7 Ways to Upgrade Your Deck

chris.ha • September 10, 2019

You have had a deck for quite some time now, and as the main gathering place for BBQs and backyard bashes, your deck deserves a little TLC after being exposed to the harsh elements all winter long.

Don’t worry! You don’t need to shell out big bucks to elevate your outdoor living space. In fact, DIY deck projects are easier than you might think and can even increase your home’s value. All it takes is a little creativity, the right tools for the job, and perhaps a weekend or two, and you can completely transform your deck into a dreamy outdoor oasis.

Whether you’re sprucing up your deck because you are selling your home or you want to turn your deck into an al fresco dining spot for the family, there are plenty of DIY projects that will instantly take your deck to another level. Read on to discover 7 DIY deck inspiration before you throw your next outdoor soiree:

1. Bring Out the Pressure Washer

When was the last time you pressure washed your deck? If the answer is never, then it might be due for a good washing. A pressure washer can help revive a worn-looking deck by removing the dirt and debris that have seeped into the material.

If you don’t own a pressure washer, don’t sweat it—just rent one from your local home improvement shop. Be sure to prep your outdoor flooring beforehand and read the instructions on how to use a pressure washer safely.

It’s also important to note that if you have a soft deck, pressure washing can potentially cause gouging. Stick to using pressure washers on your hardwood decking or composite decking only to be on the safe side.

2. Stain Your Deck

So, power washing your deck didn’t revitalize it much as you would have liked. Your next move is to try staining your deck to bring it back to life.

When it comes to staining a deck, you have plenty of options. You can opt for solid stains, which hide the wood grain while allowing vibrant colors or choose wood-toned finishes to enhance the natural appearance of your premium wood decking.

Again, be sure to do your prep work and read the manufacturer’s recommendations before you start staining your deck. Different decking materials have unique requirements that can impact the final result of your stain job.

3. Give Your Outdoor Flooring an Upgrade

One of the best ways to elevate your outdoor living space is by upgrading your outdoor flooring. With new decking, you can instantly revamp your space and build your outdoor oasis with a DIY deck design.

If you’re in the market for new outdoor flooring and want an easy DIY project, consider composite decking. Easy to install, low-maintenance and durable, composite decking is both a practical and stylish option for DIY homeowners. It’s also come a long way since the 90s and now comes in a vast array of style options, from sophisticated wood-look gray to mocha decking with hollow grooves.

4. Enhance Your Deck with Stylish Furniture

Adding patio furniture to your deck is a quick and easy way to showcase your style and add functionality to your outdoor living space. From cozy conversation sets to lounge chairs for relaxing poolside, your outdoor furniture will depend on both your style and the purpose of your space.

Don’t want to invest in brand-new patio furniture? Consider painting your old furniture a bold color instead. Cobalt blue chairs and side tables will pop against your outdoor flooring and instantly jazz up the space.

5. Set Up a Privacy Wall

Need some privacy from nosy neighbors? Create a privacy wall to shield you and your guests from view. There are several ways to do this, including a deck lattice wall. A wooden lattice wall can provide privacy while adding a stylish backdrop to your patio furniture. You can give it a romantic vibe with climbing plants and hanging blooms that add beauty and fragrance.

Another method to add privacy is by placing plants, trees, and accessories to block the neighbor’s view. If you arrange your furniture and planters just so, you can maximize your deck space while giving it a cozy feel.

6. Add Deck Stair Lights

During the summer, you’ll probably be spending more than a few nights out on your deck, enjoying the pleasant breeze. For times like these, deck stair lights are a great feature for homeowners to have.

Adding lights to your deck creates a cozy ambiance and helps you find sure footing when navigating your way up and down the stairs. In addition to installing recessed step lighting, you can also add railing lights to provide much-needed illumination.

7. Provide Warmth with a Fireplace

Installing a cozy fireplace on your deck can enhance the ambiance, provide warmth on cool nights, and offer prime marshmallow-roasting opportunities for you and your guests. Although setting up a fireplace on your deck is usually more expensive than setting up a fire pit on your patio, they can easily be worth the investment.

If you don’t want the hassle and expense of installing a fancy fireplace on your deck, you can always go with a portable fireplaceinstead. Portable fireplaces are ideal if you aren’t ready for a fireplace with all the bells and whistles.

Portable or not, the first thing you’ll need to do is check your local ordinances to ensure that your fireplace is legal. After you have the go-ahead, consider your style and choose a portable fireplace that matches your style. Just remember that portable fireplaces are a fire hazard and that you need to take precautions if you decide to place it on your deck.

Getting Your Outdoor Space Ready

You don’t need to be a DIY deck master to spruce up your deck. With the right decor and a few simple projects, you can create the ultimate outdoor living space which will certainly attract home buyers. If keeping your home for a while is in your plans, once you’ve put in the hard work, don’t forget to relax and enjoy your handiwork!

Brought to you buy:

Rick Brown

https://www.pinterest.com/518377fc343120292579c3492bf8c3/

Orlando, Florida Real EstateThe body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The Orlando Law Scoop - Big Updates at OLG: New Attorney, Upcoming Events & More!

