Spring Deck Ideas: Top Tips to Dress Up Your Deck

As all of nature seems to burst into bloom, lunch on the deck or an afternoon in the hammock becomes all the more appealing. But, if you’re like many homeowners, you’ll find pollen dusting your patio tabletop, leaves covering the back corner of the deck, and the location of your sectional couch cushions eluding you.

Now’s the time to turn this less-than-appealing scene into something curb-appeal-worthy!

Take time now to renew and refresh your deck for the new season. Use these top outdoor decorating ideas for springtime to get your deck in tip-top shape.

Deck Ideas That Welcome Spring

First, start with the most fun part of a refresh: dreaming! Browse your favorite online sites for inspiration. Check out some design ideas from the 2021 HGTV Dream House, such as:

• Cultivate a corner for reading and relaxing with a comfy chair or hammock. You don’t need to go for elaborate furnishings — just create a spot you’ll love!
• Open up a view with a railing designed to fade into your surroundings. Sleek mesh railings allow your deck to blend seamlessly with your environment.
• Lengthen your deck time with low lights after the sunsets. Hang up string lights for a festive touch. Use stair lights to highlight the path to the next level. Install recessed soffit lights to brighten your under-deck space. Blogger Alison Victoria recommends creating an under-deck living space with Trex RainEscape as one of her five favorite outdoor living trends for 2021. Turn the area into a screened porch, a dining or entertainment space, or add pavers out to a gazebo.

Add a Pop of Color

The HGTV Dream Home features bright color to make your outdoor living space really pop. Add throw pillows or a cozy soft throw for cool evenings and instantly infuse the space with vibrant hues. Turquoise, teal, blue, red, and mint are on-trend this spring.

The retro mid-century decor is also popular. Go for patterns and a color scheme with aquas and oranges that make it feel like you’re stepping back into the 1960s. Home décor such as outdoor rugs and painted side tables can make the space feel unified and complete.

If you’d like a more natural look, use landscaping and beautiful blooms to add color to your deck. Whether you prefer potted plants, a vertical garden, or a wall of greenery, spring hues will create an instantly inviting space. If you have a pergola, climbing vines such as clematis will grow quickly. Succulents also continue to be popular — adding subtle color and shape without a lot of maintenance.

Firepit or Fire Table

While the nights are still cool, add a fire pit or fire table on or near your deck. Both can warm up your outdoor living space and serve as a beautiful focal point.

While everyone loves the idea of a firepit, avoid putting a heat source directly on your decking boards. Did you know that a fire pit can reach temperatures of 800°F? Create a thermal barrier with a product such as DeckProtect, which uses flameproof basalt rock-fiber insulation. Further, do not use a wood-burning firepit, as embers can escape and land on your deck boards, causing damage or even a fire.  

For a firepit alternative, Trex Outdoor Fire & Water offers several choices that are safe for decks:

• Fire pots help define boundaries in outdoor spaces and create a warm, natural ambience.
• Fire tables invite friends to enjoy the warmth and mesmerizing glow of flame.

Outdoor Bar

If you enjoy entertaining friends and family, an outdoor bar can be an easy addition to your deck. If you’re going for a high-end experience, you may need to install a water source. However, if you’d rather keep it casual, pull out a waterproof cart stocked with favorite drinks.

Outdoor kitchens are also wonderful additions. With space for grilling and cooking, you can enjoy dining al fresco just steps away from your prep station.

Deck Care: Re-Staining?

Spring is a perfect time to see whether it’s time to re-stain. Don’t just rely on your eyes because this is not just an aesthetics question. Stain with sealant also protects and helps to waterproof your boards. To see if your deck needs stain, pour water on the deck boards. If the water beads up, you can probably wait. If not, break out the stain and rollers.

When applying stain, choose one with a sealant that includes UV filters. A professional product will protect your deck wood against mold, mildew, insects, warping, and weathering.

Spring is also a good time to visually inspect your deck for signs of damage, such as discolored or spongy boards, rotting, splitting, or mold. If something seems amiss, talk to a professional inspector to find out if it’s time for a new deck. Decks are a remodel choice that offers a high return on investment.

Furniture & Seating

Outdoor furniture and seating are essential ways to express your style on the deck. If you don’t already have built-in seating, choose pieces that complement your home and your lifestyle. Wooden slat patio furniture offers a more rustic look but will likely require extra care. Metal furnishings can be more versatile but less comfortable. Use your imagination to envision what’s possible. Don’t just limit yourself to a couple of chairs. Hang a DIY porch swing, summer pallet bed swing, or a hammock. Find what works for you!

Spring is finally here! Whether you go for a simple update or a full makeover, make your deck blossom with style.

“The first blooms of spring always make my heart sing.” — S. Brown.