3 Deck and Patio Ideas to Improve Your Outdoor Space

Springtime is right around the corner and it’s time to get your deck and patio ready for use. After neglecting the space over the colder months, you may think that some upgrades are in order. Here are some deck and patio ideas to improve privacy, light it up, and cook your meals outdoors.

Deck and Patio Ideas to Add Privacy

It’s more comfortable to spend time relaxing on your property when you have privacy from neighbors. Here are some ways to add privacy to your deck or patio while maintaining an attractive space.

Living Privacy Wall

A privacy wall or fence is the most effective measure to block the view next door, but a blank surface can feel sparse or boring. Bring it to life by adding plants. Install shelves on the wall to hold planters or train vines to grow up the wall. You could also add built-in planters to a wooden fence. Choose plants with colorful blooms to maximize the visual appeal.

Deck and Patio Ideas with Curtains

Hang curtains that are specifically designed for the outdoors to add shade and privacy to your outdoor space. You can open and close them as you wish and change out the weight of the curtains based on the season. If your outdoor area doesn’t have a roof or beam to hang them from, use strong wire tied to posts to hang the curtains.

Bushes and Trees

Planting bushes and trees around your deck and patio is an investment in your property that will provide more privacy as they grow over the years. Be sure to choose the right type of plant for your property and your region, and don’t plant them too close to your house. Evergreen shrubs are always a great option for greenery year-round.

Deck and Patio Ideas for Outdoor Lighting

You’ll enjoy your deck or patio more if it is well-lit at night. Here are some different options for outdoor lighting.

String Lights

String lights on a deck or patio provide a festive atmosphere and illuminate the space evenly. There are unlimited styles and colors of lights to choose from and most are quite affordable. Pairing string lights with curtains is a popular look. If you don’t have a power source on your deck or patio, look for solar or battery-powered options.

Solar Lights

Solar lights are perfect for an outdoor space without a power source that gets sunlight in the daytime. They come in many styles, from string lights to pathway lights to mounted lights. Solar lights turn on automatically at dusk, so you don’t need to mess with cords or a hard-to-reach switch.

Hardwired Lights

You can also hardwire lights into your deck or patio. To do this safely and properly, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician. Bollard lights are a stylish option that provide a modern aesthetic.

Ways to Cook Outdoors

If you would like to add more activities to your outdoor space, set up a place for cooking outdoors. Cooking out is a great way to gather with friends and family.

Charcoal Grill

A charcoal grill is a popular standard for many people. Charcoal loyalists swear that the flavor of cooking over charcoal is superior to gas flames. A charcoal grill does take longer to get fired up and charcoal is a more expensive fuel than gas.

Gas Grill

Gas grills are the most popular types of grills in the U.S. People appreciate the convenience of turning on the flames with just the flip of a switch. You can use propane or hook your grill up to a natural gas line.

Smoker

Smoking meat is a hobby that many people consider an art form. Traditional smokers require building a fire inside the appliance and monitoring and feeding it for hours to achieve a consistent temperature. Today, there are also digital pellet smokers that take the work out of the operation; you just set it and forget it. With either option, you’ll enjoy the result of smoking your own meats. Esham Inspections provides home inspection services to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Southern Delaware. Contact us to schedule an appointment.