Does Your Deck Need A Facelift?
If your deck or patio isn't your happy place, these makeover strategies will help!
Hanging out with your family or hosting your friends on an old, dingy deck or patio is not very appealing. Luckily, refreshing it doesn’t have to be difficult or even expensive. I've got some easy and budget friendly deck makeover ideas for you.
- Restore your decking. Depending on the shape your deck is in, it may only need a little love. If it’s still fairly new, your deck might just need a deep cleaning and a new coat of sealant. There is a multitude of deck finishing and cleaning solutions on the market to choose from. You can find options at your local hardware store and, if it's in the budget, you can even rent equipment to make your life easier. However, if it's more worn down, the rejuvenation process may be a bit longer, including searching for larger repairs, tightening hardware, giving it a good cleaning, applying a stain, sealant, and paint, and more. In the long run, this maintenance is worth it!
- Add lighting. Ambient lighting can completely transform your outside space into a relaxing, cozy oasis. It may even make it your new happy place! Consider adding solar lights that don’t require a plugin or battery replacement. The lights turn on automatically when the sun sets, making your deck come alive. There are lots of options on sale during the summer and some even go on clearance in the fall. You can also consider adding paper lanterns, rope lights, mason jar lamps, or small twinkle lights, depending on the style and mood you’d like to set. The possibilities are endless!
- Build a privacy screen. Wind, sun, and nosey neighbors make a privacy screen a must have. Privacy screens come in all styles, shapes, and sizes. Consider purchasing and installing bamboo fencing or lattice panels for a quick and easy solution. Or, if you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can build a wooden frame and grow climbing plants or vines or stretch outdoor fabric in between. Whichever route you end up choosing, make sure you get the most out of your efforts by evaluating all lines of sight before building, you don't want to obstruct a beautiful view!
Does your deck project need more moeny than you have on hand? Here's a couple of options if you're low on cash:
Home Equity. Getting a home equity line of credit allows you to borrow money against the value of your home. Usually, you can receive up to 80 percent of your home’s value, minus the amount of your loan. If you want to go this route, give me a call and I can put you in touch with my trusted lending partners.
Retirement Funds. Homeowners can consider pulling money from a 401K or IRA account, even though they aren’t specifically meant to cover a home renovation. This option might incur additional penalties or tax payments, but maybe worth it when making improvements that will benefit them financially in the long run. I always recommend talking to your financial planner before making decisions like this one.
I would love to see your before and after pictures of your deck makeovers! If you're taking on a project this season, don't forget the camera!