If you find your deck a little boring and you could not stay there for a long period due to the lack of functionality. Or if you are thinking of adding a deck on your property for some reason, you must put enough attention to how you will style it.

Just like with a patio, how your outdoor deck looks will have a huge impact on the overall appearance of your property. To ensure that your next project will be a success, here are some styling tips that you might want to consider for your deck.

Throw in Some Comfy Furniture

Making yourself comfortable while chilling on your deck is the best treat you can give yourself after a long and tiring day of work. Making sure that the furniture on your deck is comfortable will make this space in your property more functional.

Additionally, it is best to choose waterproof furniture that will look good along with the entire concept of your deck. Adding a lot of pillows made with waterproof fabric will not only make you feel comfortable but will also look comfy.

Aside from opting for the traditional bench or couch, why not try using a swing bench. A swing bench is not only best for porches but it will as well add style to your deck. If your deck have a covering of some sort or anything that can let you hang a swing bench then you should add one. Not only it will look good, but it can also be a lot of fun.

Add Shade on Your Deck

If your deck does not have a covering whether it is partial or full, you should install a shade sail or an outdoor umbrella. Both options can be aesthetically nice while they can give significant protection from the sun and rain.

You can choose different colours or styles that you think will look good on your deck. If you are planning to spend more time on your deck having a shade that will protect you or anything on your deck is important.

A deck is usually connected to the main house, this is why you must choose a shade that can be installed and placed easily on your deck without having any problems. Furthermore, you might as well check out our blinds or awnings for more shade options. It can also be used to give your deck a little bit of privacy.

Build a Pergola for Additional Flavour

Styling your deck with a pergola does not only provide partial protection of your outdoor area but can be a great way to style it. There are so many things you can do with your pergola. You can paint it with the colour of your preference and leave it as is.

You can also add string lights, curtains, vines or even glass to your pergola. What you must know about pergolas is that it was not made to provide protection. Its main purpose is to allow air circulation in your outdoor area and let the sunlight pass through it.

A pergola will help create an outdoor living area while making sure that will not block the view of your house. On the downside, a pergola is made with wood which is why it is prone to termite infestation that will not only make its lifespan short but can as well be bothersome.

Go Green With Greeneries and Flowers

Adding potted plants to your deck will not only make it look nice but you will feel nice. If you want to improve your deck, having potted plants around is a must. Having a lot of potted plants surrounding your deck will help reduce heat especially during summertime.

You may also want to add hanging plants for variation. A vine can also be relaxing to the eyes. There are so many options for you and a lot of things you can do with plants. You must also consider that plants help purify the air around you which is why it can have a lot of benefits more than making your deck look stunning.

Having plants is the easiest way to add colour to your deck. Do not just focus on leafy plants, you can as well add some flowering ones or even succulents with different vibrant colours. Moreover, plants can help you relax and has a calming effect.

Here are a few suggestions of plants that you can place on your deck:

• Lantana
• Marigolds
• Succulents
• Tropical Plants
• Ferns
• Coleus
• Herbs on pots
• Strawberry Plant

Choose the Proper Paint

Painting your deck can be one of your options in styling it. If you have a small deck space, paint can help you create an illusion and make it look bigger. As long as you choose the right colour, you will surely make your outdoor deck look huge.

When picking out a colour for your deck, make sure that it matches the colour of your house or choose something that closely matches it. Your goal is to make your deck look like an expansion of your house rather than a stand-alone area.

This outdoor living space should not look like it is out of place this is the reason why you must choose the paint colour carefully. You might not know that paint has a great impact on how your deck will look as well as on your entire house.

Don’t Forget to Style the Floor

When styling your deck, you must not forget to include the floor. How your floor looks will have a huge impact on the deck’s overall style. If you have a wood deck, it is best to stain your floor to make it look nice while not comprising its natural appearance.

You can then place an outdoor carpet to add design to your floor. You must pick a floor design that will improve the appearance of the furniture that you placed on your deck. It should make the furniture look good even more.

Some people even opt for a bare floor, however, they make sure that the wood is maintained properly. Additionally, if you think that your floor will look good with new materials, you can choose to install a tile. Aside from the modern vibe tile can provide, it is also easier to clean and maintain.

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, you can always paint your floor plain or use a stencil to draw a pattern of your choice.

Light up Your Outdoor Space

No matter how nice your deck is, when the night comes all of your efforts will be unseen. Adding lighting will ensure that even during the night, your deck will look fabulous. It does not have to be those expensive lighting fixtures. What you will need is a little bit of creativity and imagination.

Outdoor string lights can be enough in providing light to your deck. Additionally, it can look fancy without making your outdoor space look overwhelming. You can also use solar-powered garden lights to install on the surroundings to add more design during the night.

Lanterns will also look nice outdoor. It is a colourful way to light up your deck without spending too much money on it. You can even create your lantern at home and design it according to your preferred colour, design and function.

Outdoor Dining Option

A deck is a great place for an outdoor dining space. Aside from adding comfy furniture, why not make your deck an extension of your dining area by installing an outdoor dining table and chairs. Eating outdoor once in a while is a good break from your daily routine.

