After a few years, homeowners often notice their decks begin to look worn and less appealing. If you are a homeowner in the Midwest, your deck is probably one of the biggest investments you’ve ever made. However, our weather can wreak havoc on your deck and leave it looking worn, cracked, and in need of a refresh.
Minnesota Home Improvements has decades of experience bringing old, weather-worn decks back to an enjoyable outdoor area. In this article, we will teach you how to refresh and update your home’s deck.
Assess the State of Your Deck
The first step is to get a good idea of what needs to be done, you’d be surprised the difference a pressure washing has on a deck that has not been cleaned in a few years! However, if your deck needs more extensive repairs or even a replacement, you’ll want to plan. Take a walk around your deck and look for anything that needs to be fixed.
Give Your Deck a Deep Clean
Begin by removing any furniture from the deck. Clean and sweep the deck, removing any debris or dirt that may have accumulated over time. If you can, use a pressure washer to remove any stuck in or deep-rooted dirt. If you happen to see any mold or mildew, use a bleach solution to kill the growth and consider sealing the affected area with a sealant or stain.
Make Necessary Repairs
Replace wood boards that are rotting or cracked using pressure-treated lumber for longevity. Fix up any loose boards or nails as well as any broken or missing railing. You might even consider replacing old railings with something more stylish, such as metal or composite materials. If necessary, install new railings on the stairs to make them safer when going up or down.
Refresh Your Outdoor Living Space
Paint your railing in a color to match your home’s exterior design so it stands out more in photographs taken outside. Pick a color scheme that matches your home’s exterior design. Replace old, worn-out furniture with newer pieces. Add an outdoor rug to create more space for relaxing outside. Switch out your doormat for one that is weather resistant or has built-in shoe mats to keep the interior of your home clean. Once your new deck is complete, there will be a lot more traffic going in and out!
Finally, look at the landscaping around your deck, you might want to spruce up any hardscaping elements, shrubbery, or plants. If you don’t have the space for planting permanent greenery, add planters. You can even install solar lights on the railing to make it more inviting at night.
If you are unsure about what needs fixing or if any repairs need to be made to your deck, contact Minnesota Home Improvements. We specialize in decks and expanding your outdoor living environment. We can walk you through everything you need to know about your specific situation and can get you a quote on our suggestions.
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