Don’t let your deck deteriorate to the point that it appears uninteresting, outdated, dusty, and drained. There are numerous low-cost options to update your deck and give it a new, modern look. For example, you may begin by cleaning and eliminating all stains from the floor, which will be rather inexpensive. Check that the planks are clean and that the deck is ready to endure the elements. To improve security and safety, you can then enclose the deck with a railing fence. You may also place garden ornaments on the railing to make it more unique and appealing. The deck should also be comfy for your visitors and family to relax on. Install new, comfy built-in benches in colors that match or enhance the overall deck décor. The benches should be freestanding, but there is no harm in attaching them to the deck. Last but not least, hanging pots with flowers or greenery can soften the deck’s borders. Living plants liven up every room in your house, making it more lively, snug, and pleasant.
For a variety of reasons, a wood deck is a wonderful addition to any home. It’s a lovely architectural addition that adds to the garden and provides a spot to relax.
It is also environmentally beneficial. Real wood is a renewable building resource that is long-lasting, simple to work with, and reasonably priced. Furthermore, the production of wood decking has a low environmental impact. A deck, on the other hand, necessitates a significant amount of maintenance. You should perform a visual inspection at least once a year to ensure that everything is in good working order. Otherwise, it will not endure long. Consider this your deck upkeep checklist. Here are the fundamentals of caring for your wood deck so that it lasts a long time.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind while going for deck renovation:
- Build a Roof Under the Deck
If you have untapped space beneath your deck, you may be able to transform it into a dry, roomy second outdoor living area by constructing an under-deck roof that collects any water dripping through the deck planks and redirects it outside of the new patio area. Adding gutters, while not required, prevents draining water from splashing onto the patio.
- Examine for Sap
Sap rich in nutrients and minerals is essentially a tree’s blood, yet it’s not uncommon for deck boards to exude this substance. The sap inside the lumber crystallizes because of the intense heat when it is kiln-dried. Temperature and humidity fluctuations, on the other hand, can cause this solid to disintegrate — or ooze. Submerge the problematic regions in Murphy’s Oil to eliminate the sap. You can also use WD-40 or acetone, although this may damage the finish of the deck.
- Decks can be improved with lighting.
Landscape lighting may appear to be a difficult DIY project, but low-voltage lighting systems are a job that even a novice can complete. Low-voltage systems are far less harmful than typical domestic wiring since they rely on a transformer to convert power from 120 volts to 12 volts, which is connected to a standard GFCI receptacle. The current flows through external lines to power the fixtures. And, if you make your deck the focal point, the increased visibility will even offer a sense of safety.
- Railings Safety
Handrails are a safety feature that prevents visitors from stumbling off the edge of the deck, so it’s critical to keep them securely in place. They can loosen over time as a result of pressure from people leaning on them, snow piling on top, and so on.
Examine the areas where the railing meets a wall or joins another length of railing at a corner to see if they are the source of the problem. If the wood is pulling away from nails or screws due to extended pressure, remove and replace those nails or screws. Then, hammer the new nails in a spot where the wood hasn’t been damaged.
- Leave it to the Professionals
Some tasks should be left to the pros unless you’re a really skilled handyman. Some repairs can be risky for inexperienced workers who don’t know what to look for, while others are difficult to detect and may go unnoticed. Furthermore, specialist equipment is frequently necessary, which is costly to rent (or buy) and difficult to use.
- Canopies and awnings that add shade.
The summer heat can get a little too hot at times, which is why constructing a canopy, awning, or another sort of shade is a terrific remodeling project. These upgrades are inexpensive and simple to install. Awnings and latticework, in particular, enable you to add or remove shade depending on the weather. Remember that shade over the cooking and eating areas is the most beneficial.
- Seal and sand
After you’ve completed all repairs and replacements, sand the entire deck to smooth out the surface before vacuuming and sealing it with a high-quality water repellent and sealer developed specifically for the type of deck you have. During the severe winter months, this keeps the elements from weakening and harming your deck.