Five Extras That Make Decks Shine

When you add a deck to your home, you're not just tacking on an outdoor dining area or a place to take a nap on lazy afternoons.

Good decks can provide beautiful views, add exciting new rooms to your house, and turn your home from simple shelter into an expansive living space that straddles both the comforts of the indoors and the grandeur of the outdoors.

And there are plenty of ways to turn good decks into great decks.

Here are five steps you can take during the planning stages of your decking project to give your home the thrill and luxury it deserves.

Outdoor Countertops. Decks need not simply be places to lounge or entertain. They can also function as outdoor kitchens, with the addition of a simple countertop. Building one is simple; a counter need be little more than a simple frame with a sturdy, heavy-duty made of concrete and overlaid with tile or marble. For a true outdoor kitchen experience, you can run electrical lines to add outlets, or even include a sink with running water.

Low-Key, Low-Voltage Lighting. Decks are a good place to spend quality time with family and friends after dinner, having coffee or playing board games. But fear not: Your deck's lighting doesn't have to be a hundred-and-fifty-watt affair that attracts bugs and blinds eyes. Low-voltage riser lights and sconces create a mood of unsurpassed relaxation and calm. And because low-voltage wires carry as little as 12 volts of current, you may be able to perform the electrical work without a permit.

Overheads and Pergolas. If you live in a sunny climate, a shade structure might be the best way to get maximum use from your deck. A sturdily-constructed terrace can hold vines or even small, leaned-over trees, which can provide plentiful shade when the sun beats down. A pergola, attached to the side of your home, can lend a simple contemporary look to your deck, as well as provide ample shade.

Ponds. It's no secret that decks can be at one with the nature around them. If there's an existing wetland on your property, it's possible to extend your deck into it, or build your deck around it, with little adverse effect on the sensitive ecosystem. If not, you can use your new deck as an excuse to create your own artificial wetland, fish pond, or butterfly garden. Integrating your decking project into the surrounding environment can create the perfect outdoor experience.

Skirting. If you're planning a deck that rises more than about a foot off the ground, skirting may be the best way to hide what's underneath. With a bit of clever engineering, you may also be able to turn that dead space into a useful storage area. The space beneath decks is often their least attractive visual element, so walling it off with a skirt and using it to store sporting equipment or garden tools can make your deck as practical as it is beautiful.

There's no reason decks need to be simple and flat. Your decking project can be an outdoor wonderland, a shrine to simple living. As you draw up plans for your new home improvement project, don't be afraid to get creative.

Sequoia Supply, located in Warminster, PA, is the premier destination for decks and decking material. With a wide selection of wood and composite materials, decking accessories and other supplies, it's a one-stop shop for contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike.