In North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as other Southeastern states, outdoor living is an essential component of daily life. Because this region of the country enjoys warm weather for much of the year, it’s not uncommon for families to use decks, patios, and other outdoor living areas nearly as much as they utilize the insides of their houses, particularly during long summer days! If you’re lucky enough to have a deck on your home, but you don’t feel like you have been using it as much as you could, you are sure to benefit from reading this guide. Four ways to truly take advantage of your deck all summer are detailed next.
Add lighting for the evening – Even though the sun doesn’t set until reasonably late in the evening during the summertime, you might still find yourself wishing you could stay outdoors past nine o’clock on a regular basis. Adding ambient lighting to your deck is the perfect way to fix the problem of having to go inside once the daylight is gone. There are all sorts of outdoor lights that work well on deck, including electric torches that have a tropical feel and solar light fixtures that don’t require any electricity at all. Talk to a lighting designer in your area if you’re struggling.
Create a shaded section – Another major reason why people don’t use their decks is too much sun, particularly during the afternoon hours. It can be too hot even to enjoy sitting outside and if you have young children, unsafe for babies and toddlers. The best way to combat this issue is to create a shaded section within your outdoor living space. There are several ways to do this, including an insulated patio cover, a pergola, or a three-season room. You will have to decide which option is the best fit for your family’s lifestyle.
Select comfortable seating – Modern patio and deck furniture has come a long way from the uncomfortable plastic and wicker options of past decades. Nowadays, manufacturers are creating entire outdoor living sets that resemble conventional living room furnishings. When you outfit your exterior space, think of it as a true extension of your home; consider color palettes you love, styles that make you happy, and what pieces of decor will give it a cohesive appearance with the interior of your house.
Make it multifunctional – The more uses you have for your deck, the more you will find yourself outside. If, for instance, you and your loved ones enjoy grilling, consider installing a full outdoor kitchen. If you enjoy swimming, add a pool connected to your deck. Or, if you have small children, incorporate a play area into your outdoor space so they can enjoy it too. Although some of these projects are expensive, investing in your family’s future memories is always worthwhile!
As you consider how to make your deck work better for you and your household, let the team at Hatch Homes assist you. As Carolina residents ourselves, we know that having a great space outdoors matters. Whether you already know exactly what projects you want done and just need us to tackle them for you or you need help figuring out where to even start, our crew of seasoned professionals is here for you every step of the way.