Sitting outside and enjoying the weather is relaxing when temperatures are pleasant. If your deck or patio doesn’t feel inviting and you want to make improvements, here are several deck and patio ideas to make your outdoor living space more appealing.
Deck and Patio Ideas for Summer
There are many ways to create a functional and enjoyable deck, porch, courtyard, or patio. These ideas are simple and effective, so any homeowner can put them to use.
Deck and Patio Ideas: Build a Firepit
A firepit is an excellent addition to the backyard or deck. Whether you want to roast marshmallows and hot dogs over a fire or relax and enjoy the company of friends, family, and neighbors, a fire pit creates a warm and welcoming environment.
Spend a weekend building your fire pit from materials found at a home improvement store. Alternatively, purchase a pre-made fire bowl, propane-powered fire table, or chiminea from a garden center or online.
Add Shade with a Pergola
It can get hot quickly during the summertime. One way to reduce your exposure to the sun is with a pergola. This classic structure doesn’t offer full shade, but the overhead latticework provides filtered light and a more comfortable outdoor environment. Add vines or hanging plants to the pergola to create more shade.
Use Planters
Adding plants – like colorful flowers and hanging baskets of greenery – creates a welcoming environment on the deck, porch, or patio. Purchase and install deck-railing boxes to grow flowers or herbs. Create a container garden on a sunny patio, and include vegetables and herbs you can use in the kitchen. Cherry tomatoes grow well in pots, as do many kitchen herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
Add Privacy with a Living Wall
If you love your patio or deck but need a little more privacy from your neighbors, consider building a living wall with wooden slats and planter boxes. A living wall offers the privacy you desire and creates a place to surround yourself with plants and greenery. To reduce the cost of building a wall, repurpose pallets you can often find for free from local businesses.
These deck and patio ideas are just the beginning. Create an attractive and functional space to relax and unwind outdoors.
Dave Holt Home Inspections provides inspection services in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.