Good Lifestyle

The installation or the overhaul of a deck is one of the Best investments You can do for your home, but this is not the type of project you can tinker overnight. Before starting the execution, you will have to sort a range of deck ideas that work for your space to choose a size, a style and a material. Then you need an experienced entrepreneur and manufacturer to give life to your dream. And the project is not there!

Once your terrace is installed, you have many options to decorate it with seats, plants, lighting and even households and cooling devices. Continue to scroll through the favorite deck ideas for landscaping experts and entrepreneurs to transform your backyard.

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1. Decide with terrace equipment.

Composite

This is a popular choice. "The composite terrace manufactured by recycled bottles and wood fibers is a solid and environmentally friendly choice that can last up to 25 years," explains Yaeir moinzadeh , approved entrepreneur and owner of Roofing Blue Rise Baltimore . You can choose from a range of colors and textures.

Hardwood

Hard wood is also quite common. "I prefer exotic hardwoods such as IPE or teak for bridges - the rich color and hardwood grain make a superb surface with low maintenance", explains Steve Schumacher , founder of Boston Landscape Co . "The IPE, in particular, is naturally resistant to rot, bad weather and insects."

Pressure treated wood

These tend to use pine wood treated with a chemical mixture that protects it from rot and insect damage. The initial cost can be high (treated wood costs more than raw wood), but sustainability tends to bear fruit. You can stain it any shade you want.

PVC

This material tends to resemble similar composite, and many unleashed eyes will not be able to make the difference. It is made with high resistance plastic which offers additional sustainability, and if sustainability is important for you, it can be made of recycled materials.

Wood and metal combo

You can also combine terrace materials, such as aluminum and durable wood. "You can easily define spaces and create a unique and striking look," said Richard Ala , president of Six built -ups . "The mixture takes precision with design and installation, but the results are well worth the additional effort."

Stonecare

For another interesting combination, combine stone tiles with wooden balustrades. "The tiles offer many style options, because all kinds of stones are available in various finishes, patterns and colors", explains Derek Perzylo , co -owner of the external services entrepreneur Big 5 external . "The stone is well against pedestrian traffic and bad weather, stays cool under bare feet during hot seasons, and certain types of stones, such as slate, also feel luxurious under the foot."

Ceramic tile

"I am a big fan of using ceramic or porcelain tiles to provide an elegant and customizable look," explains Brian Curran , architect, interior designer and founder of Writing services . "They are durable, water resistant and easy to clean, which makes them perfect for outdoor use."

Choose those with a surface without sliding for safety.

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2. Add a pergola.

"These outdoor life structures will not only add shade when they are sunny, but will also allow you to be outside even in light rain," said Kevin King , manager of Lancaster County County . "I also like this option because there are so many other things that you can do once you have one."

These include different lighting solutions and plant situations such as hanging and climbing plants.

And your pergola does not need to be an integrated feature that you thought when you have designed your deck for the first time. "A total game changer to provide shade in the bridge is through a retractable pergola," said Moinzadeh. "It only costs $ 2,500 to $ 5,000, depending on the brand and the size."

3. Attach a pavilion.

These are similar to pergolas but have a solid roof compared to a network. "Fixing the bridge pavilion directly at home is a great way to make a comfortable outdoor space," said King. It is a nice little corner that can be used in all time (add some heated blankets or lamps in winter!).

4. Build benches with storage.

The benches allow your guests to snuggle together or spread, depending on the number of people present. But they also offer storage space. "Their compartments are perfect for hiding cushions and certain gardening tools," explains Monzadeh. "It's very practical without sacrificing appearance."

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5. Try a sailing shade.

You've probably seen sailing in high -end restaurants and beach clubs. "These prevent light and can give an illusion of width for narrower bridges," explains Ala. "They give owners the flexibility to change the look by exchanging colors and they are quite profitable."

6. Add a Mist system.

"A cooling fog system is a great way to make a bridge that can be used in the hottest months," said Ala. In these days at 90 degrees, your visitors will rejoice.

7. Build in a cooler.

How many times do you slide a cooler on your deck? "One of our customers asked us to create a compartment in the bridge that can be filled with ice and drinks, and I was completely impressed," Shakir Hussain , director of the real estate maintenance company Handyhumans . "This cooler would improve my 100%football game evenings."

8. Include a characteristic of water.

These may include a small fountain or a waterfall. "The flowing water sound is a soothing environment and can really be a focal point that could accentuate the experience," said Samuel Davis , horticultural and CEO of London gardeners .

9. Add a swing.

The swing of the porch is nothing less than an icon, so why not add a bridge swing? "They are an option of fun and unique seats for children and adults," explains Curran. "I suggest installing them in the balustrade or using an autonomous swing to add a gaming item to the bridge."

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10. Include the characteristics of the garden.

Hang the planters.

Find a few pretty hanging baskets and fix them on the stars of your house, pavilion or pergola. They add visual interest to the upper half of your deck. Bonus: hanging plants tend to come in many bright and beautiful colors!

Plant a vertical garden.

Take the traditional concept of a vertical garden and move it to your terrace. "You can use pocket planters or reuse wooden pallets," suggests moinzadeh. Even a simple shelf can add a ton of new greenery to your space.

Use plants as divisors.

"The coolest way to add plants to large decks is to use them as divisors - plant walls that can easily be moved and locked to create defined spaces", explains the ALA. It is particularly useful for designing parts where you expect people to spill by turning off by turning off by turning off, pouring out in small groups.

Let your plants climb.

If you have a pergola, a pavilion or even a place on your deck where you can install a network, you can try climbing plants. "Plants such as glycines and vines create a retreat that is brilliant but always cool and shaded," explains Davis.

Create shade with trees.

The shaded areas created by trees can be used to decide where your terrace is going, but they can also be installed afterwards. "It seems to me a more organic and visually attractive option compared to the use of artificial shades or umbrellas," explains Curran.

11. Invest in a home.

A home makes your court 10 times more exciting, and placing one on your terrace makes the additional functionality accessible (although you will have to pay double the attention to safety measures).

"In addition to being a focal point, it can also serve as a table when covered," said Moinzadeh. "They cost between $ 200 and $ 3,000, according to materials and design."

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12. Choose elegant lighting

Post or light of applications

An easy way to enlighten your deck is with a simple learned or a postal light (these attach to a support beam on a pergola or a pavilion). You can wire them to a switch in your home or configure them on a timer system. In addition, there are many models available to adapt to your style.

Leds

LEDs are another popular option. "The lights installed under the railings shine towards the steps and the gateways and guide the safe movements without being too brilliant," explains Perzylo. Again, you can configure them to automatically activate at dusk with a timer.

Dimmable projectors

"I install the dimmable spotlights focused on architectural details such as pergolas or balustrades", explains Josh Payne , Owner of Classic landscapes . They can play these features and add drama to space. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

String lights

It doesn't become much more fanciful than that! "The string lights are a great way to create an atmosphere," said Steve Sylva , landscape entrepreneur and founder of Steve's services . Discover different sizes and bulb locations - you can hang them on the bridge rail or on the top of the bridge in a net.

Tiki torches

Except for the holidays alongside more permanent lighting solutions. "The Tiki torches provide additional lighting and create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere," explains Curran. "I suggest using them sparingly and strategically to avoid mastering space."