Posted on 2024-04-24

Fall Decks 

There are just a few more days left of the summer season but that doesn't mean that you have to give up the outdoors. The cooling weather makes relaxing outside a great way to recharge at the end of a hectic day or tiring week. Here are some ideas for revamping your porch, deck or patio for fall and enjoy leisurely weekends relaxing at home.

Adding soft lighting to your deck can help you enjoy fall evenings outdoors. Use low-voltage LED lighting to illuminate steps and strings of lights to accent your deck railing and create areas of interest without a big jump in your electric bill. There are lighting system that easily attach onto deck railings, or patio posts making installation quick and easy for most DIYers. 

Fall is also a great time to take advantage of lawn and garden clearance sales to update outdoor areas. Furniture and decorative items all go on sale as summer ends - even though many areas of the country still have plenty of warm days left to enjoy the out of doors. Something as simple as replacing worn furniture cushions and adding an outdoor rug can make a deck or patio feel new and inviting. There are also great deals on outdoor furniture for those who want to do a complete revamp.

The weather will eventually get chilly as fall settles in but there are solutions for that eventuality as well.  Home improvement and lawn and garden stores sell a variety of patio heaters.. A single, well-placed heater can provide enough warmth to keep your entire deck comfortable on a chilly fall evening. Need an additional source of warmth to supplement your patio heater? Fire pits and grills can also help heat up an outdoor area. Remember any use of combustible fuels requires caution and safety rules must be followed. 

Add a touch of natural beauty with fall foliage and flowers.  Growing pots of chrysanthemums and zinnias will add bright spots of color to outdoor spaces. If you are feeling ambitious building a wooden planter is an easy weekend project and can even provide a location to plant some fall veggies as well. After the growing season is over cover the planting box and when spring comes remove the cover and plant spring vegetables or flowers. 

Courtesy BPT and deckorators.com
Originally published in The Times Dispatch, September, 2015