Decks spend all of their lives outdoors, exposed to the elements and at the mercy of regular wear and tear. If you’ve owned a property with a deck for more than a couple of years in Calgary, chances are that it requires a few touches here and there to keep it in good condition. And there are a number of ways through which you can upgrade the condition of your deck without necessarily going through the hassle of doing a complete makeover. As Calgary’s preferred landscaping company, we’ve put together our fair share of good-looking decks, so here are four tips that should come in handy when upgrading your deck.
- Add Composite Flooring
If you want to take things up a notch on your deck, then you should consider going for composite flooring instead of the traditional wood flooring. Composite flooring is fabricated from a combination of recycled plastic and wood fibers, and this gives them a look and feel that is very similar to wood. Composite flooring may not be completely natural but innovations in their technology have made it possible for such materials to look and feel the part. And what’s more, they have a certain unique appeal and allure. As per aesthetics, getting used to the look of composite decking materials might take some doing for some people initially but they are undoubtedly beautiful, luxurious, and pleasing to look at. And all these come with virtually no maintenance cost. Yes, you heard right: no maintenance cost!
Once installed, there’s no talk of varnishing or polishing. You get to enjoy its beauty on your deck by just keeping it clean as you would any other part of the house. And this is largely because the composite flooring material is made from materials that are stain and splinter-resistant. There is also no need for sealing and since it is produced from an aggregation of plastic and wood fiber, your composite decking materials are protected from exposure to the elements. Installing composite flooring on your deck can do a job of giving it a facelift, both in appearance and durability. They are ideal for a variety of deck types in different locations and are also fortified against pest attacks. And it comes as a plus that all these are on offer at very affordable cost.
- Upgrade Railing
Another detail that can serve to upgrade your deck is by updating the deck railing. The platform of your deck gives it strength and stability to last a long white but the deck railing is just as important. They could be thought of as the real ‘MVPs.’ Upgrading the look of your railing can serve the dual purpose of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor landscaping and improving the safety and integrity of your deck. And there are varieties of materials to choose from when it comes to new deck railings. Based on such details as budget, maintenance, aesthetics, personal preferences and safety requirements, there are such options as wood, glass, and metal. The age of the deck, its size and shape, as well as your choice of material also to be considered if you are looking to upgrade deck railing.
- Add New Deck Skirting
Skirting on a deck has a certain attractiveness about it. They make up a decent upgrade for your deck if you intend to improve the look of your deck. And there are a number of ways this can be achieved. There is the option of constructing a wall around the bottom of your deck by using boards. Wood and vinyl lattice also make for good materials for this purpose. Adding a new deck skirting imparts a certain visual appeal to your outdoor space. It not only gives your deck a complete look about it, deck skirting also adds a clean and polished look to the space which outlines the beginning of your landscaping with the incorporation of an enclosed space on the underside. However, you might need to consider such details as the height of your deck, why you want to add the skirting to your deck, and what materials will be best suited to this purpose before going ahead with plans of adding new deck skirting.
- Have A New Pergola Installed
This one takes the cake for me. Having a new pergola installed in your deck can do more than just improve the look of your deck. They can create a whole new living space within your outdoor space. A pergola creates a defined space, as well as provide partial or total cover over a deck. It also adds a distinct architectural feature on your deck. Once installed properly, a new pergola can potentially change the look and feel of your outdoor space, and there are a number of features that can be incorporated as details to enhance the comfort of the new addition – a tub and fireplace come to mind these days. Since they have a telling effect on the view of your outdoor space, it is very important to pay attention to how you want the structure to shape up your deck, as well as the definition it will impart and its functionality in your outdoor living space.
If you’re looking to add a new deck to your landscaped yard, contact Project Landscape today. We can help make your Calgary home your own private retreat.
