Dress up your Deck

With spring in full swing, it’s time to get back to outdoor living. Here are a few ways that you can update your deck to create a perfect place to entertain, relax, and enjoy life outdoors.

Decking takes a beating due to normal wear and exposure to the elements. Eventually, the deck boards will need to be replaced. That may sound like a lot of work, but look at it this way: As long as the underlying structure is sound, laying down new decking is like getting a whole new deck without having to rebuild everything.
These days, you have a lot of choices in decking. If you like the look of natural wood, you can choose cedar or redwood. For a wood look at a budget price, use pressure-treated decking, and then apply deck stain. You can also choose composite for a different look or to reduce maintenance. Composite decking is available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials.

Whatever decking you choose, make it look better and last longer by using hidden fasteners instead of driving nails or screws through the surface of the deck boards. The Kreg Deck Jig™ is one great way lay down fastener-free decking.

One of the best ways to make your deck more functional is to add storage to keep the items you need close at hand but protected from the elements when they’re not in use. A deck storage box is a great option since they often double as extra seating.Rather than settle for the plastic storage boxes in stores, you can create your own deck storage box. It’s easy to do using dimensional lumber and your Kreg Jig®. (Just remember, you’ll want to use coated or stainless screws outdoors). Plus, building a deck storage box lets you customize it to suit your style and your space.

hough decks come in a variety of shapes and styles, most share a common feature: They have low railings that provide protection but don’t offer any privacy. That can leave you feeling like you’re on display every time you use your deck—especially if neighboring homes sit close by.You can add privacy by using lattice, tall 1×2 or 2×2 boards, or even hanging plants to create a “screen.” Any of these materials will block views enough to give you a sense of privacy and may provide a bit of shade—all without entirely blocking your view or the breeze. Thankfully, it’s not difficult to add a privacy screen to your deck.

To create the height you need for a privacy screen, you may need to extend your railing posts or add new ones. In most cases, you’ll use 4x4s and 2x material to do that, and you can attach them easily using the Kreg Jig® HD.

In addition to offering privacy, a screen will also give this area of your deck the feeling of an “outdoor room.” You can increase that by adding casual seating to create a casual conversation area. Today’s outdoor furniture and fabrics hold up to sun and weather well, and you’ll even find pillows, rugs, and other accessories designed for outdoor use

Another feature common to most decks is that there’s nothing attractive about the structure underneath. Adding screens to this area will further dress up your deck. Plus, it can make the deck feel more connected to the yard instead of feeling like the deck floats above it.

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