Do you have a deck at your home? If so, it’s important to know how to renovate and upgrade this area. There are many benefits of doing so. For example, most people find that they can enjoy their deck for more hours in the day with a few simple upgrades such as an increased ceiling height or new lighting solutions. Find out what you can do today with the guidelines below.
Clean the deck and remove all old, worn outboards
You can replace these with composites.They are much easier to maintain. What are Composite Decking Boards and why are they a viable alternative? Composite is made from waste wood, plastics and natural fibers. This mix creates a decking material that’s more durable and eco-friendly than traditional woods such as pine or cedar.
First, you’ll need to give the deck a good wash. It’s important that any dirt or debris is removed before you start working on renovating it. You also want to make sure that the wood is dry completely before moving ahead with your upgrade project. This will ensure that no water seeps back into your deck boards.
Use a high grade sealer to coat the first layer of wood. Use 2 or 3 more layers until you have a solid covering. This coating will protect your deck from moisture and sun damage which can cause rot or mold growth. If you invest in quality, durable materials such as composite, you won’t need to worry about replacing boards or completing a full deck upgrade for several years.
Upgrade the ceiling by adding beams, rafters, and joists
Your guests are going to look up while sitting on your deck at some point. That means that you want to make sure that your ceiling is high enough to prevent them from having to duck. You also need to think about any guests who might have difficulty standing up straight, such as your tall friends.
Adding beams and rafters can add beauty and dimension to your deck ceiling. However, if you are concerned about your ability to do so, you can instead choose to install a low-profile, raised ceiling. This will not be as strong as a beam or joist system but it is much easier to do.
Upgrade lighting and add new electrical outlets
If you’re going to spend more time on your deck in the evenings, then you need proper lighting. There are many types of lighting solutions and it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the choices. There are string lights, wall mounts or low voltage LED lamps. If you want style without spending a lot of money, go with solar-powered options. They are very inexpensive but still provide enough light to do activities. While you are out shopping for materials, consider purchasing these energy-efficient fixtures for overhead lighting.
Deck lights come in many different styles so it’s important to think about your current deck decor and the type of lighting that might enhance it. For example, a classic style would look great with traditional bronze or white overhead lamps whereas contemporary decks will benefit from sleek silver fixtures.
Add an electrical outlet
You should also consider putting an additional outdoor electrical outlet on your deck. This is a quick and simple project that can be completed in an hour or less. It’s important to ensure that you choose the correct electrical box and wire for your deck power source. Low voltage lighting is a great option because they are powered by 110 volts from a transformer which means they won’t require as much energy as normal outlets. This means you’ll save money.
Add a new railing to your deck for safety
You do not want your guests to have accidents. It’s easy to just replace the whole railing system. However, it is much more cost-effective to replace only the spindles that have become brittle or worn out over time. Replacing old spindles works well if you don’t want to do a full deck renovation project and if your current railings are still in good condition
Paint or stain your deck with a color that matches your home’s exterior design
You want your deck to appear as though it is a seamless extension to your home. You also don’t want it to look out of place or awkward. Keep in mind that your deck floor should not be a different color than the walls on your house. This will help prevent the appearance of an uneven transition. You can experiment with various colors but remember that darker colors tend to make decks appear larger whereas lighter hues don’t.
Add some plants to spruce up the space
You should also consider adding new plants and flowers to your deck. The greenery will be very refreshing to the eye. This can be done in a number of ways. You can choose to plant some potted flowers on either side of the steps or you can put plants into the ground. If you have an existing flower bed near your deck, it might make sense to transplant the plants there.
It’s important to keep in mind that flowers and plants can be labor-intensive so choose a planting method that fits with your schedule. This could mean purchasing pre-planted containers, plant bags or simply planting potted plants directly into the soil.
Upgrade your deck with new modern furniture
You want to create a space where you will enjoy spending time both in the evenings and during the day. You can do this by adding more comfortable seating arrangements as well as additional tables that are perfect for outdoor dining.
Install a new canopy
This is for shade during hot summer months and protection from rain or snow if you live in an area where these occur frequently. Consider buying a semi-permanent canopy that can be easily removed when not in use. This is a great option because you will get additional protection without making your deck look cluttered or too busy. Some options even come with roof vents to allow for airflow and avoid mold buildup during periods of rain or snow.
Deck renovation ideas are limitless and the possibilities of how you can make your outside space unique are also endless. Once you have a plan in place and start implementing your ideas, make sure to take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. A well-designed deck will be an asset that makes life more enjoyable for years!
