(BPT) – From grilling and dining to simply relaxing, your home’s deck is frequently the center of family life during warm weather months. That’s why there’s no better time to give your outdoor living space the upgrade it deserves.
Whether you’re building a dream deck from scratch – or sprucing up an existing space – here are five tips for do-it-yourselfers who want to start turning their outdoor living aspirations into reality this weekend.
No. 1 – Discover your inspiration
Your deck is a natural extension of your home and your style. Think about the type of design elements that will best fit your family’s activities and complement both outdoor views and the layout of your yard. Flip through favorite magazines to find photos that jumpstart your inner designer, go online to experiment with virtual planners that allow you to try out different colors and configurations or use mobile apps to create outdoor living space designs anywhere at any time.
No. 2 – Choose materials manufactured to last
If you’re investing in a brand new deck, select materials that will stand up to years of wear and tear from kids, pets, dropped grilling tools, heavy outdoor furniture – and even the harshest of weather. New high-performance wood-alternative decking like Trex Enhance combines superior durability and long-lasting good looks. With Trex’s protective shell technology, it’s also resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold – while offering hassle-free maintenance.
“Food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water, which is ideal if you’re planning a summer of backyard barbecues and deck parties,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex. “Unlike the upkeep required of wood decking, you’ll never need to sand, stain or paint – and you won’t have to worry about rotting, warping, cracking or splintering.”
Combining enduring beauty and performance – but priced at a value that appeals to do-it-yourselfers – Trex Enhance decking offers the additional peace of mind of a 25-year limited fade and stain warranty. It’s also available in stock at The Home Depot stores, making it even easier to begin building your outdoor oasis this weekend.
No. 3 – Look for easy-to-install solutions
Installing a new deck may seem daunting at first, but with the proper tools and resources, you’ll not only save money on labor costs – but you’ll also take pride in knowing you successfully completed a home improvement project with your own two hands. As you create a list of essential materials for your project, think about incorporating a hidden fastener system – rather than traditional nails or screws. Hidden fasteners can make the installation of decking boards easier and faster and create a more professional look. Your deck’s surface will be smooth, seamless and more comfortable underfoot.
No. 4 – Consider a deck makeover
If your budget doesn’t allow for a complete deck rebuild this year, you can resurface an old wooden deck that’s starting to wear, warp and rot with new higher-performance materials. Simply remove the existing boards and check that the sub-structure remains sturdy before installing wood-alternative decking like Trex Enhance. Giving your wood deck a facelift with durable, beautiful composite materials will increase curb appeal, lengthen its lifespan and cut down on maintenance requirements for years to come.
No. 5 – Add finishing touches
Even if you’re already the proud owner of a gorgeous outdoor living space, take style and comfort to the next level with weekend warrior-worthy projects. Add new modular railing in contrasting or complementary colors to create a perfect frame for your deck, or establish cozy conversation nooks with weather-resistant furniture. Construct an elegant pergola to lend shade from the harsh summer sun and install energy-efficient deck lighting to create ambience for twilight cocktail parties.
For more outdoor living do-it-yourself inspiration and advice, visit www.homedepot.trex.com.
