6 Small Changes You Can Make To Get More Use Out Of Your Deck
A deck can be more than just a place to sit. If you use it right, it can become like an extra room of your home. The good news is you don’t need a big renovation to make it more useful either. Sometimes, a few smart tweaks and swaps are all you need to make it more comfortable, and inviting, year-round. Here are six simple ideas to help you get more enjoyment out of your deck, and stop spending so much time cooped up inside.
Add Shade You Can Adjust
A deck without shade can feel like an oven in summer. Instead of relying on one fixed umbrella, think about adding a retractable awning, outdoor curtains, or even a pergola with adjustable slats. This way you can block the sun when it’s at its highest and let it in when you want to catch some rays. Having flexible shade options makes your deck usable for more hours in the day, and if you go for a fully-covered option it can even make it a cozy spot in light rain.
Bring In Lighting For Evenings
When the sun goes down, many people don’t use their deck simply because it’s too dark out. String lights, solar lanterns, or low-voltage deck lighting can create a warm glow that will light things up without getting too glaringly bright. Lighting doesn’t just make the space feel more inviting, it also makes it safer for walking around after dark. A properly lit deck can turn into your go-to spot for evening talks or late dinners without tripping over the furniture (or your friends).
Create Zones For Different Activities
A deck often feels smaller than it actually is because everything is crammed together. Dividing it into “zones” makes the space feel much more functional. You can set up a dining area near the door, a lounging space with comfy chairs in the corner, and maybe even a spot for container gardening along the railing. It’s less dependent on how big your deck is and more about making each part of the deck serve a purpose. Suddenly, it feels like you have multiple rooms that each serve a purpose instead of one open space for everything.
Upgrade Your Seating
If your deck chairs aren’t comfortable, you probably won’t want to sit on them for long. Swapping out stiff seats for cushioned furniture or adding outdoor pillows to harder chairs can make all the difference. Look for weather-resistant fabrics so you don’t have to constantly bring the cushions into your house or shed when weather hits. Even replacing a storage box with a small bench with storage underneath can give you more seating for guests while still keeping the deck tidy. When sitting outside feels as good as the couch inside, you’ll use it more often.
Add Some Privacy
Sometimes the only thing keeping you from enjoying your deck is the feeling you’re being watched by your nosy neighbors. Privacy screens, lattice panels, or tall planters with shrubs or vines can make your deck feel more cozy and sheltered. You don’t want to block the world out completely, but you also don’t want to feel like you’re on display to the entire neighborhood. With a little privacy, you might find yourself reading a book or taking an afternoon nap outside more often.
Make It Easier To Use Year-Round
You can use your deck long after summer has passed. A small portable heater or electric fire pit can keep you warm on cool spring evenings or crisp fall nights. And an outdoor rug can help the space feel inviting even when it’s too chilly to be barefoot. Adding a few simple comforts for different seasons means you can enjoy the deck for months longer each year instead of packing it up after Labor Day.
A Deck That Works For You
The best deck isn’t necessarily the biggest or fanciest, it’s the one you use all the time. With a few small changes, you can turn it into a space that feels comfortable, welcoming, and ready for whatever the day brings. Think about what’s keeping you from using your deck the most, and try to think of solutions to make it feel more inviting. Because at the end of the day, your deck can be anything you want it to be.