10 Ideas to Make Your Deck the Envy of the Neighborhood

A deck is a great way to enjoy your backyard and whether you are a new deck owner or you have had one for a while, a few accessories or add-ons will take it up a notch. If you are looking for a way to do this then take a look at our list of 10 ideas to make your deck the envy of the neighborhood. Whether you like to entertain or just enjoy the outside by yourself, these ideas are gold!

Idea #1: Set out torches

There is nothing out there that can set the mood like some torches. They don’t have to be any specific kind of torches, just something. Whether it is an actual open flame or an electric torch it will do a spectacular job at setting the mood and will give you enough light to enjoy your evening. One fun thing you can do is to use some old glass bottles. If you fill up the bottom half of the bottle with sand and the rest of it with Tiki torch fluid, you can send a wick down inside the bottle and have a nice torch. (Be safe and follow all safety precautions listed on the torch fluid bottle when doing this)

Idea #2: Set up a hammock

Hammocks can be a relaxing way to enjoy a warm evening. There is nothing better than lying in a soft slow hammock and they are great accessories for you deck. You can pick one up at a department store or online for a pretty inexpensive price. So, not matter the budget, you can enjoy one without much to0 much trouble. There are some hammocks that are free standing and some that anchor to the sides of the deck; there are also jumbo hammocks you can find on some specialty websites and at some stores if you want a large one for more than one person.

Idea #3: Buy some games

Games are a great way to spend some time outside. There are plenty of games that are made to be left outside even in adverse weather. You see, you can get yourself a nice chess set or a checkers set, cards, and all sorts of other fun games to play on your deck by yourself or with a friend. It is a great way to turn that outside space into an entertaining area. Mix that with the torches and the hammock and you are already halfway to having the most desired deck in the world.

Idea #4: Get a hot tub

Hot tubs are amazing additions to any deck for a number of reasons. They have some awesome health benefits, they are a great way to relax, and they are just fun. Hot tubs can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices so it all comes down to your budget and the room you have on your deck. You can get one that sits beside the deck or you can get one that is set on the deck— whatever works best for you.

Idea #5: Sit around a fire pit

There are few things as fun and alluring as a nice campfire. You can find nice fire pits or make your own as well for your deck. They are a fun way to spend an evening. It doesn’t matter if you want to roast marshmallows or just watch as the flames dance hypnotically, having a fire pit is a great way to end the day. You can put on one the deck or beside it, just be sure that if you put the fire on the deck that you separate the deck from the flames with some sort of metal plate.

Idea #6: Put your toes in a pit of sand

Warm sand is the epitome of a fun day at the beach. But, if you don’t live near a beach then you will have to find another way to enjoy that feeling. One way to do that is to set up a sandpit on your deck. You can buy fine sand like you find at the beach and put it in a wooden box on your deck just to sink your feet into. You can just make a box and set it on top of the deck, or you can have a hole cut into the deck and lower the sandbox down until its edge is flush with the floor. Either way, you can easily transport the pleasure of the beach to your deck and make it all the more enjoyable!

Idea #7: Watch a movie on a projector

A great movie is a fun way to spend an evening and there is no better way to enjoy a movie than with a projector on the side of your house. If you can swing it, a projected movie is one of the best ways you can use your deck.

Idea #8: Build a slide

Slides are fun for all ages. Whether it is a massive steep monster slide or a short slow one to get you from one place to another, slides are just fun. If your deck is raised above the lawn a slide would be a great way to get from one to the other. You can build your own slide or buy prebuilt slide pieces, but be sure that it is built to code and built safely. It is probably best to have the help of a contractor if it is taller than 4 or 5 feet to make sure that it is built to be safe.

Idea #9: Put out exercise mats

Exercise mats are great for yoga, martial arts, and various other activities and they can easily be used out on the deck. This way you can enjoy your hobbies in the great outdoors, but still with the privacy of your own backyard. There is nothing better than the physical exercise in the open air. However, if you just want a place to lie comfortably outside, these mats would work as well and may even be less expensive than a hammock. If you plan to use your mats on a regular basis outside then you will want to make sure they are weatherproof so they can be outside in adverse weather (not that you should be out there on the mats in that weather, but rather so you can store them outside). Also, make sure that your mat is dry before you use it so that you don’t slip and hurt yourself. If you can, also get slip proof mats. These will give you added traction so you don’t slip.

Idea #10: Enjoy a garden plot

Gardening is a hobby that a ton of people enjoy and it can be one that you do on your deck if you want to as well. You see, gardening in planter boxes is not only popular nowadays, but it is convenient for the gardener as well. With planter boxes you can raise them up to a more comfortable height. Not to mention you can customize the soil you use so that you aren’t stuck with the natural soil of your back yard. Gardening has proved to be a great hobby for those looking to relax, to save a little money, or just want to eat healthier. If this is something you want to do, then be sure to head down to the nearest garden store for supplies and professional advice.

Just remember, these are just the start. You don’t have to just use the ideas on this list. There are quite a few more things you can do with your deck but we don’t have space for them all here. If you are still looking for awesome ideas for your deck, keep looking, there are lots more where these came from.

You see, we at the Hughes Group love homes. It doesn’t matter if you want to buy, sell, or just upgrade your home, we are here to help. Call us today for any real estate advice what so every. We are here to help you with anything.