Your deck is an extension of your living space, providing you with an area where you can enjoy the outdoors. You can have a cookout, soak up some sun on a sunny day, or sip your morning coffee while the birds serenade you. If you feel that this important addition to your home can be improved, consider ways you can step up your deck with a new design.
Keep It Simple
If you're not handy with tools or you don't want to do a structural makeover, small changes can go a long way. Try a new paint or stain that either complements your home or is a bold contrast. You can also dress up your deck with an outdoor rug. If your furniture is plain, try something that pops. Colorful cushions can breathe new life into the outdoor furniture you already have. Add a few potted plants or plant boxes to create your backyard oasis.
Add Railings or Posts
Many homeowners add a deck to their home that is slightly raised with only a few steps leading up to it. It looks more like a platform that may not truly accentuate the house. A simple addition of railings can take it to the next level. Aluminum deck railing kits can make your life easier. You can choose intricate patterns in wood if you feel like going over the top.
Transform Your Deck With a Pergola
Your deck can be so much more when you add a pergola overhead. Wooden columns are attached to your deck in order to support wooden beams that will stretch overhead in a roofing grid. You can drape outdoor lights or lanterns on your pergola, hang plants, or go wild with vinery from end to end.
Look at the Borders Surrounding Your Deck
If your deck is everything you could want, check out the surroundings. New paving stones, mulch, and a variety of plants can dress up your deck, creating a pleasing picture. If you only have a basic path leading to your deck, look at ways you can improve it. Shrubs and bushes can complete the package. Don't forget to check out the area between the bottom of your deck and the ground. Matching lattices can add a finishing touch.
Before you start your deck remodeling project, take a look at some of your options. Do an image search or talk to someone at your local home improvement store. Once you have a vision of all that your deck can be, you'll have a better chance of being happy with your results.