With the nature in your background, eating outdoors provides a relaxing and amazing feeling especially if you eat with your loved ones. Aside from making it an extension of your dining area, you can make the most out of your deck and install a grill.

Barbecue on Sundays is the best bonding activity you can organize for your family or friends. You do not need to leave your house to enjoy nature and have a picnic. What you will need is a nicely styled deck that is well thought of.

Add a Fire Pit

To make your chill-out spot cozier, you can consider adding a fire pit on your deck. This will help warm up your nights while you enjoy a glass of wine or a can of cold beer while admiring the stars. If you have a fire pit on your deck, you can also organize a camp-out night on your property.

Sitting around the firepit, making s’mores and talk about scary stories right after a delicious barbecue dinner. If you achieve this on your deck, you will surely do not want to go out anymore as your property is good enough to spend your weekend with.

Complete the Elements by Adding Water

You have the greens, the fire, the air, and why not add the water element? You can add a small water fountain and enjoy the tranquillity which the sound of water gives. If you want to go over and beyond in designing your deck plus you have sufficient space, you can install a sunken jacuzzi where you can enjoy anytime that you want.

If the jacuzzi is out of your budget, you can still create a DIY dipping pool using a stock tank. Stock tanks are used in farms to store drinking water for animals and are usually made out of galvanized metal. It is a great way to add a pool on your deck as you will just have to place it anywhere you want and fill it up with water.

This is a good idea especially during the hot summer days in Australia. You do not need to go to crowded resorts to be refreshed. If you have your dipping pool at home, you will just have to suit up, go out to your deck and chill on your DIY tank pool.

Entertainment Deck? Why Not!

Another additional activity that you can do on your deck is movie night. You can just add a projector screen or even a white piece of fabric will work just as fine. You can then use a projector to watch your favourite movie outdoors. There are so many projectors available for sale which you can purchase.

You can opt to buy those less expensive options that are good enough for home cinemas or you can buy those expensive ones. Whichever you prefer as long as it gives a quality picture then it is good enough.

If you are more of a music person, installing a Bluetooth speaker on your deck will give you a chance to play your favourite song while you are chilling out on your newly designed outdoor deck.

Don’t Hesitate to Extend Your Deck

If you think that extending your deck will make it more functional based on what you are looking for then you must not hesitate to do it. If you already have an existing deck you can extend it up until your pool if you have one.

It is also best that you build a deck around a trunk of a tree in your backyard. The tree will provide you with natural shade plus it can add aesthetics to your deck. As long as the extension will improve the overall usage and appearance of your deck and you have the money for it then you should do it.

The most important thing in designing your deck is to achieve what you want as a homeowner. It does not matter what other people say as long as you are happy with how it looks then your on the right track. It is you who will stay and live on that property after all.

Outdoor Minibar

What else can make your deck the new favourite part of your house? Adding an outdoor bar. It does not have to take a huge space. A small bar is already enough to achieve the vibe that you are going for. Even a simple pub table is enough to create an outdoor minibar.

As long as you have the right drinks, the bar will surely serve its purpose. No need for anything fancy. You will just have to focus on the decors and the glassware that you use on your bar.

Decking Do’s and Don’Ts

If you are just about to build your deck or if you are renovating an existing one that does not seem to suit your taste, you must know the proper way of decking including the following do’s and don’ts.

Do’s

• Do use galvanized bolts, nuts, screws and nails when building a deck to avoid rusting. Remember that your deck is located outdoor and it is exposed to the harsh natural elements that can cause rusting.
• Do use screws than nails. If you use nails, expect it to become loose eventually as the wood worn out.
• Do build your deck over a strong foundation such as concrete pad footings.
• Do check with your local council and ask if you need a permit before you start building your deck. In some states, all decks no matter their size and cost will need a building permit. However, many locations in Australia will only require a building permit if you are going to build a deck with 600mm height. If you are not sure about your local laws in regards to decking it is best to consult the council first to avoid any problems with the law.
• Do maintain your deck regularly by treating the timber with the right oil and finish. This is one way of ensuring the longevity of the deck.
  Do use post stirrups for the wooden posts to avoid them from getting damaged prematurely. If you stick your wooden post directly on the ground, it will be exposed to constant moisture which will rot the wood.

Don’ts

• Don’t forget to recoat your deck every two years.
• Don’t rush in choosing a material for your deck. There are so many options for you and you must know each of them and identify which one will give you what you need. You can choose from hardwood, treated pine and even composite material for your deck. You must also consider the location where you are building the deck when choosing a material.
• Don’t sand your deck before sealing it except if it is really necessary like if the surface of your deck is too rough.
• Don’t over-wash your deck. You will want to do a regular washing of your deck but not too regularly as it can add more toll on the normal wear and tear of the timber.

In Conclusion

If you follow the tips given on how to style your deck, you will surely have the best out of your outdoor space. Additionally, expect to have visitors come over every weekend because your home will be the new favourite hang out place of your friends.