Decks are often put in so that you can enhance your yard, whether it is replacing the grass you don’t want to maintain or extending the usable, liveable space to the outdoors. However, there are some things everybody can do to upgrade the look of their deck without breaking the bank. Here are 5 easy ways to improve your deck.
Soften the Look
Instead of bare wooden seats, plastic deck chairs and wrought iron seats, throw out some pillows and cushions. By making these seats more comfortable and inviting, people will be more willing to go outside and sit on them.
If you’re already using them, adding cushions and pillows that are easy to wash will make the surfaces more comfortable without adding to your workload aside from tossing them in the washing machine. You could make the plastic or metal tables more inviting and attractive by putting table cloths on them. Don’t forget to put cushions on top of outdoor storage benches to create more seating.
Install Stair Stringers
Stair stringers can be used to protect the stairs themselves from the elements. They can help the people on the stairs by preventing a foot from sliding off a wet step or items dropped on the stairs from falling onto the ground. Let’s be honest – a bare set of stairs look like they were installed by an amateur. Aluminium stair stringers can look stunning when properly installed, and they will add a level of craftsmanship to existing exposed metal or wood stairs. Putting in a railing adds a whole other level (literally) while ensuring that those with limited mobility and balance can easily use the stairs.
Put in Railing
Railing provides a level of safety and comfort over the standard drop-off at the edge of a deck. Now you’ve eliminated the risk of someone walking off the deck late at night and getting hurt, even if it is a half meter drop. Your railing should be close enough to prevent a child from walking or climbing through while still letting air circulate. If possible, make the top edge of the railing a flat ledge so that it can double as a place to put drinks.
Fix It
While we’ve discussed upgrades and enhancements, we shouldn’t overlook the value of actually fixing things. Repair that broken step that creates a trip hazard. Fix the loose railing or replace it altogether. Clean off the leaves and debris so that it is attractive.Re-stain the faded wooden surface so that it looks good again but do make sure to check some good deck stain reviews in case you plan to do it yourself.
Connect the Outdoors with the Deck
You can dramatically improve the look of a deck by interconnecting it with the outdoors. You don’t have to turn the side walls of the deck into a trellis interwoven with plants, though that is an option. You could also put potted plants in the corners of the deck or hanging plants at the edges of the space, connecting the deck with the open space beyond it.
These few tips will help you significantly enhance your deck and give it more personality. So, make sure that you consider some of these ideas if you want you deck, and your back yard, to look better instantly.
