veel relax en pauze momenten toe tussen je harde werken door. (En ook heerlijk binnenkomen nu iedere x..) Ik geniet van al je video's. Heel veel respect en complimenten voor alles wat je hebt gemaakt/verbouwd en geëdit, prachtige video's met fijne achtergrond muziek. Hoop dat je ook wat tijd voor jezelf neemt voor hiking, een fijne afwisseling en even puur genieten van nieuwe avonturen zonder verbouwingen.. Liefs uit de Zaanstreek. 🤗🍀

Sometimes things just don't work out the way we intend them to, no matter how many times we measure and plan. I admire your perseverance and the many things you have done by yourself. Your craftsmanship and attention to detail are also admirable.

Lovely stairs and table for the nook to enjoy a delicious small meal ( with a roof for rainy days), we would also recommend you block off the bottom of the stairs ( on the sides) so that critters don’t make a nest , just the sides that are open , maybe with netting for air flow?

Great work I think you should make your other entry the one you don’t use a green house for year round plant propagation with a similar aesthetic

I knew you'd make it happen and you did. So serene and perfectly created. Well done on your ability to persist. So proud of you😊 Love how you thought up the sinking mat idea. Love it!

Just in awe of your brain. It’s one thing to be analytical, but to make it come to fruition…WOW!

Thank you for this video! About levelling: Paviors use layer of yellow sand, which they level with spirit level. Then the concrete tiles are put on and tapped with rubber mallet, if necessary, to achieve perfect levelling. (Also, in my country, paviors are famous for their foul-mouthed vocabulary :-D )

When I hear the expression 'a force to be recond with ' I think of you Rosie. What an accomplished individual you are. That final scene of you sitting with the cake and tea, BLISS ❤

"As simple as I can" did you say ? I really love your sense of simplicity Rosie ❤

Just beautiful Rosie. I've been sitting here for ages, looking at that last shot of your deck trying to work out why it is so immensely satisfying to look at. I think it's because of the lovely honeysuckle, which you've cleverly built around. It softens the whole structure and makes it look like it's been there forever.

Rosie ,today is my birthday and watching you win against this old concrete step and build a beautiful deck gave me so much joy ,you did it girl ,you concurred it …you created a beautiful oasis ♥️🇨🇦

Well done, Rosie! You somehow always make it work out no matter what. I love your little patio! And I really love that you built it around the honeysuckle bush. You didn't make nature adapt to you. You adapted to nature. Well done!

The concrete is probably reinforced with rebar and so you won't be able to drill through it in those spots. If you move the bit by about an inch you should get through without hitting the rebar.

Really beautiful stairs and deck 😍 Also really love the door being green, how it blends in with the scenery.

I thought I was going to have to drink some wine during this one... I could feel your overwhelm! It turned out so beautifully though and I can see you sitting on your new back steps often now... Especially when the raspberries ripen up. Another great project ✅

Watching you trying to figure it all out, even when you get frustrated is very therapeutic 😊. The final product is simple and elegant, just like all your other builds. Love watching!

I love how the honeysuckle and raspberries gently frame the patio. Such a lovely little nook!

I Must say it is so inspiring to watch you build all this „cute“ things!!! This one looks so Japanese to me. I love it! Thank you for creating this videos in such a high quality! It is a joy to watch.

I had been watching your videos from last 6-7 months. But for last 2 months I was not getting notification and I forgot your channel name as well. Today all of sudden I remembered that why don't I get your videos but as I didn't know the channel name I couldn't find you. After hours of searching I asked chat gpt to give me the channel name of a London girl who moved to a forest cabin somewhere in Europe and renovating it. And after 4 wrong attempts I found your channel finally. Thanks to AI. Glad to found you back. I will save your channel name now 😅 Lots of love and best wishes from India. I love watching your videos. ❤

I love that you kept the honeysuckle bush going up the porch pole! It's such a core childhood memory of mine to find those in the spring and suck out their nectar 😅- so I know how AMAZING it has to smell out there! They get HUGE, though (at least in the Southern US) - so might want to trim it back or you won't be able to use your deck in future haha. Well done!

Sis, maybe just shorten the screws you're fastening the boards to the cement with. Even if they're only going in an inch or so, they should hold everything down just fine. You can also use a high-quality construction adhesive to fix all of your boards to the existing cement.

Yey Rosie ❤ hi 👋 from Chicago. Your deck looks amazing 👏. Im an insomniac 🥴😵 its 4am ish and debating just wake up and start my day at 4am or try 🥴 to sleep 😴.... and up pops a video from you ❤ ! Xo, great 👍 job on your deck . Your house looks so amazing 👏. You've done incredible work, and you are a beautiful designer ❤️

It looks so cozy! Hats off for your preserverance, I would be crying on the floor in desperation. And totally agree with leveling tiles it´s a difficult job and you need a lot of experience to do it right.

It's really lovely Rosie, from despair to triumph and well done for not cutting down a free food supply ❤❤❤