Deck companies are experts at creating and building decks and patios to expand your outdoor living area and maximizing your yard space. Once construction is complete, the next step is to add seating and accessories to make the space your own. Here are some pro tips for achieving the perfect deck and patio for you and your home.
1. Consider the Traffic Pattern
For smaller decks and patios, you may not have much to think about in terms of navigating, but larger areas will need a bit of planning before you start purchasing items. For example, you’ll want to have enough clearance surrounding your furniture and fixtures so it isn’t difficult to get around or make your patio look cluttered. You’ll also want to arrange furniture in a way that makes it easy to have a conversation, eat, cook, and relax. Lastly, be sure to leave a clear path from the door to the seating and cooking areas, as well as plenty of clearance around entryways and stairways to the yard.
2. Start With Seating
Ultimately, your deck and patio are a place to relax and enjoy your free time with friends and family. To encourage long and leisurely visits, make sure you’re choosing seating that is not only durable for weather conditions, but also comfortable enough for an extended stay. Along with a table and chairs for dining, consider seating areas with cushioned chairs and a table for drinks along with chaise-style seating if you have enough room. Many deck companies can include built-in benches for additional seating. If your deck features a bench, add pillows or cushions to make it more inviting. Think about sun and shade when planning seating areas and incorporate umbrellas, canopies, pergolas, or other sun protection for the hottest days.
3. Accessorize for Personalization
Think about your outdoor area as an extension of your home and accessorize accordingly. The colors and styles that you choose shouldn’t stand in stark contrast from what’s inside, especially if you can see the deck or patio from indoors. Along with pillows and outdoor rugs to add color and personality, don’t forget about wall decor that can be hung from siding using specialized hooks. Be sure to include plenty of plants and flowers; even if you don’t have a green thumb, modern artificial plants are surprisingly realistic! Lastly, don’t forget the lighting. From decorative string lights to functional flood lighting, you don’t want the party to end at sundown.
4. Elements of Fire
People have been gathering around the fire to socialize and eat for hundreds of thousands of years, and it’s no different today. There are many deck-safe options for incorporating fire into your decor, including affordable, ethanol-powered tabletop options or more luxurious, propane-burning pit-tables that are easy to light and extinguish. If open fires are not your style, consider solar-powered, flameless LED candles. Choose from simple candles that are switch operated to coordinated lantern-style candles that can be operated via remote control.
Bringing it All Together
Whether you’re looking to create a cozy, quiet backyard getaway or a festive, party atmosphere, making your deck and patio a place of your own is easy once you start decorating and adding personal elements. To make the most of your outdoor living area, deck companies can work with you as you design and create a brand new space with all your furniture, cooking gear, and decorations in mind. That way, you get exactly what you’ve always hoped for.
To learn more about building a new deck, adding a patio, or upgrading your existing structures, contact Mitchell Construction today.
