Having an outdoor deck is a lovely addition to any Portland, Oregon home. It is a great space for entertaining, enjoying your morning coffee, and a fun place for children to play. But with that beautiful deck comes maintenance. With summer quickly arriving, it’s time to think of ways to revive your deck so that you will be ready to host some summer get-togethers with your friends and family. Bluenote Painting has a few tips to help you get your deck summer ready.
Let’s start with some of the more difficult maintenance items that may require a professional:
Repairs
If your deck is looking not only shabby, but also a little dangerous, it is time to check for needed deck repairs. Walk over the boards, check for loose nails, and note any places that need to be repaired or replaced. While painting a deck may seem like the quickest solution, it will only temporarily cover up the problems with your deck. Be sure that the deck is in solid condition before moving on to any other upgrades.
Wash and Refinish
Pressure washing your deck is one of the best ways to give it a clean look. There are a few steps that need to be taken before you hire a professional for pressure washing. First, scrape off any exterior wood stain or deck paint. Scrub the surface well and apply cleaner. Once the deck is completely dry, you can add an exterior wood stain all over. This project may take a few weekends in order to allow drying time.
Now that you’ve had a professional come by and take care of the less exciting work of repairing and refinishing your deck, it is time to really get it party-ready:
Create a Meeting Place
Decide if you want your deck to be a place to lounge or if you want an outdoor dining room. Built in benches and a coffee table are great choices for casual gatherings. A patio dining set can be fun when you’re ready to host outdoor dinner parties. Use your exterior house colors as an inspiration for your color choices.
Add Fun Lighting
Whether you want to string lights around your railing or from the trees or want to invest in outdoor lighting schemes, this element is essential to creating ambience in an outdoor deck space.
Don’t Forget the Plants
It may be easy to forget to add some beautiful plants to your deck. While the front of your home may be landscaped, the deck deserves some love, too. Choose bright potted plants that serve a function, like repelling bugs and mosquitos.
Whether your deck needs some pressure washing, major repairs, or just a new coat of exterior wood stain, Bluenote Painting has the professionals to help make your deck safe and beautiful before the summer season. Give us a call to see how we can help you create the perfect party spot on your beautiful deck.
