5 DIY Deck Upgrades
Posted on: 2020-06-01
It’s no secret that Edmonton is known for its beautiful summers – and what better way to take advantage of the gorgeous weather than by upgrading the look of your home’s deck?
Without tearing your existing deck down and starting anew, you can easily upgrade its look with a few affordable changes.
If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s exterior space, here are some DIY deck upgrades you should consider this summer:
1. Stain the Wood
It’s amazing how a simple coat of stain can breath new life into your deck. And with so many colorful options to choose from, you can easily create an outdoor living space that matches your personality and aesthetic.
Because decks are exposed to harsh exterior conditions, it will likely require periodic re-staining anyway. So why not take this opportunity to upgrade the look?
When it comes to choosing a deck stain, keep in mind that the more opaque the stain is the better – it stands up better to weather as well as wear and tear.
However, lighter finishes do showcase more of the wood’s natural beauty.
2. Enhance the Railings
One of the key components of deck design is safety, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it look good.
Instead of a ordinary railing, considering using materials such as glass panels, lattice or even incorporating built-in deck seating.
You can choose to match the material of the railings to your home’s design or get creative with mixed-material deck railings like a combination of wood and metal.
3. Add a Pergola
Pergolas are an outdoor structure usually comprised of cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice that gives protection and shade from the elements.
Under a pergola, you can enjoy a beautiful summer day while staying out of the direct sunlight. These make for amazing little outdoor seating and eating areas.
If your deck is too small for a pergola, you can consider creating shade using sturdy outdoor fabrics to create canopies or sun sails. You can even add umbrellas (which come in a variety of styles).
4. Install a Privacy Lattice
You may love your deck but not necessarily your view. You can use various structures to create privacy on your deck.
A popular option is lattice, which offers a bit of camouflage without blocking those cool, summer breezes.
It also allows you the option of creating a “living wall” by training vines and other plants to grow up its structure.
5. Invest in Outdoor Lights
Even though the sun stays out far into the summer evenings, you may want to extend the time you spend on your deck.
Consider wiring outdoor lights into your privacy screens or adding carriage lights to your deck’s cap posts.
In order to provide optimal evening lighting to your deck, try not to focus on achieving the same brightness as your home’s interior. To create the perfect night-time ambience on your deck, aim to mimic the light levels typically provided by a full moon.
Bonus Tip: Upgrade the Look Without Renovating
Sometimes you don’t even need to touch the structure of your deck in order to upgrade its look.
You can easily add pops of color with brightly painted furniture and cushions with fun and bright patterns. If you’re looking for a major change, you can invest in plush and comfortable outdoor loungers, chairs and tables.
Consider the removable items from your deck that can be replaced or refinished.
Is Your Deck Ready for an Upgrade?
This may just be the year to give your home’s deck a fresh, new look!
Or perhaps you are ready for a complete change? Our Home Depot Certified deck installers have the experience, knowledge and skills to build the deck of your dreams.
Contact us today for more information!
