Are you making plans and goals for the new year? Research shows that around 80% of people abandon their resolutions by February, but this could be the year that it’s different! If one of your goals is to spend more time outside next year, we recommend taking care of some deck upgrades now so your outdoor living space is ready for later.
So, which upgrades are the most worth it? We’ve outlined our recommendations below so you can start planning your deck restoration project.
1. Safety Updates
The most important upgrades you can make to your deck pertain to safety. Now is the time to address any structural issues so you can remedy them before peak deck season in the spring, summer, and fall. You should also consider replacing old, unstable railings so you can have peace of mind once you start using your deck more. Installing deck skirting will also prevent animals from making a home under your deck area.
Unfortunately, deck safety issues aren’t always apparent to the naked eye. If your deck is several years old, consider scheduling a professional inspection to identify any issues before they become more serious.
2. Replace the Boards With Composite Decking
If your deck has seen better days, but it’s still structurally sound, one of the best upgrades you can do is replace the boards. Our team here at DeckGuru can pull away the old wooden boards and replace them with high-quality composite decking. You’ll love a trex or TimberTech deck upgrade.
This innovative material is extremely durable and resistant to the issues that plague other materials like pests and moisture. Best of all, composite decking is beautiful and available in a variety of styles and colors. This allows you to create an aesthetically pleasing deck your family will enjoy for years to come.
3. Painting or Staining
If you’re not ready to replace your old boards with composite decking, another option is to repaint or restain the existing boards. This can give your deck an instant refresh, however, keep in mind this isn’t a permanent solution.
Generally speaking, painted or stained decks will need to be repainted or restained every few years, due to exposure to the elements. If you’re tired of doing this chore, then composite decking is the better solution.
4. Lighting Updates
One of the easiest ways to upgrade your deck is by adding new lighting to the space. If you’re replacing the boards, you might have some lighting built into the new boards in the process. Otherwise, you can search for solar-powered lights to set up on and around your deck instead.
Improved lighting not only gives your deck a nice ambiance but also helps keep your family safe. Lighting is especially important if your deck has stairs that could pose a tripping hazard on dark nights.
Start Planning Your Deck Upgrades
After reading through these deck upgrades, we hope you’re feeling inspired about how to transform your outdoor space. When you’re ready to put these ideas into action, the DeckGuru team is here to bring them to life.
Whether you want to restore, replace, or repair your deck or you need to schedule an inspection, our team can do it all. Request a free estimate to get started!