We are well into the summer months and that means more and more time outdoors. Surprisingly, too many homeowners rarely use their decks. Maybe the furniture leaves much to be desired, or perhaps the wood is faded or damaged. Well it’s time to stop ignoring your outdoor deck because with a little work, you can turn it into a comfortable outdoor room and add more living space to your home.
Whether your deck is bleak and gray or just never used, it can easily become an extension of your home. Depending on your needs, you can make it into a place to relax, entertain or just have fun.

Under the gray
If you have an older deck or one that hasn’t been cared for, it probably looks worn out and dingy. Believe it or not, you can make that deck look new again by simply cleaning and restaining it.
Before you begin your cleaning job, inspect your deck. Fix any loose nails and replace rotten boards. Take time to sweep the deck off and remove any debris stuck between boards. Clean your deck well with a solution made specifically for decks. Depending on its condition, it may require some sanding or power washing. Consult you local hardware store for tips and specific instructions on proper cleaning techniques.
Once your deck is clean and shiny again, you may want to stain it. There are many color choices on the market today. Choose a color that matches or compliments your home’s exterior or interior.

Make it fit your lifestyle
With your deck clean, it is time to start adding items that will make it comfortable. Flip through magazines and catalogs for inspiration and ideas, and take look at other people’s decks and outdoor furniture showrooms. Most will give you great ideas for products that you can use on your deck.
Before you purchase anything new, decide how you want to use your deck. “Decks are very individual,” says Al Schaefer of Schaefer’s Home Decorating in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Sherryl Schmid of Hennen’s Furniture in St. Cloud agrees. “Start with comfort and what fits your home. If you have kids, you won’t want glass. If you don’t eat outside, then don’t purchase a table. Make your selections fit your lifestyle.”

It doesn’t matter if you have a small or large deck, just keep in mind how much room you have when adding furniture. Besides a table and chairs, Schmid suggests adding a chaise lounge or a glider rocker. You can also reuse furniture you already have. By simply cleaning it off and adding new cushions or pillows, your old furniture can take on an entirely new look.

Finishing touches
Your deck may look new and you may have the perfect furniture, but it is the finishing touches that show off your personality. Your unique stamp can include plants, statues, arbors, awnings and more.
Plants and flowers are a must. “If your deck is colorful, you will spend more time there,” Schmid says. Pick flowers that color coordinate with your decorating scheme. Also consider the unique pots as part of your finishing touches, after all, terra cotta pots can become a sculptural element.
Homeowners with small decks can enjoy an abundance of colorful flowers by attaching flower boxes around the railing or edge. When trained to climb an arbor or trellis, climbing flowers and vines are perfect for creating shade. You can also add an awning or freestanding umbrella for immediate shade.
You don’t have to stop with flowers and plants. Get creative by adding little fountains or statues to your outdoor room. However, keep in mind the scale of your deck and don’t overdue it with clutter. After you have your finishing touches in place, you’ll be glad you took a second look at your deck and made it your favorite room in the house.

Shari Brennan Shari Brennan has been a professional freelance writer and consultant for more than 10 years. She has a degree in landscape architecture, and has owned and managed interior and exterior landscaping companies. Despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to work in her yard.

source: www.realtor.com