As the weather turns warm, we migrate out onto our decks for an afternoon in the garden. We look forward to the waft of roses and a kip in the hammock, but our reality is worn deck boards, tired furnishings and a dearth of flowers.

Now’s the time to change that! Transforming your plain deck into a lovely outdoor living space, takes just a bit of work and imagination, from pergolas to lighting to under-deck landscaping ideas. In return, you can enjoy spring and summer in style — you might even find it a perfect place for inviting over friends and family as we move out of COVID lockdown.

With these 5 DIY tips you’ll have months ahead to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

1.  Create a natural flow. If your deck abruptly ends where your lawn begins, consider how to make your garden an extension of your deck. Ease the transition with a pergola and climbing vines or some hanging baskets. Add some planters to the railings or create some built-in boxes for vegetation. Add succulents to your tabletops in some colourful pots.

Think about the area around your deck. Create a transition with patio pavers and some landscaping around the base or under the deck. Always consider good drainage, as you don’t want your under-deck to become dank and moldy.

If you’re building a new deck, consider how you might help the deck and garden flow. Sometimes building around a tree trunk might prove more appropriate than chopping down the tree.

If you’re a bird-watcher, create a space that invites the feathered friends to your garden.

• Locate feeders and birdhouses around your deck.
• Include a water source such as a bird bath or fountain.
• Strategically plant evergreens around the deck or in containers to provide a barrier against strong winds.
• Cultivate a quiet spot to sit and watch your little woodland friends.

2. Raise the bar. Make your deck a space that’s also inviting to your human friends. You can add some posh amenities or keep it simple; it just takes some attention to detail. Here are a few fun ideas:

Install an outdoor kitchen or grill. Make it easy to host a summer barbecue or birthday party. Outdoor kitchens today come with a variety of features including pizza ovens, cabinets, appliances, bars and even sinks. If that sounds too expensive, keep it simple with a push cart for drinks, a stand-alone charcoal barbecue grill, and a high-top table for dining al fresco.

Beyond eating out of doors, you might also enjoy the latest in outdoor entertainment, with a waterproof television or sound system. Prepare for autumn with a patio heater or fire table. Always be sure to protect your deck boards from any heat source, as both timber and composite decking can be damaged by high temperatures and embers.

  

3. Add a pop of colour. While you want your deck to blend with the colours of your home’s exterior, don’t fear adding something eye-catching, and even painting, instead of staining, your deck. The boards of your deck are like a blank canvas and you get to fashion it your way. Never cramp your own style!

The deck offers a perfect place to add contracting stains or to paint a faux rug. Choose an interesting stain or composite decking hue. Be sure to complement your home’s colour palette: if it’s a cool shade, go with something in a gray tone, if it’s warm, look more toward browns and tans. Browse your local home improvement store for colour samples and paint chips.

Once you’ve settled on a palette for your boards, consider the furnishings and accessories. Use pillows, lanterns and tables to add a secondary colour that is vibrant and eye-catching. Select furnishings to complement your aesthetic. If you’re handy, you might even make some a bed swing or pallet furniture

4. Make it feel like a room. Yes, your deck is an open space, but you can make it cozy. Create a natural enclosure with a wood-slat screen or outdoor curtains. Enclose a specific area and give it structure with a pergola or roof extension. Install lights and even fans above, if you have a roof.

Choose an outdoor rug to help define your space and make it feel more like your indoor living room. A garden rug may cost as little as £15 to more than £200, depending on the brand, size and material. Be sure to choose a material, such as weatherproof polypropylene – a synthetic resin — or natural hemp or jute so the rug lasts through the various seasons. Take care to maintain the rug, shaking off debris and cleaning it, according to its instructions.

As previously mentioned, the right lighting can add magic to your outdoor living space. Choose either solar or electric lights to enhance beauty and safety. If you prefer electric, be sure to build in wiring during construction or plan how to handle wires safely.

For temporary lighting, string up some Edison or fairy lights or hang lanterns. Traditional or Moroccan lanterns can add style and charm. Solar powered accents can brighten the post caps, railings or stairs for your deck.

5. Refresh and revive. Spring means spring cleaning, and that includes for your deck. Make sure to sweep or spray off any debris that has accumulated over the colder months. Not only does this make your deck look better, but it also helps protect wood from the damage of moisture trapped in the debris. Use a cleaner appropriate for your deck. If you’re using a power washer, be sure to use the right pressure and cleaning agent. Cleaning is good, damaging your deck with too high or too close a water stream is not.

With a clean deck, it’s a good time to stain or seal your board for the year ahead. A clear sealant will help protect your wood against rain, which can rot your boards.

Spring is here. Don’t waste another second in getting outdoors. Make your garden deck the oasis you desire and enjoy it all summer long!