By Rick Brown • April 16, 2025

Spring Forward with OLG New Bootcamp, Fresh Blogs, and Meet Our New Attorney! As we welcome April, we’re bringing you a fresh batch of updates from The Orlando Law Group! From exciting new opportunities for non-profits to our latest blog posts and the introduction of a new attorney, there’s a lot to catch up on

A No-Nonsense Guide to a Hassle-Free Job Relocation

February 17, 2025

Moving for a job is a big deal. It can mean exciting new opportunities, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot to handle. From packing up your life to figuring out your new city, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you're chasing a promotion, switching industries, or just looking for a fresh start, making the transition smooth (and affordable) takes some planning. But don’t stress—there are plenty of ways to make moving for work easier, faster, and way less of a headache. Level Up Your Career With Online Education If you're in a field like nursing, getting an advanced degree can open a lot of doors. An online master’s in nursing, for example, can help you move into leadership roles like administration or education, which often come with better hours and higher pay. The best part? Online MSN degree programs make it easier to juggle work and school since you can study on your own schedule. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping the commute. Investing in your education isn’t just about earning more—it puts you in a position to make a bigger impact in your field. Make House Hunting Easier With Local Real Estate Pros Finding a place to live in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance your budget, commute, and lifestyle all at once. Want to make things easier on yourself? Get yourself a real estate agent who actually knows the area. They’ll point you toward the right neighborhoods, keep you from making expensive mistakes, and take a ton of stress off your plate. Sure, you could spend hours lost in online listings and market trends, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Let someone who does this every day (like Brown Home Group ) handle the tricky stuff so you can focus on the move itself. Keep Your Important Stuff Safe While Moving Packing up and moving is already chaotic enough—you don’t want to add losing important documents or valuables to the mix. Keep things like passports, birth certificates, and financial documents in a separate bag that stays with you at all times. If you want extra protection, a fireproof or theft-proof bag can help keep everything secure. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be scrambling to find them when you need them. Understand How Taxes Affect Employer-Paid Moving Expenses If your employer is covering your moving costs, don’t assume it’s all free money. Right now, employer-paid moving expenses are considered taxable income, which means you’ll owe taxes on them. But keep an eye on tax law changes—by 2026, moving expenses might become tax-deductible again. Either way, save your receipts and keep track of everything. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when tax season rolls around. If you're unsure about what applies to you, checking IRS resources or talking to a tax professional can help clear things up. Find a Job Faster by Understanding the Local Market Even if you’re moving for a specific job, understanding the job market in your new city can help you plan for the future. Some industries, like healthcare and tech, are growing in certain areas, while others may be more competitive. Checking out local job boards or resources can give you a sense of what to expect . Knowing which industries are booming and what skills are in demand can also help you negotiate better pay or prepare for future career moves. Meet New People by Getting Involved in Hobbies Moving to a new city can feel lonely at first, but getting involved in local activities is one of the best ways to meet people. Whether it’s joining a hiking group, attending a book club, or signing up for a class, shared hobbies can lead to great personal and professional connections . If you’re in a field like tech or design, events like hackathons or art meetups can even open up new job opportunities. Making connections through hobbies isn’t just fun—it can also help you feel more at home in your new city. Stay Organized With a Moving Timeline A solid game plan can make your move way less chaotic. Creating a timeline for everything —from giving notice at your current job to setting up utilities in your new place—keeps you on track. Breaking things down into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel less overwhelming. Sharing your plan with your employer, family, or anyone else involved helps avoid last-minute surprises. And don’t forget to book movers or rental trucks early to get the best rates! Moving for work can be a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a total headache. With a little planning, some local know-how, and a flexible mindset, you can make the whole thing way easier. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be unpacked, finding your new favorite coffee spot, and settling into your next adventure! Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group —your trusted partner in buying, selling, or investing in Central Florida’s vibrant market!

The Orlando Law Scoop - Take Charge of 2025: A Practical Checklist for Your Peace of Mind

By Rick Brown • January 15, 2025

Start the New Year with Confidence: Your Essential Legal and Financial Checklist for the New Year As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess our goals and ensure our affairs are in order. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s future, streamline your business, or simply get a fresh start, our New Year Reset Checklist is here to guide you. From updating your estate plan to revisiting your insurance coverage, these straightforward tips will help you begin the year with clarity and confidence. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! N ew Year Reset Checklist Review or Update Your Estate Plan Confirm wills, trusts, and healthcare directives are up to date. Make sure beneficiaries and key contacts still reflect your current wishes. Verify Insurance Coverage Check life, home, auto, or business policies for accuracy and adequate coverage. Add new, high-value items (like holiday gifts) to your policy. Organize Important Documents Safely store originals (wills, titles, deeds) in a secure location. Keep digital backups in an encrypted folder or password manager. Assess Your Finances Review your budget and set savings goals for the year. Check beneficiary designations on bank, retirement, and investment accounts. Consider Charitable or Non-Profit Involvement Think about attending our Non-Profit Bootcamp if you’re interested in establishing or growing a charitable organization. Explore tax benefits and community impact of giving back. Plan for Business Updates (if applicable) Ensure business licenses, permits, and corporate documents are current. Schedule time to review or revise your operating agreements. Schedule Professional Consultations Estate Planning Attorney: Secure or update your plan. Financial Advisor: Review investment strategies, retirement, and tax planning. CPA or Tax Professional: Get organized ahead of tax deadlines. Starting the year off with a clear plan sets you on the right path—less stress, fewer surprises, and more peace of mind. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. Call 407-565-HELP to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Make 2025 the Year You Secure Your Legacy Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In our latest YouTube video series, Attorney Erika De Jesus breaks down the basics of estate planning—from wills to trusts. If you’ve been putting off this vital task, now’s the perfect time to learn how to safeguard your loved ones and secure your legacy.