Ways To Upgrade A Wooden Deck Into An Oasis

Your dream home, yard, or patio deck may not be what you imagined. It happens.

Do you love outdoor living but not the upkeep that comes with it? If so, a wooden deck may be just what you need. A wood deck is an excellent addition to any home because they’re easy to maintain and cheaper than other outdoor options.

Wooden decks quickly become a favorite spot in any home, with their natural beauty and ease of maintenance. If you are ready to create your private oasis with a wooden deck, here are some tips on how to build one that looks like an oasis.

Choose the Right Location

Before you build your deck, you should plan for the best location. When building a deck, you want to ensure it is in the right spot for your home.

If you don't choose the right location, it can make your home look unbalanced and out of proportion. Choose a spot that is easily accessible and visible from inside the home. If your deck is in an area where you can’t see it from the inside, it will be of little use to you. It would be best to choose a spot away from large trees that may drop leaves and debris on your deck.

Choose a spot on your property that gets plenty of sun but is not in the direct path of the afternoon sun. Your deck should receive some sun, but not too much. If your deck faces directly south, it will get too much sun.

The location of your outdoor area is where the sun sets because then you can enjoy the beautiful colors of the sunset from your deck.

Install a Good Quality Wood Decking

When building a wood deck, you have many options regarding the decking material. You can choose wood, composite wood, composite decking, or cedar. Each of these materials has its pros and cons, but wood is generally the best option.

Wood is easy to work with and can be stained in any color. When choosing wood for your deck, you want to ensure it is treated. Untreated wood will rot and stain your deck if left exposed. When choosing treated wood for your deck, you’ll want to ensure it is pressure treated.

Pressure-treated wood is not only treated against rot but also comes with a 10-year warranty. You also want to ensure the deck boards have spaced a minimum of three inches apart. This will allow water to run off the deck. If the panels are too close together, water will sit on the deck and can cause damage.

Add some color

One way to upgrade your outdoor space is to add some color. This can be done in several ways, such as painting or staining the deck, adding brightly-colored furniture, or hanging flower pots. Adding color will give your outdoor living space a fresh, new look, making it more inviting and enjoyable to spend time on.

Paint spaces that are already stained a new color. If you have a dark-stained deck, consider painting it a lighter color. This will brighten up the space and make it more inviting. If you have a light-stained deck, consider painting it a darker color.

Make it comfortable

Another way to upgrade your deck is to make it more comfortable. This can be done by adding cushions to chairs, placing rugs on the floor, or adding awnings or umbrellas for shade. Making your deck more comfortable will make it a more enjoyable place to relax and entertain guests.

Outdoor fabrics are a great way to add comfort and style to your deck. They are durable and can withstand the elements. Look for fabrics that are fade-resistant and mildew-resistant.

Add an Outdoor Lighting System

An excellent way to make your deck look like an outdoor oasis is by adding an outdoor lighting system. Many types of deck lights are available, including solar lights, string lights, and conventional fixtures. You can use lights of any kind as long as they are placed in an appropriate location.

Place lights on posts around the deck. Place lights on the underside of the deck, so they shine out. You can stagger the lights, so they don’t all come on simultaneously and create too much light. You can also use different colored lights to create an oasis at any time of the year.

Or you can install a dimmer switch to adjust the amount of light coming from the lights. If you want to add some privacy to your deck, you can also add colored light bulbs.

Install a Pergola or Awning

A pergola or awning is another excellent way to make your deck look like an oasis. A pergola is an overhang built above the deck. You can add a pergola to any size deck, but it is best for larger decks. A pergola is an excellent choice for decks that do not get a lot of sunlight.

An awning is a smaller structure that attaches to a deck. You can install an awning on any size deck. An awning provides shade on your deck, which is perfect for sunny days. A pergola or awning can be designed to fit your style, or you can also find pre-made models that suit every taste and budget.

Add Shading Elements

If you live in a warm climate, add some shading elements to your deck so it can be used year-round. If you don’t want to build an awning or pergola, you can also use plants to provide shade. You can also build a deck that is partially covered with a roof.

If you don’t want to build a covered deck, you can also use a retractable roof. Retractable roofs are a great way to provide shade on a deck and are easy to open and close. You can also use blinds to provide shade and privacy on your deck.

Another way to add shade to your deck is to add a brick walkway leading to it. You can choose bricks that are dark in color, which will help them absorb the sun’s rays and keep the deck cooler.

Add privacy

If you live in a neighborhood with close houses or lots of foot traffic, consider adding some privacy to your deck. This can be done by planting trees or shrubs around the deck's perimeter, hanging curtains or blinds, or installing lattice panels.

Adding privacy will make your deck feel like a personal oasis where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors without feeling like you're on display. The seating area should be placed in a way that offers the most privacy, such as against a wall or fence.

Build a Deck Water Feature

A water feature is a great way to add relaxation and ambiance to your deck. You can choose from various water features, including fountains, ponds, and waterfalls.

Fountains

Fountains are available in a variety of sizes and styles. They can be placed on the ground or mounted on a wall. Fountains can be made of stone, metal, or glass.

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Ponds are a great way to add a natural element to your deck. You can buy pre-formed ponds or build your own. Ponds can be placed on the ground or built into the deck.

Hot Tub

A hot tub is another type of water feature that can be added to a deck. Hot tubs come in a variety of sizes and styles. They can be placed on the ground or built into the deck.

Maintain Your Wooden Deck

Now that you’ve built the deck of your dreams, you need to maintain it to keep it looking like an oasis. A wooden deck requires a little bit of maintenance each season.

First, you want to clear the boards of leaves and debris. If you have a covered deck, invest in a leaf blower to remove leaves and other debris. You can also use a rake to clear your deck of leaves.

Next, you want to seal your deck each season. You can either hire someone or buy the materials and do it yourself. The sealant will protect the wood and keep it looking new.

Finally, you will want to clean your deck with water and a non-toxic deck cleaner. Regularly cleaning your deck will keep it looking new and prevent stains from forming.

Research your Options Before You Build

Before you go out and start building a deck, you will want to do some research first.

You’ll want to find out how much it costs to build a deck of a specific size. You may find that a smaller deck aligns with your budget. You’ll also want to know about any permits you may need for your deck.

You may need a permit if your deck is more than a certain size or within a certain distance from your property line. You’ll also want to think about who will build your deck.

If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, you can hire a contractor to build your deck. If you want to do it yourself, purchase a do-it-yourself deck-building kit or find a contractor to let you do some of the work yourself.

Conclusion

A wooden deck can be the perfect place to relax while enjoying the great outdoors. While building a deck may seem like a big project, it can be easier to make than an inside addition.

You have to choose the right location, decide your deck size, and find suitable materials. Once your deck is built, you can relax and enjoy the oasis you’ve created.

You can transform your wooden deck into an inviting and relaxing oasis with a few simple upgrades. By adding color, comfort, lighting, privacy, and low-maintenance features, you can create a space that you and your guests will enjoy for years to come.