Sprucing up outdoor living spaces making the most out of a deck

SPRUCING UP OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES: MAKING THE MOST OUT OF A DECK

DRESSING UP YOUR DECK



PART 1Dressing Up Your Deck

A deck is a brilliant way to create more living space, especially for older smaller homes, offering more room for entertaining and relaxing. From being the great new venue for movie nights to the new outdoor dining spot with family and friends, your deck can be whatever you want it to be. Make the most out of your new outdoor space by keeping in

mind the following



ELEVATIONYou can have both a deck and a patio by coming up with the perfect way to transition between the two areas. Adding wide steps and a slight elevation, for instance, not only adds dimension to an otherwise flat outdoor space, but it can also give you two different areas to maximize and thus more options.

WORKING WITH YOUR VIEWIf you have a great outdoor view, decks are the perfect open spaces to fully take them in. You don’t want obstructions so opt for minimalist railings. If you want to fence off your deck, choose glass so your view is not impeded. Don’t forget to have a cozy chair ready for you as you enjoy the view.



FURNISHINGWhen it comes to making the most out of your deck area, adding the right furniture is one of the easiest ways to achieve your goal. Making sure your deck area is as cozy and comfy as your indoor living room means your furniture should look and feel comfortable too. And this definitely means you don’t have to stick with neutrals and wicker. Outdoor furniture now come in a range of color options so there’s sure be a suitable choice for you. You can also use a piece of furniture as a focal point, helping give your deck a unifying theme.

DECK LIGHTINGGo from day to night with your deck by having the right lighting in place. Safety lighting is a necessity but it can be decorative too - whether you decide to line your railings with lamps or backlight your deck stairs. You can also create a vignette effect by using several lights to illuminate a particular area or object only. Good, effective lighting will help you improve both appearance and function for your deck.

Interested in boosting your deck’s privacy as well? Don’t worry, we have you covered. Head on over to Part 2 to learn more about making

your deck more private.



PART 2Making Your Deck More

Private

Your deck can be a lot of things but it is still a part of your home so it’s understandable to be concerned about privacy as well. Fortunately, keeping prying eyes away from your deck is not

a gargantuan task.


MAKING YOUR DECK MORE PRIVATE

USE YOUR HOUSEAs your deck is an extension of your home, looking at the lines of its architecture not only lets you know where to place your deck but also where you can place walls or extend the roof line to give you more cover. This can help create a more fluid connection between your deck and the rest of your home, making additions less like an afterthought and more like they’ve always been there as a part of your landscape.

PUT UP YOUR DEFENSESPrivacy fences, screens and panels are the most common ways to add more privacy to your deck area. Solid board fences are quick ways to create privacy, and they also come in various styles, stains and finishing to complement your home. Privacy screens and panels, on the other hand, are less permanent and expansive, and can even be moved around. Trellises and lattice fences are also great ways to add privacy without impeding sunlight and completely obstructing your view. Plant vines beside them and you’ll not only boost privacy but also add greenery to your deck.


MAKING YOUR DECK MORE PRIVATE

CREATE SHADEHave a canopy awning installed over your deck and you’ll be able to shield your deck from higher-story windows while keeping out the sun. Opt for a retractable awning and you enjoy the flexibility of deciding when you want cover. A pergola is another good option. Just like a trellis, it can provide shade and privacy but it also doesn’t block out the sun completely.

ADD FOLIAGEUtilize trees, shrubbery, and tall grass to draw eyes away from your deck area. In the same vein, before you clear everything on the site of your deck addition, you should try to take advantage of the foliage that’s already there. Your old tree can be your own natural canopy as well as a centerpiece to your yard. Lush greenery around your deck help soften the enclosure while still make the area feel intimate and secluded. You can even add drama by planting a variety of trees to provide seasonal flair and color.

A deck is a great investment. In Part 3, let us show you how you can make the most out of it by teaching

you how to properly care for your home’s newest addition.



PART 3Deck Maintenance Tips

As a deck addition is an investment, you’re going to want to ensure that you make the most out of it. There are different ways you can do this but none as important as properly maintaining your deck. Stick to an upkeep routine and you can ensure your deck stays safe and sound, helping you prevent

extensive, costly repairs.


DECK MAINTENANCE TIPS

PREVENTATIVE MEASURESKeep your deck in good shape by following these simple steps:

• If you have bushes and trees nearby, you need to trim these to avoid damp areas that cause mold and moss to grow.

• Don’t let leaves and other debris pile up in corners. Thoroughly sweep your deck from time to time to prevent accumulation, which can give rise to moisture buildup and moisture-related problems as corners are not allowed to dry properly.

• Keep nearby gutters and downspouts in check and in proper form. Make sure they are directing water as they should so as not to damage your deck’s foundation as well as your home’s.

• An unwashed deck is an invitation to deterioration and decay, but the use of strong cleaning chemicals and high-pressure water hoses can also do more harm than good. Check with your local contractor regarding the best way to keep your deck clean.

KNOWING THE SIGNSStaying ahead of major repairs requires regularly inspecting your deck. Catch problems before they worsen and they’ll be easier for you to address. If you spot the following, give your contractor a call quick:



1. Cracks and Rot. Look out for cracks and check for rotten decking boards. A crack doesn’t always signal a structural threat, but it will get worse over time and so must not be ignored. Rotten boards are a different story though and will require immediate replacement.

2. Loose Railings. See to it that the railings remain secure. A good shake can be enough to see if the posts are loose or damaged. Look out for cracks or damaged areas around the nails and screws holding the railings down.

3. Damaged Ledger. The ledger is the framing that attaches your deck to the house. Damage to it will cause your deck to collapse if not prevented or addressed as soon as possible. The flashing that covers the top of your ledger should be rust-free and clear of punctures.

Having a deck addition will drastically change how you move in and see your home. Make sure your remodeling project goes off without a hitch by entrusting it to a

reputable contractor.



BLAIR REMODELING2674 Valleydale Road Hoover, AL 35244

(205) 282-4010(205) 991-8555

www.blairremodeling.com

http://www.blairremodeling.com

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Sprucing up outdoor living spaces making the most out of a deck