Ideas10+ Brilliant Decks with Pergolas for Your Yard Adding a pergola completely changes how you use your outdoor space, turning a flat wooden platform into a true outdoor room. I've gathered my favorite setups that you can actually recreate without hiring a massive landscaping crew. 1. String Light Canopy String lights make evening deck dinners magical. I built my first pergola just to hang string lights, and it instantly made the deck feel cozier. You…
Design AnatomyDIY Wire-Hung Deck Cover: Hardware & Spacing Cheat SheetClick a note to read that part first. Building a custom retractable canvas canopy requires the right materials, so I have put together the complete hardware shopping list and wire spacing measurements you need. You will be able to purchase the exact components required and space your guide wires perfectly to block that harsh afternoon sun.Free printable PDFDIY Retractable Deck CanopyHardware shopping list and wire spacing…
Ideas11+ Brilliant Small Deck on a Budget Ideas Getting a cozy outdoor space doesn't have to drain your bank account. You just need a few clever tweaks to turn that tiny slab of wood into your favorite summer spot. 1. Lay Down a Weatherproof Rug Hide ugly deck boards instantly. Bare floors make any outdoor space feel unfinished and cold. You can completely change the vibe by throwing down a weatherproof outdoor rug to define…
Design AnatomyModern Horizontal Deck Skirting: Board-Count & Gap ChartTap any label to skip straight to it. Upgrading your backyard with modern horizontal deck skirting is easier than it looks, especially when you have the right measurements. Grab my printable board-count and gap chart below to calculate exactly how many boards you need and plan your hidden access panels.Free printable PDFHorizontal Deck Skirting GuidePlan your board count, gaps, and hidden access panels.Download the guide Setting the…
Ideas16+ Brilliant Cheap Deck Railing Ideas Updating your outdoor space doesn't have to drain your wallet if you get a little creative. I've gathered some of the best cheap deck railing ideas that you can easily tackle over a weekend. 1. Industrial Plumbing Pipes Plumbing pipes create a sturdy industrial deck rail. Using galvanized plumbing pipes makes this railing incredibly sturdy and industrial. You just thread the pieces together and mount them to your existing…
Design AnatomyCovered Deck Roof Upgrade: Keep Your Kitchen Bright & SunnyTap a note to jump to that part. You can finally build that deep, shady outdoor living space without losing your interior natural light by downloading our complete Covered Deck Roof Planning Sheet. I will show you exactly how to map out your clear panels, beam heights, and permit questions to get this hybrid roof built right.Free printable PDFCovered Deck Roof Planning SheetMap out your…
Ideas10+ Brilliant Deck with Hot Tub Ideas for Your Home Adding a hot tub to your deck completely changes how you use your backyard year-round. Here are the smartest ways I've found to integrate a spa into your outdoor space without it looking like a giant plastic box. 1. Sink It for Seamless Flow Sink the tub for a seamless deck. A sunken hot tub makes your deck feel twice as big because it doesn't…
Design AnatomyAbove Ground Pool Deck Plans: How to Fake a Built-in LookTap any label to skip straight to it. Grab your printable two-page Above-Ground Pool Deck Layout & Cut Sheet below to finally build that freestanding, custom-fitted half-moon deck that perfectly hugs your pool. You will learn the exact post spacing, framing elevations, and curve-scribe techniques the pros use to fake a seamless built-in look.Free printable PDFPool Deck Layout & Cut SheetFrame a custom, freestanding…
Ideas13+ Beautiful Simple Front Deck Ideas for Your Home A simple front deck is the perfect blank canvas for boosting your home's curb appeal without a massive renovation. I love focusing on a few impactful details that make the space feel incredibly welcoming before you even open the front door. 1. Build a Symmetrical Planter Wall Tall planters add height and symmetry. Frame your front door with two tall wooden planters to instantly ground the…
Ideas14+ Brilliant Roof over Deck Ideas for Your Home Adding a roof over deck completely changes how much you actually use your backyard. I gathered the best structural and simple cover ideas so you can finally stop baking in the afternoon sun. 1. Corrugated Metal Cover Metal roofing drops deck temperatures significantly. A standard corrugated metal roof drops the temperature on your deck by at least ten degrees. You just secure the panels over a…
