Building a backyard deck is a great way to add value to your house as well as maximize enjoyment during the long summer evenings. Lounging around a nicely designed deck will enhance the vibe of any evening of get-together. Possibilities are endless with deck designs that fit any size and budget. Make sure your deck is ready for the lazy summer days by following these secrets to the perfect backyard deck.
Create defined sections
Taking time in the design stage to create defined zones within your deck will pay off in spades once your project is complete. Subtle design aesthetics will manage flow and maximize relazation when guests come to visit. These sections can be defined with sitting areas on the far side of where the bbq area is to avoid the smoke and bar stools or high tops close to the bbq are for those who want to be close to the action.
Varying the direction of your deck boards will also help guest section themselves naturally to the different zones on your deck. Aligning string lights with these deck board angles will subconsciously guide guests around your deck.
Go full luxury with your backyard deck
With flat screen TV’s selling for under $200 these days, why not add one to your backyard deck? This is a great way to make the most of the investment in patio furniture by hosting movie nights with your family on warm summer nights.
Other luxury improvements include a refrigerator, beer tap and surround sound speakers. Adding something like a gas fire pit in the center of the furniture is a great way to keep kids engaged with snore’s cooking while the parents soak into the comfy lounge chairs.
Choose easy to clean furnishings
The last things you want to do is have to wash throw-pillows weekly or get down on hands and knees to scrub the deck. Choosing a composite deck is a great way to forget about splinters, cracking, warping or rotting. The upfront cost may be slightly higher than regular wood planks but your long-term return on investment will be well worth the expenditure.
When installing your deck, be sure to follow guidelines for air circulation and draining. If you are hiring a professional, they will likely have this already figured out for you. If you choose to do it on your own, take the time to measure, re-measure, and triple check the specs.
Don’t forget a hot tube!
Hot tubes are a great addition to any deck if there is enough space. For small decks, this will likely take up a majority of the space and could potential take away from the lounging area. Think about what you are going to be using the most for yourself. If you do add a hot tube, ensure that there are proper safety mechanisms in place to kid-proof it.
Put some shade on it
Summer evening BBQ’s are one of the most popular uses for a backyard deck but you should not forget about mornings and afternoons. Adding a nice canopy will not only give the deck a completed look but also provide you with nice shade during the warmer days and protection from the elements on the rainy or snowy days. They are the perfect place to hand lights or even ceiling fans for added airflow.
Want a color pop? A pergola is the perfect canopy to put some paint on and bring your deck to life with.
Safety First
For those with small children or elderly parents that visit often, adding railings around the deck is a must. Not only do they provide a great level of safety, they can also work as cocktail or small plate holders when you use a wider top board. Take it one step further and line the underside with LED lights for a great accent.
Using anti-skip strips on the stairs is also advised especially for those looking to throw cocktail parties often. Just a little bit of spilled beer can make that last stair feel like an ice rink and take your party from fun to flop.
Explore design aesthetics for your taste
Backyard decks are synonymous for fun! Don’t be held back by traditional wood colors when designing your deck. With so many varieties of paints and outdoor fabric cushions you can make your deck look however you want.
Adding a vegetable garden to the side or a vertical planter is a great way to ensure you are going outside often on your deck and getting the most use from it.
Now that you have the secrets to a perfect deck, get out there and start designing!
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