As homeowners, our goal is to make our homes look as pleasant as possible. Although we may not live in 20,000 square-foot mansions overlooking the ocean, we can turn a bland, ordinary living space into something charming and uniquely our own with a few tips and tricks.
More specifically, there are small ways to enhance our decks without breaking the bank or investing tons of time and effort. Whether you’ve lived in your home for decades or this is your first property, here are some deck construction tips you need to make your home stand out from the rest!
1. Repair Old Materials
Whether we’re tackling our project solo or with a reputable deck builder in Woodbridge Virginia, our first task is to replace broken lumber, joists, nails, glue, and other devices for our deck’s stabilization.Oddly enough, many homeowners believe that in order to make their deck look its best, it’s going to cost thousands of dollars. Luckily, replacing parts on their last legs is a brilliant and cost-effective strategy to revamp our exterior and make our deck look brand new.
2. Key Lighting
Want to make your deck contractor smile in appreciation the next time you discuss an upcoming project? Mention subtle lighting installations around your deck!
Lighting, when installed correctly, turns a deck from zero to hero in a matter of hours. As a rule of thumb, place your lighting surrounding walkways, staircases, plants, and facing upward on barren walls.
Not only does lighting on your deck provide an aesthetic overhaul to your home, but it also acts as a safety mechanism for late-night parties, bbq sessions, and playdates for your children and their friends. For those of us who desperately desire change on our deck, talking to a deck builder in Woodbridge Virginia regarding essential lighting is the next step to take.
3. Screen Installation
Nothing is worse than heading onto your deck to grill some food and watch the sun go down, only to be attacked by bugs and creepy-crawly pests. You know how it goes: You’re sitting on your deck, sipping a cool drink while watching your children play when you feel something crawling up your leg. Before you know it, you’re in a battle with a beetle using your beloved spatula for territorial dominance.
All joking aside, bug infestations are never a great addition to your deck adventures. For this reason alone, we believe no deck construction is complete without a screened barrier between yourself and mother nature.
Your deck contractor will start the installation process by measuring the dimensions of your deck to find out how much material will be used during construction. The beauty of screens is they provide cost-effective protection against pests and vermin that want to take a bite out of your juicy hamburger!
4. Flowers and Shrubbery
The most effective means of unlocking a deck’s true potential is planting shrubs and flowers surrounding the exterior. For ground-based decks, finding landscaping ideas that accent the edge of the platform highlights the beauty and elegance of your deck.
Similarly, homeowners who have decks floating high above the ground can use containers and pots installed around the railing. Colorful plants, when placed in direct sunlight, will rapidly blossom and reveal the hidden beauty of your deck. For proud homeowners, this is the answer you’ve been looking for all these years!
5. When in Doubt, Paint It Out
A brilliant tactic that we often overlook when planning a deck remodeling project is throwing a new coat of paint on the exterior. Sure, lighting, plants, screens, and new materials look impressive, but nothing creates the shock and awe like a new paint job.
One of the first topics of discussion a deck builder in Woodbridge Virginia will discuss with you is the color of your deck. Although many homeowners opt for standard wood implementation, feel free to express your creativity and uniqueness! More importantly, paint serves another function: it protects against mold buildup, water damage, and overexposure to the sun’s rays.
6. Lounge Ready
If there’s one error we make when planning our deck project, it’s neglecting the “human” side of our property. Whether we realize it or not, the deck is meant to be a space to entertain guests, watch our children grow, and take in the beauty of nature. When we fail to plan accordingly, we create a stuffy, robotic atmosphere that’s uninviting and boring to visit. To provide clarity, here are some ideas to entertain:
- Custom furniture
- Vibrant color patterns
- End tables and accent benches
- Umbrellas and Canopies
- Throw pillows and cushions
- Shades
Each of these additions will turn your ordinary deck space into something that catches guests by surprise.
Don’t Hesitate, Call Today!
Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or starting your first deck project, consulting with a deck builder in Woodbridge Virginia will make your life much easier. From speedy installation to state-of-the-art material selection, deck contractor specializations are in a league of their own.
More importantly, these individuals will share tips, tricks, and ideas that you can implement in the weeks to come. Remember this: the difference between a dull home and one that catches everyone’s eye is a little bit of creativity! Let MidAtlantic Contracting Inc. help you bring your deck project to life this season.