A deck can increase the value of your home, and it can enhance your quality of life. There are many ways to transform an old space into something you love. Changing your deck into a fun and entertaining space that your family and friends will enjoy isn't difficult, expensive or time-consuming. Here are 7 ways you can take your deck from just a part of your backyard to a part of your home.
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Clean It Up
Mildew, dust, and pollen will accumulate on a deck that is utilized year-round. Using a broom, give it a good sweep, and make sure you get in all the cracks. Plant debris and pet hair can be easily hidden in nooks and crannies. Power washing removes the first layer of grime, but to make your deck sparkle, you will need to scrub it. In addition to commercial deck cleaners, some deck owners swear by mixing warm water and bleach, half and half. It's a good idea to clean the deck after a good rain since the wood will be wet and ready for cleaning. Scrub the deck with a deck scrubbing brush with a long handle, then blow away the dirty water with the power washer. You will see a color change when it has dried. After that, staining the deck to protect it is a good idea but we’ll talk about that later on.
Add Fresh Foliage
Plants are a great idea to bring some life to a boring space. For an added visual benefit, choose flower colors that complement the existing color of your house or patio furniture. Tall shrubs fit nicely in corners and give squared-off decks a rounded, curvy look. Planters are great on the outside or inside of the railings and they can be filled with a variety of different flowers. Brightly colored Impatiens or Bee Balms will attract hummingbirds while lavender and lemon balm will keep mosquitoes away. Use nature to your advantage by placing beneficial plants in high-traffic areas.
Provide Good Quality Seating
There are so many ways to add seats to a deck. Patio chairs are the quickest and most affordable but building a bench seat can add so much character. A bench seat can also serve as a storage space. Whether it's for kids' toys, tools for gardening, or just a cozy blanket for the evenings, everything can be neatly tucked away. You can get bench seats cushioned for a relatively low price. To make your seats stand out, find someone handy with a sewing machine and have them make them for you in the colors of your choice. Make sure you add some throw pillows to make the space cozier.
Make Any Necessary Repairs
Even the best-made decks can still be susceptible to many different issues. Boards can become rotten, loose, or shifted over time as a result of the weather. Keeping the deck in good condition and looking good is as simple as replacing the boards when necessary. Look for any nails or screws that may have migrated over the years. In addition to looking better, you might even avoid stubbed toes in the future.
Another good idea is to watch for wood rot. If your deck is starting to smell musty or feel spongy then it’s time to start replacing some boards. Keep an eye out for drips coming from air conditioners or broken gutters. Wood rot fungi prefer moist, warm environments with constant moisture. If you are unable to fix the water problem, make sure to replace the boards underneath every few years.
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Bring In Some Lights And Music
Why not bring the indoors outdoors? Extending your outdoor time is as simple as adding lighting. If you want to enhance your space with the right type of lighting, you should research it. Decks with a small area are ideal for string lights. These come in a variety of bulb colors, wattages, and sizes. You can even get colorful bulbs in the shape of pineapples or chili peppers. Cap lights for your deck posts are ideal for larger spaces since they provide recessed lighting. Almost all hardware stores carry these in solar or LED versions. Make sure everyone is safe by installing stair lights if you have stairs.
Another great idea to keep the party outside is to add some speakers. Speakers for the outdoors can be purchased at electronic stores and online for a relatively low price. Both wall-mounted and portable models are available. For lower decks, garden speakers would be a great fit. Some are shaped like rocks to easily blend into your garden allowing the sound to flow from the flowers. You can choose from an array of sound options for your deck, whether you want to relax with smooth jazz at the end of the day or keep your friends dancing.
Add Some Color
Sometimes it might be as simple as a few cans of paint to make your deck look brand new. Patio furniture can be given a brand new life with some paint and a new set of cushions. You can do the same with planters and other outdoor decorations. If you’re willing to paint, mapping out a colorful rug is a super simple way to make everything come together. All it takes are a few small cans of weatherproof paint and some painter’s tape and you can have a gorgeous rug that doesn't need any maintenance.
Stain It
To keep your deck looking its best, you should stain it every two to three years. As soon as you notice that water has been soaking into your wood instead of beading together, it is time to get your staining supplies ready. The first thing you need to do is prepare the surfaces. A few days of drying are recommended to make the stain absorb as much as possible. To get an even coat of stain, apply it with a roller or brush. While a roller is faster, a brush will give you the ability to reach smaller spaces. Paint pads are also an excellent idea for a smooth and even finish. Make sure your exit is planned before you get started so you don't get sucked into a corner. If there is high traffic in high traffic areas, an additional coat of stain might be necessary. Within twenty-four hours, there should be no problems walking on the deck. The deck stain protects it from fading, water damage, and natural wear and tear so you can enjoy it for a long time to come.
You can transform the space completely with just a few minor changes. You'll find yourself spending more time outdoors than you ever have by following a few (or all) of these tips. Whether you want to use it for yourself or have all your friends over, turning your deck into a functional area is always a good idea.
