10 DIY Deck Ideas on a Budget
By Dave KileMany of us have decks and patios of all shapes and sizes, but we might have a limited income to spend on making it stand out. That’s not a problem if you have a creative mind, a little motivation, and are open to a few DIY decorating ideas. We’ll give you some low-budget and high-style concepts.
How do I Make My Deck Look Good on a Budget?
Don’t fret – there are a ton of ways you can make your deck attractive and appealing to your friends and neighbors. We have many ideas to beautify your deck and make your outdoor living space the envy of the neighborhood, all budget-friendly.
1. Alluring Ambiance
Changing the lighting is one of the easiest and most effective changes you can make to your deck (and it’s very quick). This can alter the mood and how you and others perceive your outdoor area. New lighting does not cost much. Get string lights, a candle – or several, and a lantern. By placing lights strategically, you’ve created a different way to view your patio or deck.
2. Fire Pit Fun
Here is one of our favorite patio ideas; it works better with patios than decks. A fire pit is relatively cheap to make. Bricks and pavers come in various shapes, materials, and colors. Place them around either a pre-dug pit filled with sand or a steel fire pit. The bricks and/or pavers will enhance your fire pit and provide protection between you and the flame. Finally, place some patio furniture around for good conversation.
3. Cheery (and Cheap) Chiminea
A chiminea is a freestanding little chimney. It appears old-fashioned and is constructed from a variety of materials. They can heat up quite rapidly. With proper insulation, these perform well on decks of all sizes. They can be reasonably priced, ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on your budget. A chiminea and some outdoor furniture will transform your budget backyard, patio, or deck into something illuminating – and warm for those cooler nights.
4. Landscape Away!
Have a small backyard and limited budget? We have an idea just for you. This requires no building permit or decking material, unless you plan to add anything. We’re discussing changing your landscaping. If you have a modest backyard patio, dress it up with potted plants, trellised vines, and strategically placed patio seating. Lush plants are an excellent focal point for your outdoor area and patio.
5. Paint Your Deck
This is a low-cost home improvement project that can achieve fantastic results. Not only will this give you a beautiful deck, but it will also help to protect it, especially if you have a wood deck. Choosing a high-quality paint will help protect your deck from the elements and make it look new again. Also, consider waterproofing it if you live in a particularly humid or wet area. That will add years to the life of your deck.
6. Refurbish and Refresh
According to NADRA (North American Deck and Railing Association), 30 million decks are past their useful lives and need repairs! That’s a big incentive to check out any weak spots, wood rot, and potential liabilities your deck may have. Even if you have a small deck, it’s worth checking and addressing any developing problems – before it’s too late. Also, use this time to complete any easy upgrades and makeovers you might have in mind.
7. Shelter and Shade
You want to protect yourself from those UV rays, especially during the warmer months. They not only beam heat straight down on you but can also damage your skin, causing sunburn and premature aging. So you can protect yourself by building a pergola. Or, for something fast, try a beautiful oversized patio umbrella. That might do the trick! Note: step-by-step instructions are available through many sites for making a pergola. It’s a relatively short-duration DIY project and goes faster with help from friends.
8. Awesome Awnings
An awning is another type of shade frequently used for decks, patios, or backyards. You can find a customized awning to fit no matter your outdoor space size. Awnings are retractable, fixed, or portable. A shade sail is another type of awning, which is easy on the budget and looks sharp. Finally, a pop-up canopy is another prospect for protection from the sun’s rays. They are assembled in minutes and are fully portable. They’re wallet-friendly, too.
9. Sunsational Snacking
Just because you have a small backyard, patio, or deck doesn’t mean you can’t have an outdoor kitchen or living room. You can still have an incredible deck space with a bistro area or a coffee table with comfortable seating. Bring out a dorm-style fridge and a food cart for easy serving and snacking. One of our treasured backyard deck ideas involves a reclaimed wood pallet table with a few soft chairs and an outdoor rug. Imagine drinking your cherished beverage and breathing in the fresh air on a peaceful afternoon.
10. Something Concrete
We haven’t yet discussed concrete patios. Typically, they are ground level or just a step above. Sometimes a concrete block (or two) is built with or near a concrete riser, which makes doing a DIY patio redo even more fun! Use the layers and different heights offered here to expand your decorating creativity. Dress up the gray concrete with a pop of color from outdoor furniture, a rug, and throw pillows, and add outdoor lighting.
