5 Easy Tweaks to Update Your Timber Deck
These five improvements can quickly enhance the look, feel and function of your wooden deck
Falon Mihalic
11 October 2020
Houzz Contributor. Landscape Architect in Texas and Florida and owner of Falon Land Studio LLC. Through landscape design, I create spaces for quiet reflection and lush gardens using native plant palettes and sustainable stormwater techniques. I'm a contributing writer to Houzz so that I can be active in the conversation about sustainable design for residential projects. Learn more about my company's work at falonland.com
Houzz Contributor. Landscape Architect in Texas and Florida and owner of Falon Land... More
A deck is one of the most useful outdoor spaces because it can support so many different functions and pastimes: relaxing, entertaining, cooking, container gardening or just sitting outside to enjoy the view. As a multi-functional surface, a deck needs to always look its best. Read on if you have an existing timber deck and are looking to make some simple tweaks to update its look and improve how it feels and functions.
1. Practice basic deck care
A deck can be improved in just a few hours through routine surface care. It’s recommended that you refinish or seal a timber deck about every two years, either naturally with a linseed oil rub or with stains and sealers, to keep moisture away.
Whatever refinishing method you choose, know that moisture invites organisms into the wood that cause it to rot over time, so remove and clean up anything that is allowing water to collect in parts of the deck. Also, repair anything that may be habitually splashing water onto the deck, such as a leaky hose or tap.
Leaving your furniture out during wet weather can cause it to wear more quickly. If you’re not planning to use your deck for extended periods of time, clean it of debris and remove and store your outdoor furniture in a dry place.
A deck can be improved in just a few hours through routine surface care. It’s recommended that you refinish or seal a timber deck about every two years, either naturally with a linseed oil rub or with stains and sealers, to keep moisture away.
Whatever refinishing method you choose, know that moisture invites organisms into the wood that cause it to rot over time, so remove and clean up anything that is allowing water to collect in parts of the deck. Also, repair anything that may be habitually splashing water onto the deck, such as a leaky hose or tap.
Leaving your furniture out during wet weather can cause it to wear more quickly. If you’re not planning to use your deck for extended periods of time, clean it of debris and remove and store your outdoor furniture in a dry place.
2. Upgrade your railing
If your balustrade or railing is looking shabby, consider changing it for an overall deck upgrade. A glass or cable railing can contribute to a more contemporary deck style, or consider a different balustrade style or material.
You will likely need to hire a deck specialist or builder to help you design and install new railings, because they consist of detailed parts and connections. Have an idea of the railing type you want installed, and ask for product and design recommendations from the professional you hire. Also, check that your preferred railing type meets local building codes before having it installed.
Need to revive your deck? Find a decking professional near you on Houzz
If your balustrade or railing is looking shabby, consider changing it for an overall deck upgrade. A glass or cable railing can contribute to a more contemporary deck style, or consider a different balustrade style or material.
You will likely need to hire a deck specialist or builder to help you design and install new railings, because they consist of detailed parts and connections. Have an idea of the railing type you want installed, and ask for product and design recommendations from the professional you hire. Also, check that your preferred railing type meets local building codes before having it installed.
Need to revive your deck? Find a decking professional near you on Houzz
3. Add an edible container garden
If your deck receives full sun and you have the space, consider purchasing a few containers to grow an edible garden. Edibles growing close to the house can usually be easily accessed from the kitchen, and with a deck, you are always working on a level surface rather than rocky ground or a sloping landscape.
Keep water from pooling under your plant pots or containers by placing a saucer beneath them to collect excess water, or raise your containers off the deck.
Be aware that large amounts of soil can add a significant amount of weight to your deck, so it’s best to locate large, heavy containers over structural beams. Always consult a professional if you are unsure of your deck’s weight capacity.
If your deck receives full sun and you have the space, consider purchasing a few containers to grow an edible garden. Edibles growing close to the house can usually be easily accessed from the kitchen, and with a deck, you are always working on a level surface rather than rocky ground or a sloping landscape.
Keep water from pooling under your plant pots or containers by placing a saucer beneath them to collect excess water, or raise your containers off the deck.
Be aware that large amounts of soil can add a significant amount of weight to your deck, so it’s best to locate large, heavy containers over structural beams. Always consult a professional if you are unsure of your deck’s weight capacity.
4. Create lush pockets at the edges
Sometimes a deck feels too open and exposed. Create a lush setting by planting large shrubs, climbing vines or a small tree around the deck’s edges. Be sure to keep them away from the foundation of your home. If you can’t plant directly in the ground around the deck, create a lush look by placing planted containers around the deck’s perimeter.
Sometimes a deck feels too open and exposed. Create a lush setting by planting large shrubs, climbing vines or a small tree around the deck’s edges. Be sure to keep them away from the foundation of your home. If you can’t plant directly in the ground around the deck, create a lush look by placing planted containers around the deck’s perimeter.
5. Use the space underneath your deck
If your deck is raised to meet a second story, consider how you can use the space underneath the deck to create a shaded outdoor area.
The ground below should be sloped to drain water away from the house and have basic paving or hardscaping that allows you to use the space. Once those pieces are in place, you can add seating, potted shade plants, a hammock, lighting or whatever else you desire.
Browse more contemporary deck designs
If your deck is raised to meet a second story, consider how you can use the space underneath the deck to create a shaded outdoor area.
The ground below should be sloped to drain water away from the house and have basic paving or hardscaping that allows you to use the space. Once those pieces are in place, you can add seating, potted shade plants, a hammock, lighting or whatever else you desire.
Browse more contemporary deck designs
Advanced project: screen your deck
Screening all or part of your deck is not a simple tweak, but it’s an option for getting more out of your deck. Screening all or part of your deck transforms it into a space that can be used more comfortably on the sultriest, most mosquito-filled summer nights. If you are only screening and not adding additional levels, you may be able to proceed sans permit, but always check with your local council first.
Your turn
What tweaks have you made to your deck to enhance its look, function and feel? Share your top tips in the Comments below. And while you’re at it, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Need more practical advice for your outdoor space? Read How Do I… Incorporate Hardscaping Into My Yard?
Screening all or part of your deck is not a simple tweak, but it’s an option for getting more out of your deck. Screening all or part of your deck transforms it into a space that can be used more comfortably on the sultriest, most mosquito-filled summer nights. If you are only screening and not adding additional levels, you may be able to proceed sans permit, but always check with your local council first.
Your turn
What tweaks have you made to your deck to enhance its look, function and feel? Share your top tips in the Comments below. And while you’re at it, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Need more practical advice for your outdoor space? Read How Do I… Incorporate Hardscaping Into My Yard?
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We have a ton of customers that update their deck by adding a DIY Cable Railing System.
OK, here is my question about cable rail systems: How far apart do the uprights need to be? In your pics it looks like around every 8 - 10 feet. Is this correct, or could one go longer?
Thanks!
Northface99