Low-Maintenance Deck Upgrades That Pay Off

Low-maintenance deck options offer longevity and minimal upkeep, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor retreat rather than maintaining it. Homeowners often enhance their deck’s aesthetics and function while seeking simple maintenance, but a savvy homeowner chooses only upgrades with proven returns. Explore these low-maintenance deck improvements to enjoy lasting benefits and increase your home’s value.

1. Switching To Composite Or PVC Boards

Composite and PVC deck boards are becoming a trend for modern homes in Tennessee. Both materials are excellent upgrades over wood, offering superior durability, rot resistance, and very low maintenance, lasting 25–50+ years.

A. Composite

Composite is a sustainable deck material made from eco-friendly recycled materials, offering a more realistic wood appearance that can complement your modern home style.

Fig. 1. Composite deck boards in Franklin, TN

B. PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a lightweight decking material that offers moisture and rot resistance, making it ideal for highly humid and coastal areas.

2. Choosing Weather-Resistant Railings

While wooden railings have a lower upfront cost, weather-resistant railings can be a more cost-effective option due to their low-maintenance, durability, and longevity. Here are some of the best options for weather-resistant deck railings:

A. Stainless Steel Railings

Stainless steel can be a modern, strong, and high-quality option for deck railings, as it resists rust and stains when properly maintained.

B. Tempered Glass Railings

Tempered glass is a highly durable and aesthetically appealing material for deck railings, as it can withstand strong winds while maintaining an unobstructed view from your deck.

C. Powder-coated Aluminum Railings

Powder-coated aluminum railings are durable options for humid and coastal areas as their coatings are designed to resist rust, corrosion, rot, and warping.

Fig. 2. Powder-coated aluminum deck railings are best for pool decks

Choosing the right railing for your home’s deck is crucial for both aesthetics and safety, especially considering your home’s location, climate, and intended use.

3. Deck Lighting That Doesn’t Cause Water Issues

Outdoor lighting plays an important role in your deck. It adds not just aesthetic value to your deck but also plays an important role in your home's safety. Whether on flooring or on walls, deck lights enhance your experience of the outdoor landscape. It adds curb appeal by highlighting the landscape and creating a warm welcome for your family and guests. But how can we ensure that these outdoor lights won't cause water issues at home? Check out the deck lighting that is the best weatherproof option for your deck:

A. Post Cap Lights

Lights that sit on your deck posts highlight your deck’s architecture by providing a soft halo of light. Post cap lights are designed to be weather-resistant and durable enough to withstand rain, snow, and frost. To maximize its lifespan and use, ensure proper sealing and installation to prevent water from corroding your deck's steel posts and causing electrical failure.

B. LED Rope Lights

Most modern outdoor LED rope lights are water-resistant or waterproof. These flexible lights can be installed under stairs, along railings, or around the edges of a deck to provide a subtle glow that enhances both visibility and safety for deck users.

C. Solar-powered Lights

Most outdoor solar-powered lights are designed to be water-resistant and waterproof. Water-resistant solar lights are generally safe and durable, as they can withstand rain, snow, and humidity while operating on low voltage. Solar-powered lights charge during the day using sunlight and turn on automatically at dusk, offering a hassle-free lighting solution for your deck.

4. Furniture That Won’t Scratch Wood

Furniture complements complements wooden deck flooring beautifully when placed strategically on your deck. However, moving them can be inevitable, especially during events and gatherings, to maximize space. Dragging the unpadded legs of your heavy furniture across your deck can scratch the deck's wooden surface. Minor shifts from pushing or sliding heavy furniture can eventually create scratches and deep dents on your wooden flooring. Uneven legs of furniture can scratch finishes. Even the dirt or debris under your furniture can cause scratches. Prevent ugly scratches on your floor with these furniture upgrades:

A. Furniture Pads

Furniture pads are anti-scratch, non-slip options in various sizes attached to the bottom of the furniture, perfect for moving and floor protection.

B. Area Rugs

Area rugs can be made from synthetic or natural fibers, serving as a durable barrier and cushion between your furniture and deck flooring.

C. Rubber Glides

Rubber glides provide excellent grip, preventing furniture from sliding and keeping it securely in place on your deck flooring to prevent scratches.

D. Rubber Cups

Rubber cups are durable, elastic, non-slip supports with stepped grooves that fit onto the bottoms of furniture, such as tables, chairs, and sofas, protecting your deck from scratches.

E. Double-sided Carpet Tape

Double-sided carpet tape is a strong, residue-free, and sometimes washable adhesive that prevents your furniture and  rugs from slipping and sliding.

F. Non-marking Casters

Non-marking casters are usually made of soft materials like polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and are attached to the bottom of your furniture to protect floors from scratches, scuffs, and residue while providing quiet, smooth 360-degree mobility on your deck.

5. Durable Outdoor Rugs That Won’t Trap Moisture

Lisa Wagner, a National Institute of Rug Cleaners (NIRC) certified rug specialist, highlights three main reasons to buy an outdoor rug: to protect and prevent surface damage, to enhance safety by preventing slips and falls, and to add a stylish element to a space. As rugs can only last around three to seven years, it is important to choose durable ones that won’t trap moisture and allow airflow. If the rug material doesn’t allow for airflow, mold and mildew will likely be a problem. Moisture problems can significantly shorten the rug's lifespan. Find out more about the most common outdoor rug materials that can help prevent moisture problems from happening.

A. Polypropylene

Polypropylene is composed of recycled plastic, making it ideal for damp climates. UV-treated polypropylene rugs are known for their breathability, fade resistance, and weatherproofing. Its moisture-wicking properties can help these rugs withstand significant spills, splashes, rain, and snow without fading or staining.

B. Sisal-Style Weave

Natural plant-based fibers such as sisal can hold moisture. But sisal-style weave can be made from wool or synthetic materials. Sisal fibers can typically be used in a braided or open-weave style to promote airflow and evaporation. Sisal-style weave is also aesthetically appealing for your deck flooring.

C. Recycled Polyester

Rugs made of recycled polyester are UV-resistant and quick-drying, making them ideal for your deck flooring. They are more resilient and durable than natural fibers, withstanding heavy foot traffic on your deck.

D. Nylon

Nylon is a highly durable and moisture-resistant material for outdoor use. It is ideal for highly humid areas, making it a suitable material for your deck rug.

E. Acrylic

Acrylic rugs are generally considered non-absorbent and water-resistant. Acrylic rugs dry very quickly, helping prevent mold or mildew growth and moisture problems. They are low-maintenance and easy to spot-clean with mild detergent and water.

Take the first step toward your dream deck—schedule your upgrade consultation with Modern Handymen & Remodel today. Enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space sooner. Call 615-200-8071 now for your stress-free deck transformation!