Outdoor Deck Upgrades That Instantly Elevate Your Space

A stylish outdoor deck is a gateway to an elegant and trendy home that feels welcoming. Gathering and entertaining guests and family in the open air offers a relaxing retreat and an enjoyable time with everyone. Adding stylish upgrades to your deck can instantly elevate your outdoor space without too much effort. Check out these trendy deck ideas that blend in with the scenic outdoor setting for inspiration.

1. Built-in benches and storage

Hauling chairs in and out every season and transferring items stored inside your house every gathering can be an exhausting task. Finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics involves juggling between not overcrowding your deck with furniture and leaving it with too much space, which can feel uninviting. This is where built-in seating with storage comes in as a perfect innovative solution. Having built-in seating and storage on your deck is the innovative solution you need to make your outdoor space look both inviting and functional. Here’s why it is a smart and long-term investment for your deck:

a. Increased Home Value

According to Realtor.com, built-ins can increase the value of a home as long as they provide more function to the space. A bench seat that offers more seating for family gatherings is beautiful to potential buyers

b. Maximized Space

Instead of chairs and benches occupying the space, homeowners can use built-in seating to maximize space. The center of the deck is commonly left open for other uses, especially as a stage for celebrations and gatherings.

c. Enhanced Safety

By utilizing the benefits of built-in seating and storage, you reduce the risk of tripping hazards on your deck. Securing the clutter under your seat can help you organize your outdoor retreat.

d. Customizable Seating

Your built-in deck seating can be customized according to your area, needs, and preferences. Homeowners can choose from a wide range of options for sizes and shapes and turn them into wrap-around benches, individual seats, or even seating with storage underneath.

e. Functional Storage

By incorporating storage space into your seating on your deck, forms and functions combine. Organizing your outdoor essentials can be easier since stored items are readily available on your deck.

2. Adding planters and greenery

According to Thursd Online Floral Magazine, bringing plants into decks helps combat the heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance the overall urban environment. They reduce stormwater runoff, lower energy consumption by providing insulation, and absorb pollutants from the air. They also create microclimates with the vegetation on the decks, providing shade, reducing temperatures, and increasing humidity in the surrounding areas, making them more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Here are some of the deck planting ideas that can immediately enhance your outdoor space:

a. Built-in planters

Built-in planters along your deck perimeter offer a refreshing atmosphere by holding plants that grow excessively tall but have a controlled spread.

b. Vertical Garden

You can install wall-mounted planters and trellises to design your vertical structures or walls with greenery that can enhance privacy and provide space.

c. Potted Plants

Potted plants are dynamic solutions to your small deck landscape, allowing you to arrange or move them wherever you need to free up your deck space.

Fig. 1. An example of a potted plant placed on a covered deck in Brentwood as a refreshing decor

d. Hanging Garden

Hanging plants from your deck’s overhead structure is a creative way to maximize your deck space while adding shade from direct sunlight. It brings a magical and tropical aura to your outdoor deck.

e. Green roof

Using plants that are strong, low-maintenance, and able to withstand varying weather conditions to serve as your deck roofing is an innovative way to insulate your outdoor space while uplifting your deck design.

3. Railings as a design statement

At first glance, your railing gives the first impression of your deck. Each design of the railings reflects your personal style and showcases your home exterior. It serves as the design statement of your deck, offering a unique aesthetic appeal for every design. Railings do not just depend on your deck board materials; their design should complement the landscaping and color palette of your home exterior. Modern railing designs include aluminum and glass materials, offering a minimalist aesthetic for a modern-style home. For a timeless and sophisticated look for your deck railings, you can install a more traditional option, such as a composite railing or a stainless steel cable.

Fig. 2. Painting of a deck railing in Brentwood by Modern Handymen & Remodel

4. Deck lighting that extends evening use

Your deck is an extension of your home, allowing you to access it 24/7. While it is easier to enjoy the outdoor view in broad daylight, feeling the cool evening breeze on your deck is a relaxing reward after a long day. Evening celebrations under the evening sky, such as grilling nights or late-night parties, will be as fun with sufficient deck lighting. Lighting emphasizes the aesthetic ambiance of your deck while illuminating potential hazards like steps and edges. Here are some of the deck lighting options that elevate both the function and aesthetics of your outdoor haven under the evening sky:

a. Deck Stair Lighting

Strip lighting on your stair risers and handrails adds elegance to your deck while ensuring a safe walk in the evening.

b. Candle Lanterns

Candle lanterns offer a soft layer of illumination for your deck, setting the mood for a relaxing evening.

c. String Lights

String lights are elegantly draped below overhead supports, which creates a cozy atmosphere for a night out on your deck.

d. Pendant Lights

Overhead pendant lights are aesthetic options to illuminate an industrial-style or rustic dining setup on your deck.

e. Layered Deck Lighting

Layered deck lighting composed of pendant lights and string lights creates a well-lit surrounding for an enjoyable outdoor dining experience.

5. Water features and fire pits for a luxury feel

Water features can instantly capture everyone’s attention on your deck. Even just the sound of the water features makes you feel calm and connected to nature from the comfort of your own deck. Here are some of the best water features perfect for your outdoor sanctuary:

a. Ponds

Watching the fish swim in the pond brings a different level of relaxation and peace of mind. As the pond mirrors your surroundings, you will feel a dreamy sense of tranquility.

b. Fountain

Fountains come in many sizes, shapes, and water exhibitions, offering a unique outdoor experience on your deck.

c. Waterfalls

Waterfalls on a deck are a scenic view for every home, giving you the vibes of a luxurious resort and the sound of nature.

Fire pits are extremely useful during the cold season, giving warmth to your outdoor experience. Gathering around the fire pit with family and friends allows deep and meaningful conversations while toasting marshmallows. Every fire pit can be designed to act as your deck centerpiece.

Your outdoor living space becomes an extension of your personality and style. Modernize your outdoor deck experience with these exciting deck upgrades that can instantly elevate your outdoor space. Modern Handymen & Remodel has a team of expert deck builders and professionals in Tennessee that can turn your dream deck upgrades into reality. Create a stunning, functional deck that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Schedule a consultation with us at 615-200-8071 and unlock your deck’s full potential with us today!