subject: Great New Ways To Use Your Deck [print this page] If the only things on your deck are a BBQ and three plastic chairs that you scored in an end of summer sale at your local home store then it is obviously not being used to its best effect. Here are some ideas for sprucing up your deck to make the most of every second you spend outdoors.
Al Fresco Dining Room
If dining is what you desire then obviously a good table has to take center stage. What that table looks like will depend very much on how many people you intend to entertain as well as personal aesthetic preference.
A quaint little bistro set looks great on a deck but if big family dining is a regular occurrence in your house then a bigger table, possibly with leaves for when extra guests pop by, is a better way to go.
The Getaway
Sick of being banished to the basement to watch the baseball game? Why not take your downtime to the deck instead?
These days things that were once only considered as in home luxuries are making their way outdoors. Stereos, telephones and, yes, there are even TVs on the market that are weatherproof. Replace your plastic patio furniture with something a little comfier and, in the summer months at least, your deck could end up replacing your living room as relaxation central at the weekend.
Party HQ
If outdoor entertaining is really your thing, why not invest a few dollars on tweaking your deck to turn it into a real party headquarters? Outdoor wet bars are very much in vogue these days, as are outdoor fireplaces, which are a great way to extend the summer party season all the way through fall.
Sleep Under the Stars
Love the idea of sleeping outdoors but have no desire to deal with all the hassles of camping? Many homeowners are turning to clever deck designers and having sleeping nooks built right onto their decks. Not bare-bones camp bed style either but comfortable screened off areas with all the comforts of the bedroom they have indoors.
A Kids Paradise
You hear it all the time the kids of today should be getting up from in front of the TV and getting outside to exercise and get some fresh air. A great idea, but these days who wants their children to roam too far out of sight, especially the younger ones?
That is why those deck builders are striking again and incorporating built in sandboxes and wading pools into their plans. Add a little more sturdy than usual patio furniture and, with any luck, your kids will be happy to turn off the video games and stay outside all summer.
