How to Make Your New Deck a Relaxing Outdoor Space

A deck can be a great addition to your property that offers many benefits. Not only can they increase the value of your property, but they also create a great place to entertain guests. However, if entertaining people isn’t your idea of fun, there are lots of things you can do to make your deck into a personal relaxation haven.

Protect Your Privacy

For most people, it’s easier to relax when they feel confident in their access to privacy. While you can learn to relax anywhere, you shouldn’t have to struggle to relax on your own property. Give yourself a helping hand by adding some privacy to your deck. That may mean taking approaches to shield your deck that involve spaces away from your deck. Installing a tall fence or planting a bunch of different trees can shield your yard, deck, and you from your neighbors and help protect your privacy.

Provide Shade

You may enjoy catching some rays, and who could blame you? Natural light from the sun offers multiple benefits that can go far when it comes to improving your health and wellbeing. That said, sometimes it’s nice to get out of the sun too. Consider adding shade to your deck so you can avoid the sun’s rays if that is your preference. You could opt to cover the entire deck with an awning, pergola, or roof. If you want the option of enjoying either the sun or some shade, umbrellas may be a good option as well.

Add Furniture

Unless your preference is to sit directly on your deck, you’re going to need to add some furniture if you want your new deck to be a relaxing space to be. There’s a wide variety of selections of chairs, tables, and couches all suited for outdoor use. Don’t assume furniture that’s held up well in your home will do the same outside. It probably won’t. Beyond that, make sure you check to see if the furniture can hold up against your local climate before purchasing it. Because sunlight can often damage wood furniture , you might be better off with a more weather-proof material.

Put in a Kitchen

For some people, cooking in its various forms can be wonderfully relaxing. There’s something truly enjoyable about creating something tasty with your own hands, whether for yourself or others. If that sounds like you, putting in an outdoor kitchen, brick oven, or grill that you can use for outdoor cooking may be a great way to take your new deck to the next level. Of course, all that food you’re cooking that smells so good to you and your human friends tends to attract pests as well. Take measures to deter flies and other pesky critters from joining you for your cookout for a more pleasant experience. Things like citronella candles and bug lanterns can be particularly helpful.

Add Plants

Sure, you probably have plants in your backyard, but what about on your patio? Plants can relax your mind , so they can be a great addition to any relaxing patio abode. When choosing your plants, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, some plants are poisonous to people and animals. If you have pets or small children, avoid any of those varieties and opt for ones that aren’t going to do harm if ingested. Second, consider the climate you live in. Not all plants are suited for all climates. Third, take your gardening abilities into account. If your thumb is anything but green, opt for hardy, low-maintenance varieties of plants.

Choosing Lighting

You should have the option to enjoy your deck whenever you want and however you want. Part of that means making sure that you have light if you want it. There are a lot of different options you can choose from to add lighting to your deck. You might try adding strings of lights, lights on deck railings, or even outdoor lamps. Fire from a fire pit can add both warmth and light. Alternatively, if you find the quiet of a dark night relaxing, you can opt to not use any light source. Having one just gives you the option if you want it.

Give It Purpose

An area can feel more relaxing if it’s dedicated to the pursuit of relaxing activities. Relaxing pursuits such as yoga, meditation, reading, or any other activity you find relaxing give your deck a relaxing purpose. It can help you look forward to getting out there and putting your feet up, whether figuratively or literally. When you finally get there, the feeling of relief you can experience when you get a chance to go somewhere with the specific purpose of relaxing can jumpstart the process.

Keep It Clean

It’s tough to feel relaxed if the place where you’re trying to relax is a mess. Mess and clutter tend to be stressful, which is the exact opposite of what you’re trying to do. Keep your deck clean and clutter-free to lay the foundation for your deck to be a relaxing outdoor space. The best way to clean the surfaces of your deck will depend on the material it’s made of. Wood decks can be cleaned using a power washer , followed by sanding and staining. Regularly sweeping your deck to keep it free of leaves, sticks, and other debris can help as well.

Your new deck can potentially be the most relaxing place on your property if you want it to be. What you choose to add to the deck and how you treat it can go a long way towards turning it into a place where you feel you can take refuge from the craziness brought on by everyday life. If you want to turn your deck into a relaxing outdoor space, start making your plans now. With some time and work, your deck could soon be one of your favorite places to be.

If you live in an area with a lot of rain or sun, a roof could be a great addition to your deck. Contact us to learn more about how we can make your covered deck vision come to life!