Five Simple Ideas to Turn your Deck into an Outdoor Oasis

Five Simple Ideas to Turn your deck into an Outdoor Oasis

and improve not only your personal enjoyment but your real estate value too!

Spring Fever, the time when we start dreaming of beautiful outdoor spaces, gardening and all sorts of outdoor activities.  Daylight savings time just a few days away and the temps starting to become comfortable for being outside, we begin to focus on our outdoor living space, particularly decks.

I noticed my own deck is looking a bit weathered this year from the harsh winter.  So, I've been looking through magazines and online for smart ideas to simple tips to give my deck a facelift. Fortunately, there are a few simple ideas to turn a deck into an outdoor oasis in as little as one weekend. I guess I better get started soon...

Consider these five simple ideas to update your deck and improve your real estate value.  The latter being especially important if you are considering marketing your home for sale in the near future.

1.  Add or update post caps.

One of the easiest ways to add a dash of design and even some color and light to your deck is to update your post caps. If you currently have post caps, most can be removed by gently tapping them with a mallet. Then it's an easy DIY project to add new post caps simply by using exterior construction adhesive. These decorative caps come in a variety of styles, including basic wood that can be stained to perfectly coordinate with your existing color scheme. If you want to add a bit more pizzazz to your outdoor space, try classic copper post caps or solar powered caps that illuminate once the sun sets.

2.  Replace balusters. 
  
Balusters are connected to the railing vertically and provide an important safety feature. But they also add to the visual appeal of the deck and are a main feature in your line of sight. If your wood balusters are worn, you can instantly upgrade your outdoor space with new options. Metal balusters, for example, come in a variety of designs to match any home's style - from contemporary to traditional. Have a stunning view from your deck? Enjoy uninterrupted sight lines with glass balusters that simultaneously maintain a deck's safety and visual appeal.

3.  Bring back deck boards 

After seasons of changing weather and lots of foot traffic, your wood deck boards may be showing wear. Protect the integrity of the wood and refresh the look of your outdoor space by cleaning deck boards and giving them a new coat of paint or stain. Start by scrubbing or power spraying off dirt and grime, and then let wood dry thoroughly. Next, use stain or paint made specifically for decks to help protect the wood from the elements. Just as indoor paint transforms a room inside your home, new stain or paint on your deck boards will make your outdoor area look new and refreshed, making you feel like you have a whole new outdoor area.

4.  Refresh railings

When it comes to deck railings, there are endless options to match any style or price point. You can go with an off-the-shelf product or customize one to fit your personal design aesthetic. For example, Deckorators co-extruded composite CXT railing is ultra-low maintenance and gives you the options to mix-and-match railings, posts, balusters and caps for a look that's entirely your own. Not looking to do a full railing replacement? Sand down wood railings and apply a new coat of stain for an instant update.

5.  Install lighting

A great deck will serve as an extension of your home both day and night, but if you don't have proper lighting, you'll be heading indoors once the sun goes down. Add visual appeal and an element of safety to your deck with easy DIY lighting options. Lighting on your stairs adds a splash of drama and makes it easy to get around. Balusters are an often-overlooked item that can provide a great lighting location too. Solar Baluster Lights install around 3/4-inch round balusters with nothing more than a Phillips screwdriver. Finally, Solar Accent Lights can be placed on posts to illuminate pathways and deck edges.

Improving livable outdoor space and expanding the life of a deck is a top home improvement which increases your real estate value and is one way to make your home beat the competition if you are considering selling.  Just as important is your own personal satisfaction of enjoying plenty of time outdoors with Mom Nature. Source: deckorators

Donna Yates
Tweet @move2northGa

Visit: My Smart Ideas Board