Add style, function, and comfort to your outdoor space with these simple projects.
Your deck is an ideal spot for entertaining, cooking, and relaxing outdoors.
These deck upgrades add style, function, and comfort to any deck.
Credit: Dustin Peck
The angled slats shield the space from the sun during peak daylight hours while still maintaining an open feel.
For sturdy support,consider an attached pergolathat is secured to the side of your home.
Restain Your Deck
Give your deck a new lookwith a fresh coat of color.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
This weekend project will also help protect your deck from mold, rot, and water damage over time.
Add an Outdoor Bar
Add a beverage stationto turn your deck into a hub for outdoor entertaining.
Lay Down a Rug
Turn yourdeck into an outdoor roomby accessorizing withan attractive outdoor rug.
Credit: Edmund Barr
Or cover your existing pillows with an indoor-outdoor fabric you love for all-weather use.
Toss several onto a sofa or bench, mixing in cheery prints and bight hues for pops of color.
Add Colorful Accents
Personalize your deck with painted furniture and fun accents.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Pick a color scheme that enhances your home’s exterior andtry updating old or plain metal furniturewith new hues.
Use Containers for Color and Height
Dress up your deck with knockout containers.
pick the bang out of seating that best fits your deck’s space and usage.
Credit: Dana Gallagher
On this deck, a chat-height set allows guests to easily talk while savoring snacks.
This flexible seating can also easily be regrouped to accommodate large gatherings.
Go Vertical with Plants
Hanging baskets are a populardecorating choice on decksand for good reason.
Credit: Robert Cardillo
A few hanging baskets help soften the open sides ofcovered-deck spaceswith lush blooms and foliage.
Switch up your look by rotating a seasonal display of flowers in spring, summer, and autumn.
Many of these accents are relatively inexpensive and easy to swap out whenever the mood strikes.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Make Your Deck’s Design Work Harder
Decks are so much more than simple floorboards and railings.
Benches, planters, screens, and overhead shade structures all add to adeck’s appeal and functionality.
Alternating the boards' stain color creates extra interest.
Credit: Shaun Sullivan
Supply Outdoor Lighting for Safety
Make it easy to navigate your deck at night.
If your deck sits in a sunny spot,consider installing solar-powered lightsfor an energy-savings option.
Combine Deck Lighting with Screening
Extend the time you spend out on your deck by installing lights.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Nighttime illumination does not need to be at the same brightness as interior illumination.
The goal should be to mimic the light levels typically provided by a full moon.
Here, a skirt made from outdoor fabrics hides the outdoor sink’s plumbing.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Nathan Kirkman
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Credit: Alec Hemer
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Credit: Greg Scheidemann
