5 Ways to Enhance the Look of Your Home Deck

A home deck is the perfect spot to enjoy the warmth of the sun and a gentle breeze on a summer's day. If the winter has been a particularly rough one, the deck can look slightly shabby by the time summer rolls around. The five ways to enhance the look of your home deck below, will guide you through some quick and easy ways to turn a dull deck into the most comfortable spot outside the house.
1. Powerwash and Stain
Wooden decks can quickly become weathered looking if not properly cared for, and power washing and staining the deck will make it look new again. This will help to not only protect it from the elements, but will also help enhance the look of the wood and deck itself. Buy or rent a power washer from a local home improvement store and spend a weekend getting the deck primed and ready for a busy summer season.
2. Furniture
Once the deck's wood has been taken care of, start thinking about the furnishings. Most homeowners do not invest in new patio sets every year, so that means taking care of the one that you own. Sand down any rusty chair or table legs, re-paint with a certified outdoor paint and freshen up with new or newly upholstered cushions. If new furniture is in the budget for the year, choose pieces that invite lounging and relaxation. A large outdoor dining table is also a good investment if you frequently entertain during the summer months. Keep the amount of furniture in proportion to the size of the deck. No matter how nice a chair or chaise may be, if it will create a crowded feel on the deck, it is not worth the money.
3. Flowers and Plants
A few large potted plants are perfect for decorating a home deck. Place them strategically around the space to separate areas, provide privacy or to offer shade. Choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of sun and shade that your deck commonly sees during the summer months.
4. What is the Theme?
If you want to have a truly unique deck, consider choosing a theme for the deck's decor. Whether it is nautical, tropical or floral, a theme can create a cohesive space that has its own charm and personality. Themes also make it easier to decorate the space, because they limit the number of options you have for accessories and fabrics.
5. Candles and Lighting
During the daylight hours, candles and lighting are not needed. However, if the deck is used at night, or even at dusk when the barbecue is fired up, having outdoor lighting is essential for enhancing the look of the space. Outdoor rope lights are great choices for railings and in the potted plants. Lanterns with citronella candles burning can be placed on hanging brackets around the deck, or on the railing ledge. Choose lighting options that will be the most practical and the safest for your family and your guests.

Alyssa Davis is the top writer and creative design specialist for Metal-Wall-Art.com. She specializes in designing with iron tree wall art and music wall decorations.

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Buying a Composite Deck - What to Look For

Busy homeowners who don't have time for extensive deck maintenance are increasingly turning to composite decking, a low maintenance and highly durable alternative to cedar. In just the past couple of decades, the composite deck market has grown significantly, with $1 billion spent annually, and by next year it is expected to account for nearly a third of the deck marketplace.
Made from wood fibers encased in plastic, composite decking has more durability and protection from the elements than cedar. But not all composite decks are equal in quality. To ensure you get the best deck for your money, here's a look at how composite deck brands can differ:
Recycled materials. Manufacturers can make composite decking eco-friendly by using recycled wood and plastic, but not all companies take advantage of this benefit. Composite decking materials can vary from 100 percent recycled content to 100percent virgin materials. WestStar composite decking, made specifically for the Pacific Northwest, comes from 100 percent recycled materials.
Wood-to-plastic ratio. The proportion of wood to plastic can also vary. Many manufacturers use an equal blend of wood and plastic, while other brands contain up to 70 percent wood. A higher wood level means the final product will be more vulnerable to mold and rot.
Plastic type. Composite decks made from recycled materials should contain High Density PolyEthylene (HDPE) plastics, which come from hefty materials such as milk jugs, detergent containers and soda bottles. These plastics don't disintegrate as easily as weaker plastics, resulting in a longer-lasting deck.
Questions to Ask Your Composite Decking Contractor
Whether you're having a deck installed for you or building it yourself, you should ask the following questions before purchasing composite decking materials:
What type of warranty does it have?
Composite deck warranties can range from a 10- to 20-year guarantee on materials to a lifetime warranty. Find out what problems are covered under the warranty, such as termite damage, checking and splintering. You should also ask what types of actions, such as painting, can void your warranty.
How will the deck boards be fastened?
Contractors typically use nails or screws to fasten deck boards to the framework. This can expose nearby wood fibers to moisture damage and cause cracks or splitting. For an additional fee, some contractors can eliminate such damage by using hidden deck clips to fasten the boards to the frame.
Does the decking material have non-skid protection?
Composite decks can become slippery from water or mildew. For extra safety, look for a brand with a non-skid finish.
What degree of fading should I expect?
Most composite decks will fade somewhat when exposed to sunlight, due to lignin in the wood material. To combat this, some manufacturers add UV protection.
How can I get the most life out of my deck?
Because composite decking can vary, it never hurts to ask your contractor for specific maintenance tips based on the brand of deck you're buying.
~Nicole Krueger, 2010

Read more about the benefits of composite decking for Northwest homeowners on the Composite Decks Northwest website.

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