If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your backyard, one of the best ways to do that is by upgrading your backyard deck. It is one of the first things people will notice as they enter your backyard, so it should look aesthetically pleasing if you want to leave a good first impression. Luckily, there are many ways in which you can upgrade it – some of them would require quite an investment, while some would ask for nothing but your time and effort. With that in mind, here are a few ways in which you can design your deck and bring the appearance of your backyard to a whole new level.

Consider the materials

You’re probably going to spend a lot of time on your deck, so if you’re just started designing it, consider the construction materials. There are five most common types – pressure-treated lumber, redwood, cedar, composite, and aluminum. Pressure-treated lumber is the most popular one, but it requires a lot of maintenance and isn’t very durable. Aluminum, on the other hand, is quite durable, but it’s also quite expensive. So, do your research, decide on your budget, and choose the one that fits you best.

Separate the areas

If you are planning on building a larger deck – or already have one – consider breaking up the space into different areas according to their purpose. For example, you can have one area for relaxing, chatting, and entertaining your friends; one for preparing food and drinks; and one for dining. Of course, you should also decorate the different areas in a way that clearly shows their purpose. This way, your deck will be much more organized and aesthetically pleasing.

Choose the right furniture

Speaking of different areas, they should also have different types of furniture to suit their different purposes. For instance, your lounging area should have comfortable, soft furniture that would allow you to rest and socialize. Your kitchen items, on the other hand, should be nice-looking too, but above everything else, they should be durable. The same goes for your dining area furniture – you won’t be able to focus on your food if your table isn’t sturdy. That being said, your dining area chairs should still be comfortable enough so you and your guests can enjoy your meals without spending half an hour trying to find a comfortable seating position.

Add some intimacy

If you want your deck to be more like a private oasis than an entertainment area, consider making it a bit more intimate by enclosing it. First, you would need to protect it from the weather with a nice pergola or quality shade sails. To cover up the sides, you can use curtains or hedges. Finally, add a couple of elements that will emphasize the atmosphere of your private reserve, like a couple of scented candles, reed diffusers, string lighting, etc. This way, you will create a perfect area for relaxation after work or a romantic date with your partner. If you are a host and rent your place, this would be a great marketing feature also.

Think about the traffic

Your deck is very likely to become a center of activity once finished, especially during the warmer months. You will be carrying out plates and food, and your kids will be running around and playing, but your guests will still need to be able to reach the lounging area. This is why you need to think about the flow of movement when designing your deck. This means that you should make sure there is a clear path from one area to the other and enough room for people to pass by without moving your furniture or accidentally pushing something over.

Level up

If you’re unsure about having enough room to walk around your deck, considering building your deck on multiple levels. This modern idea is guaranteed to add to the aesthetic value of your deck and whole backyard. Moreover, when designing such a deck, every area should be on its own level, and you still need to ensure there is an easily accessible stairway from one area to another. However, it might be a bit easier to decorate the areas when the boundaries between them are clearer.

by Chloe Taylor