Spring has come at last and summer is around the corner in Northern Colorado, so the time is ripe to make sure your backyard deck is ready for the warmer months. And if you don’t have a deck, that’s where a Fort Collins deck installation expert team can help you turn your outdoor areas into a prime hangout.
For your existing deck, where should you begin? Getting your deck and outdoor areas “ready” is primarily concerned with making sure your outdoor furniture is undamaged and able to withstand another season, ensuring the deck itself will be durable enough to host guests, and tidying up your outdoor spaces. The overarching theme of deck prep is you and your guests’ comfort. Going over your equipment (i.e. grills, outdoor lighting, fire pits, etc.) will help you make plans for when the weather gets hot and clue you in on which types of events you can host at your home.
Spring Deck Preparation Tips
Whether you plan on hosting large bar-be-ques on your backyard deck or simply want a place to sit and enjoy the sunshine, there are several considerations you should make before summer kicks off in earnest:
- Look for signs of rot
Look for signs of rot such as soft spots, discoloration, the splintering of the wood, and loose boards. Do a thorough inspection of your deck surface to find and replace all or part of the wooden boards that are rotten. You can always hire a trusted deck installation company to do necessary updates to maintain your deck’s safety.
If you’re still looking for new deck installation, you won’t have to worry about rot right away. Consider which materials you’re using for your deck. Pressure-treated pine wood, for example, isn’t as susceptible to rot as a natural redwood deck.
- A fun deck is a clean deck
Before you do anything else, clean your backyard deck. Go through whatever clutter you have on your deck and wash the surface. If you have a wooden deck, power wash in cooler months to avoid putting stress on your deck wood. After you’ve washed your wooden surface, consider re-staining the deck if it looks like the protective layer has flaked or been damaged since last summer. If you have a deck made from faux-wood or most other materials, you won’t have to worry about staining. For more deck clean-up steps, click here.
- Add color and light
Adding a splash of color is a great way to spruce up your deck for a new season. Rather than painting the deck itself, restrict your painting to deck chairs, furniture, etc. A fresh coat of paint on your deck chairs will make them look good as new.
Another addition that is sure to bring any backyard deck party to life is outdoor lighting. Depending on your property, bringing lights to your deck could be as easy as running an extension cord outside. For more elaborate light set-ups, you’ll need to install power outlets or lines to your deck. For more on color and lighting, click here.
- Create shade
Summers in Northern Colorado can be hot, and the sun is intense at this elevation. Consider where and how to place shady areas throughout your outdoor areas. There are, of course, infinite ways to create shade, but the most popular are wide umbrellas (which can be moved and placed in other sunny spots as needed), canopies, or curtains. Curtains work well on roofed patios to keep the inside cooler and the insects out.
For a more permanent option, consider having your deck installers add on a shaded area to your deck.
- Use nature
Another consideration that might be difficult to visualize in winter is the use of plants to add decoration and function to your outdoor gatherings. Planting fragrant and colorful flowers is sure to wow your guests and add a sense of comfort to your cookout. Plants can also be used to repel pesky insects like mosquitoes. The best plants to keep mosquitoes away are marigolds, lavender, and catnip (although you might replace your mosquito problem with a cat problem).
Adding a Backyard Deck
Cleaning, repairing, and setting up your deck will ensure that your outdoor parties have the perfect setting all summer. Adding a deck is an investment that pays for itself in entertainment and outdoor comfort for years to come. If you’re thinking of adding a brand-new deck to your home, consider contacting Altitude Fence and Deck, Fort Collins deck installation experts who have improved home outdoor areas in Northern Colorado for years.