How Much Do You Use Your Deck?
Decks can be one of the most useful parts of a house. Decks create a second family room or dining area, extending the house’s space offering friends and family a place to sit comfortably outdoors.
Many homes have decks, but many of those decks are basic from the original builder. Some are just simple platforms. Make the most of your deck by adding features that make it both more useful and more attractive.
Consider SOME or all five IDEAS:
1. Built-in seating — Of course, you’re going to set up a table and chairs for eating and enjoying your deck. But building in some seating is an easy way to save space while adding room for more people to enjoy. The built-in seats also give your deck a more complete look and can be designed to hold cushions or as a small bench.
2. Pergolas — Dress up your deck space with a pergola. When planned and built correctly, they can offer visual interest, a place for climbing or hanging plants, and a way to create a sense of space around a dining area or casual seating spot.
3. Shade – In North Carolina, we often have to retreat from our decks in July and August during the worst heat of the summer. (Not to say we don’t get plenty of use out of them for most of the rest of the year.) While table umbrellas provide some shade around your seating, sail shades are a fantastic option for those looking for that something extra. They offer a wider swath of sun protection and create a larger sense of space without crowding everyone around the table. Or, you can always create that extra room by enclosing your deck with either screening or glass.
4. Built-in Planters – By adding flower pots, or better yet, built-in planters, you can make your deck stand out as a green living area behind your house.
5. Screens – A deck offers a way to spend more time in your backyard, but for some, it’s easier to relax away from the threat of mosquitoes. Screen in part or all of your deck to create a bug-free room.
And for those who decided to turn their deck or patio into a sunroom (enclosed with screens and glass), you can always add a portable heater on days when we are having cold weather. Portable heaters have come a long way as far as their capacity to heat areas.
Looking for creative ideas to make your deck pop? Give us a call and we can help you with those ideas.
