Discover New Ways to Customize Your Decks and Porches

People are spending more and more time at home, and realizing how beautiful and relaxing time outdoors can be. Homeowners are upgrading yards, decks, and other outdoor living spaces as a way of expanding their homes. Now is a great time to think about customizing many outdoor spaces.

The internet is filled with home improvement ideas, including building and remodeling custom decks and porches. Find below some great ideas to help start the process.

Decks

Many homes have decks. These have been traditionally made of wood, but composite materials now are making decks easier to maintain. There are lots of ways to improve on decks that are already built. Using the space under a deck can provide a shaded area for recreating or even just for storage. 

Adding latticework to a deck can add a wall of separation from neighbors. Planting creeping plants, such as clematis or climbing roses, can further add to the privacy as the plants grow and increase lushness. 

Buying new deck furniture can spruce up an older deck. Try adding a colorful rug, furniture with bright colors, or throw pillows that can be changed frequently. Sometimes adding one piece of impressive furniture as a focal point can do just the trick.

Hang some beautiful wall-art or colorful decor to brighten up a space. This can also make a deck feel more personal and unique. Paper lanterns, lights, and hanging decorations define the space and help it to feel like home.

Other Outdoor Structures

Adding an outdoor bar to a living space always livens up parties! Choose a sturdy cart or shelving unit for storing drinks, drinkware, and dishes. Adding a wood top to an old shelving unit can allow you to drop in a tub for chilling drinks on ice. A small refrigerator can be kept in or under the cart for refreshments as well, allowing extra time to party outdoors without having to go inside for supplies.

Sometimes freshening up or even adding a front porch can make a perfect outdoor living space. A front porch is perfect for sitting on a swing, talking with neighbors, or just beautifying a home. Flower boxes will make porches bright and attractive while painting front doors and shutters a soft, subtle color will welcome visitors. Add some versatile throw pillows to the porch swing, and maybe a blanket for evening talks outside.

Pergolas are a great way to provide a bit of shade and extend a porch, deck, or patio area. They can be a great place in which to add a dining area, and they provide a place for plants to climb. A great benefit to pergolas is that they still allow a great deal of light to enter the space. This keeps the outdoor space cool, yet light and airy feeling. 

Fire features are becoming very popular. They can be used year-round in many places, even during the cool winter months. They also provide a great ambiance and central point of conversation. Fire pits can be fueled by wood or gas, and many are portable. 

Upgrading and customizing a deck or porch doesn't have to be difficult, and it doesn't have to be expensive. There are options at all levels to help make an outdoor living space just what you want it to be.