With spring finally ushering in fresh blooms and hints of warm weather, there is no better time to refresh your deck. As the main gathering place for BBQs and backyard bashes, your deck deserves a little TLC after being exposed to the harsh elements all winter long.
Don’t worry! You don’t need to shell out big bucks to elevate your outdoor living space. In fact, DIY deck projects are easier than you might think and can even increase your home’s value. All it takes is a little creativity, the right tools for the job, and perhaps a weekend or two, and you can completely transform your deck into a dreamy outdoor oasis.
Whether you’re sprucing up your deck for entertaining purposes or you want to turn your deck into an al fresco dining spot for the family, there are plenty of DIY projects that will instantly take your deck to another level. Read on to discover seven ways to spruce up your deck before you throw your next outdoor soiree:
- Bring Out the Pressure Washer
When was the last time you pressure washed your deck? If the answer is never, then it might be due for a good cleaning. A pressure washer can help revive a worn-looking deck by removing the dirt and debris that have seeped into the material.
If you don’t own a pressure washer, don’t sweat it—just rent one from your local home improvement shop. Be sure to prep your outdoor flooring beforehand and read the instructions on how to use a pressure washer safely.
It’s also important to note that if you have a soft deck, pressure washing can potentially cause gouging. Stick to using pressure washers on your hardwood decking or composite decking only to be on the safe side.
- Stain Your Deck
So, power washing your deck didn’t revitalize it much as you would have liked. Your next move is to try staining your deck to bring it back to life.
When it comes to staining a deck, you have plenty of options. You can opt for solid stains, which hide the wood grain but allow vibrant colors, or you can choose wood-toned finishes to enhance the natural appearance of your premium wood decking.
Again, be sure to do your prep work and read the manufacturer’s recommendations before you start staining your deck. Different decking materials have unique requirements which can impact the final result of your stain job.
- Give Your Outdoor Flooring an Upgrade
One of the best ways to elevate your outdoor living space is by upgrading your outdoor flooring. With new decking, you can instantly revamp your space and build your outdoor oasis with a DIY deck design.
If you’re in the market for new outdoor flooring and want an easy DIY project, consider composite decking. Easy to install, low-maintenance and durable, composite decking is both practical stylish for DIY homeowners. It’s come a long way since the 90s and now comes in a vast array of style options, from sophisticated wood-look gray to mocha decking with hollow grooves.
- Enhance Your Deck with Stylish Furniture
Adding patio furniture to your deck is a quick and easy way to showcase your style and add functionality to your outdoor living space. From cozy conversation sets to lounge chairs for relaxing poolside, your outdoor furniture will depend on both your style and the purpose of your space.
Don’t want to invest in brand-new patio furniture? Consider painting your old furniture a bold color instead. Cobalt blue chairs and side tables will pop against your outdoor flooring and instantly jazz up the space.
- Set Up a Privacy Wall
Need some privacy from nosy neighbors? Create a privacy wall to shield you and your guests from view. There are several ways to do this, including a deck lattice wall. A wooden lattice wall can provide privacy while adding a stylish backdrop to your patio furniture. You can give it a romantic vibe with climbing plants and hanging blooms that add beauty and fragrance.
Another method for adding privacy is to place plants, trees, and accessories to block the neighbor’s view. If you arrange your furniture and planters just so, you can maximize your deck space while giving it a cozy feel.
- Add Deck Stair Lights
During the summer, you’ll probably be spending more than a few nights out on your deck, enjoying the pleasant breeze. For times like these, deck stair lights are a great feature for homeowners to have.
Adding lights to your deck creates a cozy ambiance and helps you find sure footing when navigating your way up and down the stairs. In addition to installing recessed step lighting, you can also add railing lights to provide much-needed illumination.
- Provide Warmth with a Fireplace
Installing a cozy fireplace on your deck can enhance the ambiance, provide warmth on cool nights, and offer prime marshmallow-roasting opportunities for you and your guests. Although setting up a fireplace on your deck is usually more expensive than setting up a fire pit on your patio, they can easily be worth the investment.
If you don’t want the hassle and expense of installing a fancy fireplace on your deck, you can always go with a portable fireplace instead. Portable fireplaces are ideal if you aren’t ready for a fireplace with all the bells and whistles.
Portable or not, the first thing you’ll need to do is check your local ordinances to ensure that your fireplace is legal. After you have the go-ahead, choose a portable fireplace that matches your style. Just remember that portable fireplaces are a fire hazard and that you need to take precaution if you decide to place it on your deck.
Getting Your Outdoor Space Ready for Spring
You don’t need to be a DIY deck master to spruce up your deck. With the right décor and a few simple projects, you can create the ultimate outdoor living space.
Once you’ve put in the hard work, don’t forget to relax and enjoy your handiwork! And after you’ve invested so much time and money into your deck, make sure to protect it with a homeowners policy from Effective Coverage. Call one of our insurance experts at (800)892-4308 to get covered – whether you need insurance quotes online or coverage anywhere else!
Author Bio: David Montagliani has been proudly “making dust” since 1978. Starting out at just 13 years old cutting blocks and making trivets, Dave has built a 3-decade long career supplying and installing for contractors and home builders alike. Starting small as a benchman and joiner, then graduating on to running his own cabinet business specializing in Euro-style kitchens, you’d be hard pressed to find a realm of woodworking that Dave hasn’t touched. Most recently, Dave has focused on millwork and flooring, and brought his expertise to the retail and eCommerce world. When not hard at work leading the Category Management team at flooring eCommerce destination BuildDirect.com, you can find him tinkering in his garage—you guessed it—making dust.