Deck Design, Building and Repair Tips

A Guide to Updating Your Deck: Part 2

Ready to deck out your deck? If you want your backyard to be the best-looking one on the block, then follow these tips on creating an outdoor oasis that's as welcoming to your budget as it is to your buddies.

If you've already taken care of all major deck construction repairs and tasks (described in Part 1 of this guide), then the fun part is at hand.

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is the most important item to budget for, but it can also be the most expensive. If you're wondering where to spend your money, a great looking patio set is it. Everything else can wait. Remember, if you've got grubby white plastic patio chairs, a table with rusted out legs, and a faded umbrella, then you've just sabotaged any chance of a divine deck makeover.

Consider stylish options for tables and chairs in wicker, cedar, teak, wrought iron, or stainless steel. If the deck is big enough, see if you can divide the space into multiple areas: one corner with a patio table and chairs for dining, another with low lounge style seating and coffee table for relaxing. Outdoor cushions made from treated fabrics are both stain resistant and UV protected and are a great accents that create or change your color scheme.

If you're a party person, how about adding an outdoor bar with bar-style seating? Bar stools at counter are a fun alternative to other kinds of outdoor seating. You need 24" to 26" stools for 36"to 39" bars (kitchen counter height), and 30" standard bar stools for 40" to 43" bars. For bars over 46", you need extra tall 34" to 36" bar stools. Outdoor bars can be either fully equipped with sinks, electrical outlets for running blenders and mini fridges or they can be a simple serving station.

You can even go tiki style complete with an authentic tiki bar and bar stools and palm-thatched roof. Other outdoor bars are more contemporary with stainless steel accents and marble bar tops. These furniture pieces are major purchases but they set the tone for the rest of your decorating.

Outdoor Rugs

Once you have your furniture under control, accessorize your deck with an outdoor rug in a neutral color with great texture, or in a wild pattern that reflects your personality. Outdoor rugs also cover a multitude of sins, including wood stains from furniture and barbeques that you can't remove through cleaning. Good quality rugs are made from treated polypropylene that resists stains, mildew, and UV damage. A periodic cleaning with the hose is the only maintenance required.

Fountains

If it's a spa-like or Asian atmosphere you're after, then consider adding a simple water feature. Small wall-mounted fountains or pot bubblers are specifically designed for decks and patios. You don't have to be an expert plumber to put deck fountain kits together, either. The water circulates within the fountain and the pump plugs into a standard outdoor outlet.

Planters

Spice up your deck with colorful or interesting pots and planters. Perennials in containers are easy to care for and come back year after year. Annuals are inexpensive but full of color if you want to change your color scheme each season. Use pot stands on wheels for large planters, or invest in lightweight plastic terracotta look-alike pots.

Patio Heaters

And finally, if you want to really extend the use of your deck through the seasons invest in an outdoor propane heater. Stainless steel patio heaters have become hugely popular, affordable, and can heat a 20-foot radius to a comfortable ambient temperature that's perfect for outdoor dining.

So, if you get the deck upgrade basics done first-the cleaning, repairs, storage and outdoor lighting issues discussed in Part 1 of this guide-then your deck décor choices will really create usable space to enjoy all year round.

 

 

Leanne Tremblay is a freelance writer and publisher of Deck Design Upgrades, a site all about stylish ways to dress your deck, including tiki bar and bar stools, outdoor patio heaters and fireplaces.