DRAB to FAB Outdoor Decks!

Gone are the days that your deck is just that wooden extension on the back of your house. An awesome outdoor space can dramatically add to the usable square footage and value of your home. Decks are relatively inexpensive compared to whole room additions, and deck sizes, shapes and materials are easy to customize. The key to maximizing your outdoor lifestyle is choosing upgrades that will be inviting. The top trends for transforming this valuable outdoor living space from drab to fab are endless.  No matter the season or the region, here are a fewideas that will influence the look, feel and functionality of outdoor spaces.

The Perks of Deck Expansion: Expanding your outside area provides more opportunities for entertaining and enjoyment. The “bigger the better” when it comes to decks. Give yourself room to stretch out. Make your deck spacious enough to accommodate a nice grill and a large table for friends and family. If there’s a little leftover for a lounge chair or hammock where you can laze away while catching a cool evening breeze, it’s all good.  A word of advise, before you get those power tools out. Check on your local building codes and permit requirements. Do this early in the process so that you know what limitations it may pose. The codes from your local building department or HOA might limit the size or location of your expanded deck (that may explain why it’s itty-bitty in the first place!). You’ll also need to contact your utility companies and ask them to send someone out to your house to mark any underground utility lines. 

Best Decking Material: The other big consideration is deck material. You could go with the commonly used cedar or redwood decking, which looks great at first, but won’t take long to look weathered and aged. Professionals recommend pressure-treated wood, which will stand the test of time if it’s high quality and regularly treated. Pressure-treated lumber is also the logical choice for the structural part of your deck—the posts, joists, beams and other structural components you normally don’t see. Pressure-treated lumber can support more weight and span longer distances than cedar, redwood or other woods commonly used for building decks. And, it can be much less expensive. 

Outdoor Ambiance: The key here is inviting! Create a space where you can celebrate with friends and family, or just relax after work. A nice deck is only as useful as the furniture you put on it. A great patio table and chairs will allow you to eat and drink from the comfort of home.  Thanks to advances in all-weather materials, furnishings and accessories, you can outfit an outdoor living space in much the same way you would any interior room of your home. So, consider some cushioned lounge furniture under the covered section of your patio where you can sit in comfort and read or even work from home. As a result, expect to see decks with features such as integrated benches with upholstered cushions, privacy walls and ornamental post caps and railings with decorative balusters similar to those found inside the home.  

Railings that Rock:  Right along side new trends in indoor rails, outdoor railings are following right along.  Whatever style you choose, keep in mind that no other element does more to create a distinctive look than a deck’s railing. Here are some tips in designing your own. First, and foremost, security is the most important thing to consider first.  Deck railings should be spaced no more than 4″ apart, as well, also check the distance between the bottom railing and the deck floor to make sure that this distance does not exceed 4″ either. 

There are many materials you can choose, such as woods, metal, PVC, glasses and ropes. Woods can hit the budget a bit more, but will also give your deck a traditional, rustic or exquisite look. Alternative metal, PVC, metal and ropes offer more creative and stylish designs, they are also very budget friendly options. Among these the metal deck railings are most durable and low maintenance. When it comes to selecting the best railing for your outdoor space, design experts recommend using one of the “Three C’s” — coordinate, contrast and customize.  

First Class Cooking: Americans know how to live life to the max—and we’re taking backyard cooking and dining to a whole new level. Expect this trend to continue with increasingly functional outdoor kitchens complete with cooking islands, pizza ovens, refrigerators and all-weather cabinetry and storage features. But, you say, how can I afford that? Aren’t outdoor kitchens crazy expensive? What with all that durable, weather-resistant material, quality appliances and electrical and plumbing installation, you may feel like you’re tackling a full kitchen renovation. But before you get your wig blown back by the costs, there are a variety of simple and inexpensive ways to create an outdoor entertainment center without breaking the bank. 

 First, you can opt to purchase a pre-made outdoor grill island or bar-style structure. These will side-step costly custom improvements like concrete counter tops and stone bases. It’s also a great solution for homeowners because your grilling station is portable, and can be moved with you to a future home. Another great savings zone is to consider some more less costly outdoor kitchen ideas—consider using salvaged materials, such as reclaimed woods or recycled materials like stones, pavers or bricks in your project. 

Warming Features: One of the hottest deck trends—hands down, is the installation of warming features into outdoor spaces. Not only is a warming feature functional, but it adds to those cozy moments entertaining family and friends. 

Ambient Light: Fire light tops the list due to the undeniably beautiful glow it casts that adds the perfect amount of light for a romantic evening with someone you love or for a nice evening with friends and family. From candles, braziers, and tiki torches to fireplaces and lighting products that lend physical and ambient warmth, all are in high demand. Choose the atmosphere you want to create and create it with light. 

Heating: For some regions of the country, summer nights get pretty hot and heat isn’t necessarily needed. But why not use your deck year-round—even when the temperatures drop during the cooler months. 

Outdoor Water Features: Add beauty and tranquility to your outdoor space by including an outdoor water feature—the soft splash of water will create a soothing atmosphere in your backyard retreat.  

Decks go High Tech: Kicking back outdoors may have started with lawn chairs, a small table and a grill, but things have evolved, as decks  have become extensions of the home. And, with automation being hugely popular now, it’s only natural that the tech trend should migrate outdoors. With beautiful design features like comfy sectionals, fireplaces and hot tubs abounding—it’s clear that families are living the life of luxury in entertainment spaces outdoors.  From lighting and music output, smart phones to outdoor LED televisions, homeowners are now able to bring their entire entertainment desires outdoors. 

So as you can see there are many deck decorating ideas that will create a beautiful space, no matter what your budget is.  Now, as they say “take it outdoors,” and enjoy.