Transform Your Backyard: Stunning Deck Upgrades We’re Doing This Year

Tennessee homes are known for their diverse and beautiful landscapes. An article written by Tennessee National highlights the appeal of scenic homes in Tennessee, as the state is not only known for its friendly people and rich history, but its geography also sets it apart as a prime destination for scenic homes. With varied landscapes that range from smoky mountain ridges to vast lakes, you can find a home that suits your taste, whether you prefer the vibrancy of city life or the tranquility of rural settings. Backyards play a vital role in integrating every home into its natural environment through Tennessee’s changing seasons. Backyards heavily influence the design and appeal of homes. One of the reasons Tennessee homeowners invest in transforming their outdoor spaces is to enhance their value and functionality while also complementing their surrounding scenery. No wonder that deck upgrading is one of the trendy choices in home improvements we’re seeing this year.

From the start of 2025, homeowners across the country are reevaluating their outdoor spaces, elevating comfort and functionality by upgrading their decks. Here are some stunning deck upgrades to provide you with insights and ideas to inspire your next home project.

1. Covered Decks

Due to Tennessee’s unpredictable weather, homeowners are investing in materials and designs that can withstand weather for all seasons. Deck covers provide shade and shelter, making outdoor areas usable throughout the year. From hot summer days to unexpected rain showers, homeowners can be confident that outdoor gatherings can continue without the hassle, offering a cozy environment for relaxation and entertainment. A dry deck allows homeowners to create storage underneath the outdoor space, extending its functionality and value.

Fig. 1. Covered deck upgrade by Modern Handymen & Remodel at Brentwood, TN

2. Lighting

Deck lighting adds elegance with a finished, polished look that elevates your deck’s ambiance and glow. It enhances the safety and style of your home's backyard, ensuring that your deck remains usable even after dark. You can use a transformer for low-voltage deck lighting systems to make them safer and more energy-efficient than traditional lighting options. Deck lighting comes in various types to illuminate seating areas and highlight key features of outdoor spaces, such as built-in planters or water features, making your space feel cozier overall. Here are some trendy deck lighting ideas to consider:

a. Deck Railing Lighting

b. Deck Stair Lighting

c. In-deck Lights

d. Post-cap Lights

e. Under-counter Lighting

f. Bistro Lights

g. Lighted Ceiling Fan

h. Lanterns

3. Composite Decking

When it comes to decking, homeowners are looking for durability, low maintenance, and style. Composite decking offers both advantages and disadvantages to homeowners. Compared to other traditional decking materials on the market, it has beneficial properties such as the following:

a. Composite decking requires less maintenance. It does not need regular sanding, painting, sealing, or varnishing like wood.

b. Composite wood-plastic boards are UV-resistant, helping to minimize fading caused by sun exposure.

c. Composite decking has superior resistance to warp, rot, and moisture issues due to changing weather conditions in Tennessee.

d. Composite materials are scratch- and stain-resistant, ensuring they look brand new for years to come.

e. A wide range of colors is available for composite decking, including natural, lightly colored deck boards and darker finishes.

How do we plan for safety + beauty in deck upgrades?

Your home deck allows you to enjoy the beauty of your backyard while enhancing your outdoor living space. As much as you enjoy beautiful outdoor relaxation and entertainment on your deck, it is essential to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), hundreds of people are injured each year because of structural failures or collapses of decks, balconies, and porches. A beautiful deck requires regular maintenance to remain safe and structurally sound. Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of NADRA, the North American Deck and Railing Association, says that homeowners must have their decks inspected to ensure they are safe for people, as well as to help extend the deck’s lifespan, improve its appearance and increase its livability. Examine your deck at least once a year to spot issues promptly, particularly in the spring and fall. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that, with more than 60 million decks in the US (50 million residential and 10 million commercial), approximately 30 million decks are past their useful life and require replacement or repair. Some of the common deck hazards that need immediate attention and care:

• Loose or damaged railings

• Unstable stairs

Fig. 2. A stable deck stair built by Modern Handymen & Remodel in Nashville, TN

• Rusted fasteners and connectors

• Rotting or decaying decking boards

Fig. 3. A rotting deck board replaced by Modern Handymen in Nashville, TN

• Slippery surfaces

• Uneven or sagging decks

• Tripping hazards

More than aesthetic value, your deck’s overall design can affect safety and functionality. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable outdoor experience, properly plan your deck design and safety features with the help of professionals such as Modern Handymen and Remodel. Before preparing the deck design and enhancement, professional deck experts offer a thorough assessment of your existing deck or space, considering local code compliance, potential safety hazards, and structural integrity, including its attachment to the house, structural supports, decking boards, railings, and stairs. When in doubt about your deck’s safety, it’s always best to consult with a professional inspector or contractor like Modern Handymen & Remodel.

Why is spring/summer the best time to book deck upgrades?

Timely planning for your deck upgrade can significantly impact the quality, cost, and efficiency of your project. Considering the best season for deck construction can help you plan strategically. According to a news article from The CPD Certification Service, spring and summer are widely regarded as ‘decking season,’ with more homeowners and business owners likely to be thinking about how to use their outdoor space more effectively. One of the most significant advantages of installing a deck during spring and summer is more reliable weather. Not only is installing a deck in warmer, drier weather likely to be more pleasant, but it also holds several practical benefits, such as the following:

• Deck installation and enhancement during drier seasons can minimize the level of dirt and other mess created through the landscaping and installation process, resulting in higher overall customer satisfaction.

• The spring and summer seasons have longer hours of daylight, which can mean that your deck can be completed over a shorter period.

• A greater supply of materials is readily available during drier seasons, as delivery is easier.

By understanding the impact of a seasonal overview in planning for deck upgrades, homeowners can make informed decisions to save money and maximize their deck’s value potentially. Knowing when to schedule your deck construction can help you save money and time while ensuring high-quality work.

As you consider installing a deck at any time of year, our expert team at Modern Handymen & Remodel specializes in creating custom deck designs tailored to your unique needs and preferences. From concept to installation, whether from scratch or a stunning deck transformation, Modern Handymen and Remodel can help you every step of the way. Reserve for an upgraded deck with Modern Handymen & Remodel. Call us at 615-200-8071 and turn your vision of the perfect deck into reality.