Decks are selling points Realtors point out to prospective buyers when they are showing houses for sale. Too often those decks become repositories for toys, sports equipment, and items that don't belong in the house. It is possible to have decks that are places where the family enjoys spending time, eating alfresco, and relaxing after a hard day at work or school. You can do a deck remodeling Charles County experts say will have the whole family enjoying the outdoors, and you won't have to break the bank to do it.
No matter how well constructed your outdoor space is, it is still outdoors. Weather will eventually take a toll. If you can only do one thing to decks, experts say, it should be refinishing the wooden surface.
Even if you do not have a lot of remodeling experience, this is a project that you can tackle. The surface has to be pressure washed first, and then left alone to dry completely. After a few days, it will be safe to apply the stain.
You will need to decide between clear, penetrating, or solid stain. Penetrating stains are more labor intensive because they have to be re-coated periodically to keep them in pristine condition. On the plus side, penetrating stains don't have to be stripped before you reapply the stain like solid stains do. You will need to make sure the weather is going to stay clear for several days before you begin staining of any kind however.
If you have a space with posts and railings, they will probably begin to feel wobbly and unstable at some point. This is because they are attached to a single rim joist that flexes when there is weight against it. If your railing is unstable, you can reinforce the joists with a block screwed to them. You will feel a real difference in the stability of the railing once this job is done.
If your outdoor space is uncovered, you probably won't be using it much during the hottest times of the year. Adding an awning or canopy is pretty affordable and will make the deck much more usable. You might consider lattice work instead of a solid covering. You can plant climbing greenery over the lattice to create a cozy and natural arbor. You will enjoy grilling and eating outside much more with the addition of a cover.
If the idea of an awning does not appeal to you for some reason, you might install a moveable umbrella. This can be a good idea if you live alone and don't need to completely shade your outdoor space. All you need is some galvanized plumbing pipe straps. You mount several around the railing.
After you've got the straps secured, it's just a matter of inserting the umbrella pole until the bottom rests on the deck. You can move the umbrella as the sun moves through the day. You don't have to be an electrician to install built-in lighting on your stairs and steps. Planters built into railings will bring a touch of green to your outdoor experience.
No matter how well constructed your outdoor space is, it is still outdoors. Weather will eventually take a toll. If you can only do one thing to decks, experts say, it should be refinishing the wooden surface.
Even if you do not have a lot of remodeling experience, this is a project that you can tackle. The surface has to be pressure washed first, and then left alone to dry completely. After a few days, it will be safe to apply the stain.
You will need to decide between clear, penetrating, or solid stain. Penetrating stains are more labor intensive because they have to be re-coated periodically to keep them in pristine condition. On the plus side, penetrating stains don't have to be stripped before you reapply the stain like solid stains do. You will need to make sure the weather is going to stay clear for several days before you begin staining of any kind however.
If you have a space with posts and railings, they will probably begin to feel wobbly and unstable at some point. This is because they are attached to a single rim joist that flexes when there is weight against it. If your railing is unstable, you can reinforce the joists with a block screwed to them. You will feel a real difference in the stability of the railing once this job is done.
If your outdoor space is uncovered, you probably won't be using it much during the hottest times of the year. Adding an awning or canopy is pretty affordable and will make the deck much more usable. You might consider lattice work instead of a solid covering. You can plant climbing greenery over the lattice to create a cozy and natural arbor. You will enjoy grilling and eating outside much more with the addition of a cover.
If the idea of an awning does not appeal to you for some reason, you might install a moveable umbrella. This can be a good idea if you live alone and don't need to completely shade your outdoor space. All you need is some galvanized plumbing pipe straps. You mount several around the railing.
After you've got the straps secured, it's just a matter of inserting the umbrella pole until the bottom rests on the deck. You can move the umbrella as the sun moves through the day. You don't have to be an electrician to install built-in lighting on your stairs and steps. Planters built into railings will bring a touch of green to your outdoor experience.
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You can get valuable tips for picking a deck remodeling Charles County contractor and more information about an experienced contractor at http://www.outdoorsbyrock.com now.