Decking and Outdoor Living

Building a deck from scratch or remodeling an existing deck with new railing? There are plenty of ways to make your wood deck or composite wood deck stand out—and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

Here's a short list of cool and unique ways to make your deck area pop without breaking the bank:

• add unique features to railing with decorative post caps or postcovers
• incorporate metal or glass baluster infills to your deck rail
• built in bench seating
• incorporate deck stone transitions
• install low-voltage or solar deck lighting
• place colorful plants on your deck and stairs
• incorporate colorful outdoor furniture
• add a portable water feature or fire bowl

...and the list goes on. Use your imagination. Have a vision and be sure to think your ideas through, then plan accordingly in order to maximize your savings. A bit of creativity will help keep costs down and allow you to put a personal touch on your outdoor decking area. Use a splash of color with flowers and fabric. Browse your local dollar store for unique and inexpensive treasures you can use to decorate your space.

Fall is the perfect time to find great deals on closeout deck railing accessories and outdoor furniture. Purchase outdoor deck furniture in the late fall as retailers do not want to keep inventory over the winter—simply browse the internet or visit your local home improvement retailer or lumber yard.

Whether you will be updating your deck or hiring a deck contractor to do it for you, there always seems to be great deck accessory deals waiting.

Check out my blog on landscaping on and around your deck.