Your outdoor living space can significantly affect how you entertain and enjoy the space outside your home. You would be surprised at how many ways there are to upgrade your deck and once you do, you will be the envy of all your friends and they will want to spend relaxing days enjoying your deck along with you.
It’s important to keep in mind that before you start an upgrade on your deck, you must clean and stain your deck. For tips and tricks on adding stain to your deck, visit this website. The outdoor elements can take a toll on the wood, so you want to make sure it is in good repair and protected before you begin. If you’re having trouble brainstorming ideas on how to upgrade your deck, here are ten upgrade options to consider.
Ten Deck Upgrade Choices
1. Make Sure Your Deck Has Adequate Seating
One of the most versatile upgrades you can make is to add built-in benches that also double as storage. Anything you normally store outside or leave on your deck unprotected, such as outdoor furniture, equipment and toys, can be safely stored in your benches. For a great look and extra comfort, you can add cushions and throw pillows.
Having adequate seating on your deck makes it possible for more people to enjoy themselves outside at the same time. If you have limited sitting, consider adding sitting walls or benches to give everyone enough room. Also, make sure there is comfortable furniture that is ideally made of weather-resistant materials so that cleaning will be easy throughout the year.
1b. Brighten Up Your Deck with Colorful Furniture
Adding accent colors to your outdoor space can really help brighten up an otherwise drab area while also drawing attention to features that would otherwise not be noticed by guests or visitors. When shopping for outdoor furniture, look for pieces made of weather-resistant materials which are easy to clean if needed – this will make your life much easier when things get messy outside.
2. Add Shading
You can use an awning or a wooden pergola to provide your outdoor space with shading and protection from the rain and sun. With the proper covering, you can enjoy your deck anytime, no matter what kind of weather you are dealing with.
3. Add Railings
If your deck is rather basic, you can add railings with decorative spindles and ball tops to make your deck stand out. Not only are railings nice to look at, they also provide safety and in some cases can be necessary. If you have stairs that lead down to lower levels on your property, install railings and ramps so everyone can easily get in and out without worrying about tripping over steps or uneven surfaces. These improvements will help increase safety and access for everyone in your household including seniors, kids and pets.
4. Bring Inside Comforts Outside
Decorate your outdoor space as if you’re sitting in your living room. This allows for effortless entertaining during the warmer months where your guests will be comfortable.
5. Add To Your Deck
For additional space, you can build a gazebo. You will have more room for entertaining and your deck’s beauty will be enhanced.
6. Add A Hot Tub
Nothing is more relaxing than a hot tub. After a long stressful day, you will run to your deck just to jump in the hot tub and your friends will probably be right behind you.
7. Cover Up
Cover the empty space under your deck with skirtboards or trellis material. Doing so will add to the look of your deck and will give you extra storage space for lawn and garden equipment, bikes, and other outdoor items.
8. Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen
If you enjoy eating outside, consider adding an outdoor kitchen, complete with a stove refrigerator and cabinets. Outdoor kitchens can significantly increase your home’s value and entertaining space. The bonus of having one is that you have no need for a separate grill since it is already installed – just add patio furniture to create a dining area. You could even add a tiki bar to liven up the atmosphere where your friends can enjoy the party.
9. Add Lighting
Nothing makes your deck stand out like lights. You can use solar or low-voltage post-top lights to create a soft ambiance while you’re socializing with guests in the evening hours.
Adding lighting fixtures is a great way to highlight special features on your deck or provide additional security by adding brighter lights near entrances and walkways. Additionally, they can give you better visibility when cooking, playing cards or doing other activities outside at night.
10. Spruce It Up With Sound
Outdoor parties and fun in the summer will be had by all with an outdoor sound system. The speakers are strung up and out of the way so you can enjoy the sound without worrying about damage to your system.
11. Add an Outdoor Fireplace
Having an outdoor fireplace adds ambience to your deck or patio, gives you additional seating for entertaining or serving food and is a big draw for buyers who are looking for more ways to enjoy their outdoor space. These can function as both decorative and functional features for your deck, especially if you are entertaining guests outside in the wintertime. Plus, You’ll be able to enjoy a cozy fire outside when there’s snow on the ground and it’s too cold to go out into the woods and build a campfire in your fireplace inside!
12. Tiles
Tired of the same old deck? Consider adding tile or other flooring materials to create aesthetics that go beyond wood planks. And don’t forget about the added bonus of easy-maintenance – just sweep away debris instead of refinishing wood every couple years.
13. Plants
Add plantings to your design – you can simply use potted plants or if space allows, consider adding an actual garden. The added benefit of planting is that it creates a natural setting for your outdoor space and provides additional privacy.
In Conclusion…
Your deck is an important part of your house because it’s where you gather with friends and family for good times. You probably enjoy cooking outside and just sitting on your deck for relaxation. It is no wonder, then, that you want to make your deck attractive and add upgrades whenever possible. You can always do your upgrades a little bit here and there or you can do it all at one time. The deck area is one of the most versatile spaces that you can work with. There are so many options and it all depends on your style and what you like.
