Decks are a beloved and celebrated tradition in American residential architecture. Brand-new, high-quality outdoor patio areas will boost the value and aesthetics of your home, extend your living space, and give you a unique place to relax with your family and friends.

If you’re one of the thousands of American homeowners that have added decks to their home construction this year or are thinking about doing so, you might be interested in learning more about the newest decorating trends in outdoor patio décor.

Whether you use your outdoor construction primarily for barbecues and family gatherings, or for quiet mornings alone drinking coffee in the mornings or wine in the evenings, here are some of the most popular ideas for decorating decks in 2018.

First Things First: Make Sure Your Deck Is in Top Condition

Before you begin decorating your space, exterior remodeling maintenance will help you ensure it’s in perfect condition. If you have broken boards or areas affected by water damage now is the time to rectify those problems before decorating over them.

Dead leaves and other debris can work their way into your decking over the cooler months too, so a thorough cleaning before decorating is always a good idea. A high-pressure, power wash followed by a scrub with an outdoor cleaning product can help your construction look like new.

For homeowners with newer, modern constructions made with fiberglass or other high-performance building materials, these high-quality products will make maintenance less of a priority. In those instances, all that’s necessary for cleaning is a light sweep to remove dust and debris, and a quick splash with the water hose to get your space in tip-top shape for decorating.

Research Which Furniture Suits Your Needs and Tastes

The way that you plan on using your outdoor area will influence the type of furniture you’ll want to include to complement your décor. You’ll also want to consider the style of your home’s existing exterior style to determine the aesthetics of your summer patio.

Large, weather-proof tables and chair sets are essential if you’re hoping to host large parties and gatherings on your deck over the summer. If you’re planning on using your outdoor space as a personal area for sunbathing and relaxing, you might want to skip large dining sets and party-style seating and look for cozy, comfortable furniture designed for a smaller number of guests. Chaise lounges and hammocks are nice touches for creating a peaceful, quiet vibe for ultimate relaxation, rest, and privacy in your patio area.

When Choosing Décor, Consider Shade and Light

Whether you’re planning on adding a roof or investing in umbrellas, it’s important to think about the amount of shade you’ll need to properly enjoy your summer
patio.

This step is sometimes overlooked by homeowners and figuring out how to take care of shade after having already decorated is a tough task. Some homeowners decide to go with a roof or awning over the area to make sure they’ll be able to enjoy their space throughout the day, while others use adjustable umbrellas that can be moved along with the sun, and finally, some
will simply utilize the surrounding trees for ample sun protection.

Plan Your Approach to Railings

When decorating, remember to think about your railings too. This relatively small detail can transform the way that your outdoor construction looks and functions, and help to keep you and your family safe from any accidental trips or falls.

Cable railings are a popular option at the moment because they are easy to maintain. Cable railings won’t block any of your views or the light coming onto your patio. More traditional options can give your outdoor area a classic feel too, such as wooden boarding or metal spindles.

Think About Lighting

The right lighting can create a magical feeling in the nighttime while also making your area safer for you and your guests. To start planning, we recommend that you sketch out a quick drawing to begin planning out where lights will be located.

This is a fun exercise because you can really think outside of the box. Lighting doesn’t have to be restricted to overhead areas. Instead, think about incorporating lighting into the railings or steps for a softer effect.

In addition to the location and type of lighting, you will need, think how those lights are going to be powered. Solar-powered lights are a simple option for outdoor lighting. LED or string lights might be more complicated to install, but could provide a more reliable source of light.

Find the Right Remodeling Company

If you’re interested in adding a deck on your property, finding the right company you can trust to deliver top-quality construction is an essential part of the process.

At Tundraland, we’ve constructed countless Wisconsin outdoor constructions since 2009. We’ve built a name for ourselves as one of the leading home improvement companies in the area, and we’d love to speak with you about making your dreams for a beautiful summer patio a reality—at a price you can afford.

With our new summer sale going on right now at Tundraland, now’s the perfect time to get the deck of your dreams for a low, affordable price. Contact us to learn more about our summer offer on brand-new outdoor patio installations, and how you can get two free Brewer’s tickets and a beautiful new gas grill for free with your one-day installation from Tundraland.

For more information about our exclusive summer savings on installation, give us a call now or fill out our online form to schedule a free, in-home quote.