Do you have an outdoor space that you don't really use that much? Many homeowners have backyards, patios, or other outdoor areas that often go overlooked or underutilized. If you feel like you're not getting the most out of your outdoor property, it may be time to consider adding a deck. Here's how a deck can help you to use your outdoor space effectively.

Enhance Your Relaxation Area

Adding a deck creates an ideal spot for you to relax outdoors. You can furnish your new deck with comfortable patio furniture like cushioned chairs, a table, and maybe even an outdoor sofa or hammock. This makes for a perfect little relaxation nook right outside your home where you can comfortably enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. A deck contractor can help design and build a deck tailored specifically for lounging and unwinding outdoors.

Host Guests

A spacious deck also serves as a great outdoor gathering place for when you have guests over. It provides extra room to seat more people comfortably outdoors during backyard barbecues, parties, or other social events. You can set up a dining table and chairs on the deck for alfresco dining with family and friends. Some decks are even large enough to incorporate amenities like a built-in bench, planters, lighting, or speakers to help set the mood for entertaining.

Enjoy Meals Alfresco

Speaking of outdoor dining, a deck expands your options for alfresco eating during lovely weather. You can eat more meals outdoors when you have a dedicated dining deck furnished with an outdoor table and chair set. Even just a small bistro set creates a cozy spot for a romantic dinner for two. For a larger crowd, a bigger patio dining set allows you to serve and enjoy full meals outdoors in the fresh air. This is an especially nice perk during the spring and summer months.

Observe Nature

Another benefit of having a deck is that it gets you more in tune with nature outside your home. When lounging, dining, or relaxing on your deck, you have front-row seats to take in the lush greenery of your yard or garden. A deck perched above ground level grants better vantage points for bird watching or gazing up at the trees and sky too. You’ll feel more connected to the natural world surrounding your home.

Expand Your Living Space

In some ways, adding a deck is like adding an extra outdoor room to your home. Deck flooring creates a solid, flat surface that then allows you to furnish and utilize the space much like you would an indoor room. As mentioned, you can fill it with seating areas, dining sets, plants, lighting, and more design elements to customize the vibe and function. Especially for homes with limited exterior floor space, a deck contractor can build you the perfect outdoor living area you’ve been dreaming of.

Practice Hobbies

For the hobbyists out there, you can treat your new deck like an outdoor workshop or studio space too. If you like doing crafts, sewing, drawing, tying flies for fishing, or doing small woodworking projects, you can enjoy your projects outdoors on your deck. The fresh air and vitamin D from the sun may even help inspire your creativity! You can keep storage benches, shelves, or small side tables on your deck to house your hobby supplies within arm's reach whenever you want to practice your craft.

Get a Workout

Another great way to utilize a new deck is as an outdoor home gym space for getting fit. On an open deck, you have plenty of room to do yoga flows, stretching, bodyweight exercises like push-ups and lunges, and more. You can invest in some basic gym equipment to keep outside like resistance bands, a yoga mat, lightweight dumbbells, and a pull-up bar.

Adding a quality deck designed by a reputable deck contractor opens up so many possibilities for outdoor living and better utilization of your exterior spaces. According to Statista, 50,000 single family houses were built with a deck in 2022, and it's easy to see why! You can relax, dine, host gatherings, connect with nature, expand your living area, and enjoy hobbies outdoors if you have a deck. If you're ready to start the process of installing a deck with the help of a deck contractor, reach out to our team at Inland Home Improvements to discuss your project and get your free estimate!