Decks and patios combine beauty and function to create the perfect entertaining space for family and friends. You don’t need to break the bank to update your outdoor living space. If your deck or patio is looking weathered and dull, give it a refresh with these 6 ideas, just in time for spring and summer.
A Great Foundation
Create a solid foundation for your outdoor living space both figuratively and literally.
$– Clean
Properly cleaning your outdoor space will keep it looking nice, help it last longer and reduce the amount of maintenance you’ll need to do for years to come. Sweeping and applying a cleaner (homemade recipe or commercial) and some elbow grease will bring life back into your deck or patio. $$– Seal or Stain A great way to get an outdoor living space looking and feeling functional again is to refinish and restore the deck. A wooden deck needs to be sealed every few years to keep it beautiful. Staining and sealing your deck will help preserve it against the elements and is part of regular maintenance. Learn more about refinishing here.
$$$– Repair Deck repair is a common home improvement project that adds value and enjoyment to your outdoor living space. If you have experience it economical to repair yourself. If, however, you have no experience with carpentry, you will save money and time by hiring a deck contractor to ensure everything is done correctly and meets code so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways brighten up patios and decks making them usable even after the sun goes down. Even without electricity, solar lights and outdoor candle holders can brighten up a dark space, making it warm and inviting.
Pretty handrail lights add a touch of whimsy to a deck.
$$-Solar Lighting Let the sun light up your night. Solar Lighting for your deck or patio is a great way to give ambient lighting without electricity. Versatile and attractive solar lights can add a unique element of interest to any outdoor area.
$$$-String Lights Seen at French bistros and cafes, and also referred to as market string lights, these globe string lights create a romantic atmosphere perfect for any outdoor living space. Cafe Lights are fairly inexpensive, only in the $$$ category due to electricity needed.
Go Green
One way to enhance your patio or deck is to landscape around it or add plants and flowers. Decorating with outdoor plants is a great way to create visual interest and add a personal, stylish touch to your deck.
$-$$-Add Color and Texture with Plants and Flowers Add or refresh flower pots and planters around your outdoor living area to give privacy, add color, attract birds and butterflies and fill the corners.
$$$-Landscaping Add or upgrade landscaping around your deck or patio to enhance and solve problems like shade and privacy. A beautiful landscape can instantly transform the appearance of your outdoor living area.
The Right Furniture
Deck and Patio furniture provides more than just a place to eat or relax outside—it’s also an extension of your indoor living space. The right outdoor furniture should be comfortable and durable and add beauty to your exterior space.
$– Add Pillows and Blankets Add color and softness by bringing the indoors out – put out throw pillows and blankets. A chunky knit pouf instantly adds texture, extra comfort and a place to sit. Save money by bringing items you already have outside!
$$– Clean Clean and revive outdoor furniture. No one wants to sit on a grimy patio chair or eat off of a dirty table. Give old furniture an update with a bright paint job.
$$$– Buy or Upgrade Upgrade your outdoor space with new furniture perfect for your needs. Hammocks, living sets and chaises are perfect for relaxation. Dining sets, extra flexible seating are a must for entertaining.
Ambient Sound
Music sets the mood whether you’re having a barbecue with friends or relaxing at home.
$-Bluetooth Speaker A small outdoor bluetooth speaker is a great affordable way to listen to music outdoors. And bonus it’s portable for your beach trips!
$$-Outdoor Speakers A mid-priced upgrade for your deck or patio would be a pair of outdoor speakers installed and can remain there throughout the seasons.
$$$-Permanent Hard Wired Speakers The ultimate upgrade for music lovers would be installing permanent hard wired, cleverly designed speakers into your backyard landscape. Faux rock wireless speakers blend into your space yet provide sound throughout your space in an effortless beautiful way.
Eat Outside
One of the best benefits to having a deck or patio is being able to eat in the fresh outdoors.
$-Upgrade Tableware Replace your outdoor utensils and tableware. Adding color and texture, like a bright linen tablecloth or woven placemats, is a great place to start.
$$-A Sizzling New Grill Nothing announces the arrival of summer like firing up the grill and that beautiful BBQ smell wafting in the air! Yet, nothing sours a summer party faster than a grill that won’t light, smokes too much, or cooks unevenly. An instant upgrade to your outdoor living space is to replacement your grill.
$$$-Outdoor Kitchens are In Invest in an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor living spaces are and will always be a trend. An outdoor kitchen completely expands your living space and allows you to cook, eat and entertain. With a variety of projects to fit every type of budget, these ideas will help to make your outdoor space more livable this summer and throughout the years to come.