From Blah to Beautiful

Though the calendar says summer starts June 21, Memorial Day is often seen as the unofficial start of the season. Days have already been getting longer, temperatures have been warming, and the evenings are starting to produce some beautiful sunsets.

What better place to enjoy those sunsets, or host a summer get together, than from your backyard? Here are a few ideas from Rick’s Custom Fencing and Decking to turn your new – or existing – deck into the ultimate party pad, family dinner spot, or just a place to unwind after a long day.

Mood Lighting
String up some edison lights above the deck, or install lights directly into the deck, to create different moods. A Friday night gathering after work for friends to start the weekend is made more comfortable by replacing large flood lights with this kind of subtle lighting. Or create just the right ambiance for a quiet date-night dinner on the deck.

Safer than tiki torches or candles, lights add immediate interest to the backyard. Even something as simple as solar powered garden lights can set the perfect mood for any summer evening plans you have.

Cool Shade
In the Pacific Northwest, nothing gets us outdoors faster than clear skies and bright sun. However, as the temperature begins to rise, having a shady retreat is a welcome sight after an afternoon of hiking, biking, gardening, or just a strolling around the neighborhood.

By adding a pergola, retractable awning, or large patio umbrella, you’ve created a little oasis on your deck. A semi-transparent cover, or even a brise-soleil, reflects the warming rays away from the deck to keep the area a little cooler, while still allowing the natural light to bathe the area. Strategically placed, it can even help keep your home cooler.

Add a couple of chairs and a table, and you have the perfect place to rest, relax, and recharge before attacking the day again.

Outdoor Decor
Consider the deck your outdoor living room and don’t be afraid to treat it as such. Is your personal style bright colors, eclectic design, and shabby chic? Then go ahead and continue that style to the backyard. There are many kinds of fabrics that are made for outdoor use and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Depending on the size of the deck, you can set up one large seating area or divide the area into smaller seating areas. You may even want to have benches installed on your deck if you don’t already have them in place. Add a water feature, or even hang decorative pieces on nearby fencing to give the backyard more personality.

Fresh Stain & Updated Railings
While adding furniture, flowers, and other pieces of interest to the deck will liven things up, consider adding more permanent changes to the deck for even more style. Even something as simple as restaining the deck a different color can alter the entire look of the backyard.

For a bigger impact, consider a few architectural changes, too. While nothing says the Pacific Northwest like a cedar hand railing, a steel cable railing immediately gives off a hint of class. To really add a “wow” factor, add surface patterns to the decking such as race-tracking, mirrored diagonal patterns, or a picture frame style.

Rearrange the Furniture
A large deck is the ultimate open floor plan – it doesn’t even have walls! In a large interior space, furniture is often used to establish zones and break up the space. The same can be done on the deck, too. A little bit of planning can maximize the available square footage. Strategic placement of the furniture allows you to enjoy the areas you want at any given time, while allowing guests to mix and mingle in different areas during a gathering.

A four- or six-place dining table can be the centerpiece, with other areas featuring a small bistro table with two stools or even a loveseat and coffee table facing the yard. Don’t forget to give the barbecue a few square feet, either. After all, it will be called into service again and again for summertime cookouts.

Leafy Greens
While most of these suggestions deal with man-made materials, why not let Mother Nature lend a hand? Plants promote a healthy, psychologically nourishing environment and also provide visual interest that will tie your outdoor space together. End caps on the deck can feature built in flower pots that will add instant color and a welcoming scent.

You can even be practical about it if you’d like. An herb garden adds functionality, providing the grillmaster the last bit of flavoring the fish, steak, or burger needs for a true culinary delight. All that green looks good, too.

Evening Warmth
Yes, it is summer, and the sun has been shining all day. Once it falls beyond the horizon, though, the brisk night can cause a little chill. Instead of sending everyone inside looking for a flannel or a fleece, think about adding a source of heat to keep the party going.

Heating options have never been so affordable, with upright, propane-powered patio heaters becoming an ever-more popular amenity for homeowners. A fire pit is also a popular choice – who doesn’t enjoy throwing another log into the flames?

No matter how you decide to use your deck, now is the time to start using it. Don’t think of it as just another place in the backyard, but as an extension of your home. No matter the size of the deck, with enough planning, you’ll never want to go back inside.

Rick’s Custom Fencing & Decking is one of the largest decking and fencing companies in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, They also design and build patio covers, pergolas, gates, and arbors. For more information, call (360) 253-3792 or visit ricksfencing.com.