Revamping Your Deck: Before-and-After Transformations

Decks that are missing key accents like shade, privacy, or that touch of personality can sometimes under-deliver as outdoor spaces for living and entertaining. But with upgrades such as new furniture or fresh finishes combined with a few structural tweaks, even an ordinary deck can transform into a voguish outdoor hub. These before-and-after transformations highlight the potential of turning a dreary deck into an attractive outdoor gathering spot.

At one point, this outdoor sanctuary was adorned with just basic furniture that did nothing to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area. The petite table and chairs seemed out of place on the huge deck, and despite the deck being mostly shaded, there was little need for the umbrella. However, a dose of vibrant new accessories helped to fully utilize the potential of the deck. Segregating the deck into distinct zones for dining, relaxing and serving beverages made it many times more useful. With a large outdoor rug as an anchor, the dining table offers sophisticated seating for eight and appears proportionate to the deck's size.

In another scenario, a suburban house had a generously large deck but with no clear demarcation for entertaining space. The later addition of a louvered pergola extending from the house added shade to the spruced-up deck. By enlarging the shallow built-in bench and dressing it up with cozy pillows and modern outdoor furniture, the owners created a welcoming space perfect for outdoor entertaining.

An elevated deck that was poorly utilized despite its impressive structure, had to make do with just two chairs and a small table, effectively seating less than a family of four. Following its transformation, it features a retractable canopy system attached to the existing pergola making it feel like an outdoor room while offering respite from sweltering summer heat.

In what was supposed to be a cozy outdoor living room leading off from the house, the stone-cold atmosphere had only a small table and a few chairs. Redesigned with fashionable and functional furniture, it became the cozy nook the homeowners had envisioned without altering its footprint. Highlights include generously-sized pendants hanging from the pergola forming an alluring focal feature over the larger dining table, and a flexible seating arrangement that allows for more guests.

Final example is of a modern deck redesign that carved out a stylish retreat from what was essentially an ordinary deck that lacked any flair. The rectangular shape was dull and uninviting for outdoor living. The deck was expanded outwards, creating space for entertainment zones for dining and unwinding. Metal railings and a pergola offered a partial shade effect for the dining area.

These examples not only illustrate the transformative powers of a simple deck upgrade, but also inspire to breathe new life into otherwise overlooked locations. So, the next time you look at your deck, see it not just for what it is, but for what it could be.