If you’ve been living with your deck for a while, there are probably things about it you are ready to change. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a new, bigger space or tear down your entire deck and start over. There are ways you can improve or enhance any deck space, from large to small.
Here are some things to consider as you think about deck improvements.
1. If you have a small deck, the first thing you might want to do is add to it! If that’s not possible, consider a railing re-do. First, move the posts off the top of the deck and mount them to the sides (the fascia). Fascia mounted posts let you reclaim the entire deck for outdoor living and make the deck feel bigger. Secondly, choose black railing. Black blends into the background in a way that white doesn’t, so when you’re on the deck, your eyes look past the railing instead of staring right into it.
2. If you have a second story deck, make the space underneath it count! With an underdeck product, you turn the bottom of your deck into a ceiling. Underdeck systems catch rainwater and drain it away, so the space under your deck will stay mostly dry. Additionally, these underdeck ceiling systems make your deck look finished and help create real, usable space underneath.
3. If you have a medium to large deck, consider adding a pergola. Pergolas that are designed to be structural features can attach to your home and provide shade, a designated spot for eating meals or entertaining, and add a dynamic feature that will make your deck stand out.
4. Add lighting. You can add post cap lights to two posts or twenty. You can use accent lights on your stairs for safety or on posts to draw attention to them. Lighting gives your deck a major upgrade, both in looks and functionality. You can use the space longer into the evening, increase the security of your deck, and enhance your curb appeal.
These are just a few of the ways you can refresh your outdoor living space. For more ideas, be sure to check out our posts Living Large in a Small Space and Subtle Ways to Add Class to Your Outdoor Living Area.