Summary: A deck can be extension of your home that is great for relaxing, grilling out or entertaining guests. It can serve both useful and enhance the look of your home when you take time to decorate it as you would any other room in the house.
You finally decided to make the investment to build a deck. Now that you have a new outdoor space to enjoy it is time to turn it into the room you dreamed of when it was just a stack of lumber and deck screws.
While the builders were digging holes, pouring concrete and setting posts you probably had visions of sitting in a comfortable chair, reading a book and enjoying a sweet tea with the sounds of birds and the breeze through the trees.
How you intend to use your deck will dictate what you need to create a space that suits your needs. A deck can be a casual family retreat, a quiet place where no one will bother you or perhaps a place to entertain guests.
-Seating
Choose seating that looks good but is also comfortable. Outdoor furniture comes in every style and material imaginable. Keep in mind how you will maintain the furniture over the years, where you will store it when the months turn cold and does it accommodate you, the family and your guests.
Seating does not necessarily have to be chairs or chaises. A simple stone or brick sitting wall is nice; or a wooden bench with a fabric-covered cushion.
Fabrics for outdoor use are available but despite their claims to never fade or mold, they do. The wet, hot and humid weather we face in our region can turn a beautiful new set of deck chairs into a faded, mold-spotted set of deck chairs in one season. Be prepared to cover furniture when it rains or bring removable cushions indoors.
-Tables
You might want just one large table for eating or perhaps several small tables for keeping books, drinks, knick-knacks or a vase of freshly cut flowers from the garden. Once you know how you plan to use your deck, choosing a table or tables will be easy.
Glass-top tables are great. They are easy to clean, look great for years and can be spruced up with linens for added color and style.
Wood-top tables look nice but will show stains. They can, however, be painted, stained or sanded every couple of years to keep them looking fresh.
-Storage
Like any room in the house, your deck needs some storage space. Perhaps you use your deck for grilling out. With a storage area you can keep aprons, utensils, tools and even a set of outdoor plates without taking up space indoors.
You might also store gardening tools, hoses, seat cushions or childrens toys out of site to keep everything looking neat and tidy.
Storage solutions could be specially designed containers made just for decks, custom lidded bins or even a few low-cost plastic bins. It is best to have covers for your storage bins so the weather stays out.
-Textiles
An outdoor rug, tablecloths, placemats and other textiles can add a personal touch to your outdoor space. Choose colors and patterns that you like. Textiles soften a deck and make it feel more like an outdoor room.
-Awnings and umbrellas
Having some coverage on your deck will make it more hospitable when the sun is hot or if its raining. Awnings come in various fabrics and vinyl and will protect your deck as well. Some awnings are retractable and only need to be used when needed or desired.
Umbrellas can cover a table or can stand alone. Easily found in various colors or patterns, they also look nice and add charm to your space.
-Plants
Plants on and around the deck enhance the space and attract birds and butterflies for you to enjoy close-up while you relax. Many vegetables and herbs can be planted in pots and your deck can serve as both outdoor room and garden.
-Fans
It might seem silly to have a fan outside but sometimes all you need is a cool breeze on a hot day to stay comfortable. Fans also keep bugs at bay. Point a fan toward your sitting area and flies and mosquitoes will keep their distance.
A deck is meant to be enjoyed all season long and into the fall. You might find it becomes everyones favorite room in the, or rather, outside the house.
