Your backyard deck is bursting with untapped potential.
Reimagine your outdoor entertaining, common areas, and backyard design. Rediscover the joy of drinking morning coffee on the deck. Enjoy higher property values and enhanced curb appeal too!
There’s just one problem: your deck has seen better days.
Thankfully, restoration breathes new life into crumbling decks. Pressure washing, how to clean cedar decking, staining, water sealing, and more techniques restore decks back to new. You could even build a sustainable deck from scratch.
Is DIY the best way to go?
Here are five signs you need a deck restoration service instead.
1. A Deck Restoration Service Can Fix a Lifetime of Neglect
There are only 24 hours in a day. You’re not the only homeowner who let deck maintenance slip through the cracks.
However, several years of neglect is quite the project. The workload alone can take months on a DIY schedule.
Expect the following damage:
- Rotted wood
- Brittle, sun-damaged deck boards
- Deck post erosion
- Faded deck coloring
- Termites
- Saltwater exposure
- Gaps between deck boards
- Weak and warped boards
- Mold and mildew
If most of the deck boards are rotted out, you’ll need a full replacement. The same applies to termite-damaged wood. You probably shouldn’t walk on your deck at that point.
If most of the deck boards are bone-dry (and termite-free), there’s still hope.
A deck restoration service can perform the following repairs:
- Pressure washing
- Re-staining
- water sealing
- Lattice skirting
- Sanding
- Re-nailing
- Board replacements
- Wood fillers for gaps
Cement decks are even easier to restore after years of abandonment. As long as the building material is intact, all you need is a good pressure washing. Restoration services also repair cracks, discoloration, and surface-level crazing.
2. You’re Selling Your Home
The home-selling process is a neverending series of hard choices.
Is it really worth restoring your deck?
Look at surrounding home values and layouts. If most neighbors have decks or comparable upgrades, it’s worth restoring your deck for a higher asking price.
Suppose you’re selling a coastal property. A brand new deck could drive up the asking price for the house. Decks are also valuable upgrades for lakeside homes.
Share your concerns with a deck restoration expert. An experienced professional will suggest the best decking materials, styles, and surface treatment for your goals. DeckGuru offers some great insight into whether you can even stain your current deck, leading to more decisions.
A new deck would look fantastic in your home listing too!
3. Green Your Deck
Are you working toward a completely sustainable home?
Wood decks serve a critical purpose in green design.
For starters, wood itself is a sustainable building material. Wood fibers are renewable, producing over 3 million tons of recycled wood products annually.
However, you can’t assume every wood panel is sustainable. Look for lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC.) You could also hire a sustainable deck contractor who only works with eco-friendly materials.
For example, a deck restoration expert may suggest a bamboo deck for a minimalist home. A modern home may need a long-lasting aluminum deck, which doesn’t emit VOCs.
Other sustainable alternatives include:
- Reclaimed wood
- Cedar decking
- Treated lumber
- Vinyl material
- Thermal-pressed panels
- Wood fiber composite
- Recycled plastic
Do you want to create a rainbow effect with your wood panels?
A restoration contractor will customize your deck with a variety of wood species, alternating among mahogany, pine, and black cherry panels.
Decks also receive plenty of sunlight, creating the ideal environment for gardens.
Install planters and garden equipment on your decks for herb and veggie patches. Even foxgloves, hosta, ferns, and more shade plants can flourish in the dark areas of the deck.
4. Bring Back Summer
Do you miss nostalgic summers on the deck?
Summers are even better by the pool!
Instead of letting the old deck languish away, upgrade your decking to enhance your pool design.
Poolside decks accommodate more people, seating area, and activities. Guests can enjoy having their belongings close without worrying about them getting wet. Plus, decks offer more possibilities for live entertainment, food, and dancing.
Measure your ideal deck beforehand. You need enough room for the following summer party decor:
- Deck lounge chairs
- Table umbrellas
- Tiki torches
- Fire pits
- Heating lamps
- Warming coal pits
- Potted plants
- Plant lattice
- Waterfalls and fountains
- Hearths
If your property rests on the beach, maximize the space under your deck. You could attach curtains underneath to enclose the space, creating more privacy. Maritime wall decor would look great in the background too.
Talk to a deck restoration expert about your dreams for summer. They can help you pick out the right materials, colors, and accents for summer experiences.
5. Create Exciting Culinary Experiences
Like the kitchen, your backyard hosts memorable experiences around food.
Elevated decks make memories possible by accommodating more cooking appliances. Without decks, guests aren’t located at a safe distance away from hot grills and smokers.
You can host multiple grills, as well! Decks are perfect for cooking contests, large cookouts, family reunions, and even cooking glasses. Install a large fire pit, and host toasty s’more parties around the fire too.
Decks also accommodate the following outdoor appliances:
- Outdoor stoves
- Side burners
- Outdoor sinks and dishwashers
- Pizza ovens
- Refrigerators
- Counters with drawers
This type of deck requires serious customization. Research top deck contractors to turn your deck into a dream outdoor kitchen. Professionals can install counters and appliances directly into the deck.
Enjoy Your Deck Again
Your deck doesn’t have to be a burden. Create new experiences with the help of a deck restoration service.
Magical summer memories, eco-friendly possibilities, high home values, unsightly neglect, and dream home goals are just a few reasons to hire an expert.
Discover even more inspiration for your projects. The blog is packed with the latest trending topics and tips!