6 Features to Add to Your Deck for Increased Value and Enjoyment

Decks are more than just extensions of houses. They offer additional protection from the elements and are versatile additions that enhance aesthetics and elevate property value. If your home comes with a deck or you plan to build one, you’d be delighted to know that there’s so much more you can do to improve your deck. Integrating innovative features into deck design can further enhance your living experience and your home’s marketability when you decide to sell it. Curious about what features you can add to your deck to achieve these perks? Wonder no more, as we’ll share six standout features that can revitalize your deck and make it an ideal spot for relaxation and entertainment.

Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area

The kitchen is one of the most vital areas of your home – it’s where you cook meals, brew your coffee, and a place where your family and friends often gather. Investment-wise, kitchen renovations offer one of the highest returns on investment (ROIs) from among your home’s living spaces. Depending on the type of kitchen renovation, the average ROI ranges from 60% to 90%, and you can recoup most of the cost! Imagine placing another kitchen on your deck. That would shoot up your home’s value! Not only that, but it’s more convenient to cook outdoors than to spend more time and effort bringing food you cook indoors outside. Such appealing benefits are highly favored in areas like Kentucky, where outdoor living thrives. Various Deck Builders Serving Oldham County, Trimble County & Louisville provide custom deck builds and renovations to integrate kitchens and dining areas. To make sure that your deck-with-kitchen construction or upgrade gets completed without a hitch, consult experienced and reputable local deck builders. They’ll provide useful tips and advice on high-quality materials to use and work with you in bringing your deck vision to life.

If you’re bringing your kitchen outdoors, why not set up a dining area there, too? Kitchens and dining areas often come in combination as perfect places for bringing family and friends together for a home-cooked meal. Include a grill, a bar with a sink, a refrigerator, or even a pizza oven to facilitate meal preparation. A dining table with tailored seating arrangements can turn your deck into the central stage for gatherings. This brings a delightful atmosphere that is hard to replicate indoors.

Integrated Lighting Solutions

Lights give life to any space, and your deck should be illuminated properly to highlight its beauty. Just because it’s located outside doesn’t mean you can make do with overhead lights only. The outdoor location of a deck makes it a perfect stage for experimenting with illumination. Consider integrating a mix of ambient and task lighting for areas that need a soft glow and for spaces where light needs to be directed. String lights create a warm glow, whereas recessed lights offer functionality for evening gatherings. Deck stair lights and under-counter deck lighting enhance the safety of your deck to make dinner and parties enjoyable after dark. For a contemporary feel, consider installing wall sconces or LED strips along the patio edges. A well-lit deck gives off an inviting aura, making it a hub for nighttime gatherings. On the real estate side, homes with excellent outdoor space illumination tend to sell faster, as good lighting racks up visual appeal, making the deck a standout feature.

Shade Solutions

Decks can do more than keep rainwater away from your home exterior. It can be a place to soak up the sun or seek shade from it. Shade solutions such as a pergola, awning, or even a retractable canopy are excellent additions that can enhance your deck’s usability. These additional features offer protection from direct sunlight and heat, allowing you to enjoy your space throughout the hot summer months. Shade elements such as awnings can also lower the temperatures of the areas underneath them, allowing for faster cooling indoors. This helps homes save energy by reducing daytime air conditioner operation

Built-in Seating and Storage

For homes with outdoor space constraints and limited deck sizes, space optimization is vital for maximizing deck usage. Built-in seating utilizes corners and wall spaces to increase space. Consider benches and ottomans with storage underneath to add storage functionality and help keep your deck clutter-free. When planning the installation of built-in seating, one should consider aesthetic appeal and functionality. The arrangement of built-in seats should encourage conversation and interaction and complement the overall aesthetics of your outdoor area, contributing visual harmony. This is an excellent concept for encouraging gatherings and maximizing comfort and visual appeal.

Fire Features

Fire pits provide warmth for your deck and draw gatherings and social interactions. Like moths drawn to the fire, people also love to gather and get cozy around a warm fire pit. Depending on whether you’re going to build or renovate a deck, you have the standalone pit and built-in fireplace as your options. Reputable deck builders can help you decide which fire pit suits your deck layout best and install it for safe use. With a fire pit in the middle of your deck, you can enjoy chats with friends and family during chilly nights and cooler months. A fire pit is a wise investment, as outdoor spaces with fire elements can give your property a value boost.

Landscaping Integration

Make your deck appear like a bridge to your outdoor landscape by integrating greenery. Planter boxes, vertical gardens, and surrounding flower beds can create a green wave of nature, inundating your outdoor living area. The sight of green and nature’s iridescence is not only refreshing but physically invigorating. The greenery surrounding your deck adds privacy, too, making it feel more secluded and intimate. Carefully chosen landscape architecture can improve overall enjoyment and create an inviting space for relaxation. Consulting a landscaper guarantees your home is properly landscaped, with your deck included. Attractively landscaped outdoor spaces fetch higher prices in the market, making this feature an essential touch.

These six transformative features are just a few options that can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your deck. Collaborate with experienced professionals to ascertain that your deck investment aligns with current market trends, maximizing enjoyment and value. By incorporating these features into your design plan, you’ll create a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor space that holds significant value for years. Look at your deck in a new light and customize it with additions that you find useful and appealing.