With warmer weather just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to spruce up your deck, porch, or patio. Whether you plan to host summer barbecues, throw birthday parties for the kids, or sit outside and enjoy a book and glass of wine, there are plenty of ways to improve your deck before nice weather hits.

Invest in Outdoor Furniture

Durable outdoor furniture is one of the best investments you can make to be ready for cookouts and relaxing outside. You don’t need to spend a fortune; choose weatherproof pieces. If you live in a windy area, shop for heavy furniture like wood or cast iron. When you’re on a budget, look into secondhand options. You can find unique furniture pieces at thrift stores, yard sales, and online markets.

Improve the Ambiance of Your Deck with Lighting

Adding outdoor lighting around your deck, courtyard, or patio will add atmosphere to whatever event you host. String lights are easy to install, as are solar-powered lights. Solar lighting charges with the sun during the day and power on automatically at night, adding ambiance and saving money on electric bills.

Deck post lights are a great option for illuminating the perimeter of the outdoor space. Recessed lighting around the deck or patio is another option to improve lighting and boost safety.

Add Color with Accessories

Add color to liven up your outdoor spaces. Use colorful planters to grow live plants. Choose blooming flowers like pansies, petunias, or marigolds, or add greenery with ivy or spider plants. If you enjoy cooking, plant an herb garden in containers in a sunny spot on the patio. Talk to an expert at your local garden center to find plants that grow well in the lighting conditions of your deck.

Also, add color with seat cushions, pillows, throw blankets, and outdoor rugs. Choose a color scheme for your outdoor living area and find coordinating accessories to complement the furniture. You’ll boost comfort and make the entire space more cozy and inviting.

Build Storage to Improve Your Deck

Adding storage is a great way to increase the usability of the space and add value to your home. A well-designed and attractive deck storage solution organizes and hides items such as pool supplies, garden tools, lawn games, and other outdoor equipment.

Purchase a deck storage box to match your decor, or build one yourself. You can find plans online and purchase the materials at the hardware store.

No matter what type of outdoor space you have – a backyard deck, balcony, small patio, or front porch – there are plenty of ways to get it ready for summer and entertaining friends and neighbors.

Rambo Inspection Services provides inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in the Chicagoland area. Contact us to request an appointment.