With much of the country still enduring cold, wet weather, it's a great time to be a Floridian. Even enjoying perfectly warm temperatures now, for many of us, there's no such thing as too sunny. With summer on the way, now is the time to repair your deck to serve as a host site for all kinds of bright, outdoor fun. Don't let a dingy, splintery deck keep you away. We've already told you about how and when to repair your deck. Now we can talk about how to dress it up and enjoy it once it's fixed.
Turn Your Deck into a Garden.
A container garden, of course. Take advantage of all the sun you get on your deck and buy some big containers. You can plant everything from bananas to avocado trees, given the right sized container. I like planting dwarf fruit trees and impressive ornamentals myself, but you can plant whatever you like. Consider planting a tree or a thick trellised vine to give you some shade in the summer.
Paint or Stain.
Once your deck is repaired, why not get some adventurous deck paint? Even if you're not ready to go for a multi-colored deck space, at least invest in a more traditional stain. You can't imagine how much more attractive this will make your deck. It'll be much more inviting for you and your visitors.
Lighting and Screening.
I actually like to hang out on the deck with friends at night. The temperature is cooler and the setting is intimate. With elevated lighting, you can make the space truly special even when it's dark out. During the day, I like to have shade screening in place, to give my friends a break from the heat, or even make the deck useful in the rain.
Pick Accent Colors.
My deck stain is a conservative brown, so I picked deck furniture that Pops! Choose colors that are bright, which will contrast nicely with a dark wood stain. Outdoor rugs can perform a similar function.
Your deck is your own, and there are plenty of other ways to spice up the space. Once you've invested in deck repair or a large scale exterior paint job, don't leave the deck's look behind. It'll add value and pizzazz to your house. And while you're thinking about deck paint, there's always the possibility of some new pool paint . . . Trust me, there are lots of way to spruce up the outside of your home for the summer. Give us a call at A New Leaf to talk about your options! We proudly serve homes around the Jacksonville, FL area.