Key Factors to Consider Before a Deck Update
Sure, these ideas are exciting, and you’re probably eager to jump right in and start updating your outdoor space. Before you begin, though, consider the following:
Material Condition
Could your deck be one of the millions in the U.S., in need of repairs or even a complete makeover? Before you take on your project, inspect your deck for rotting, sagging and weak boards, and structural damage that could lead to dangerous failures. If you own a wooden deck, ensure it’s been properly sealed and stained. If you’ve let maintenance go more than two years, you’ll want to spend a weekend protecting the planks and railing. Make sure nails, screws, and hidden fasteners are secure to avoid trips, falls, and even more severe injuries. Pay special attention to stair treads and fascia boards and make sure they are tightly fastened.
Structural Integrity
Even if your deck’s walking surface is in top shape, the posts, beams, joists, and ledger board that make up the foundation go a long way in determining safety. If your deck is more than 10 years old, it’s time to make annual inspections of all the components for rust, mildew, and movement as part of your routine. Look for spongy spots on joists and beams, rust near hardware, sagging boards, and cracks around posts and ledger attachment. Pay special attention to fasteners – screws, nails, hidden fasteners, joist hangers, which generally last five to 15 years. The quality of the wood, moisture, airflow, drainage, incompatible fasteners, and climate all impact the condition of your materials. If you’re not comfortable confirming the condition of your deck, hire a contractor for a minimal fee. It will be money well spent.
Building Codes and Permits
If you’re undergoing major upgrades to your deck, you’ll want to check with your local building officials to see if permits are required. While it’s an easy step to overlook, failing to obtain required permits can cost you financially, legally, and in safety.
Building codes and inspections exist to ensure projects are built to safe requirements. Most deck failures result from structural issues, which building inspections will uncover.
If you build your deck without a permit and it’s later discovered, you may be required to tear it down, you could face fines, and appraisers may raise the issue if you ever try to sell your house.
If you’re a DIYer, inspections also can uncover construction errors that could prove disastrous, saving you time, money and maybe a lawsuit.
Design and Functionality
Before you add a grill station or fire pit, ensure your deck’s design can accommodate your needs. Will your new outdoor kitchen area impede access to the rest of your deck? Does your new pergola require more space than you planned? Give some attention to how you’ll use your entire space and then create the niches you need for both quiet and energetic activities.
Deck Maintenance Tips
Whether you own a wood or composite deck, maintenance can be a chore, but preventing problems will extend the life of your materials, prioritize safety and keep your deck looking attractive for years to come.
- Regular cleaning: Don’t let dirt and debris make a home on your deck. Sweep it regularly to prevent mold, mildew and rot. For wood decks, wash periodically with a mild mixture of water, dish soap and oxygen bleach. Composite manufacturers advise using only soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Avoid abrasive brushes.
- Annual inspections: It’s ideal to get in the habit of inspecting your deck each spring. Check for weak and spongy planks, rusted and corroded fasteners, and common points of failure such as ledger boards and joist hangers.
- Reseal and stain wood: Generally, wood decks require resealing every one to two years and staining every three to five years, although if you live in a harsh environment you may want to do both more often. Capped composite decks don’t require resealing or staining.
- Keep it dry and well ventilated: Mold, mildew and moisture shorten the life of your deck. Allow for proper airflow below your deck. Ensure rainfall and other surface water drains away from your deck and doesn’t pool around posts. Keep landscaping trimmed.
- Check fasteners and hardware: Watch for protruding fasteners, loose deck boards and fascia and resecure them as needed. Periodically, tighten bolts, screws and connectors. Replace rusted nails, screws and any loose joist hangers.
- Keep railings and stairs secure: Your railings and stairs are prime components for problems. Make sure your railing doesn’t shift. Stair stringers should be strong and treads level. Handrails should be tight and balusters correctly spaced.
- Pesky pest damage: Termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles and rodents can do extensive damage to your deck’s walking surface and substructure if left unchecked.
Choosing Budget-Friendly Decking Materials
All of the suggestions are easy DIY projects. You can find tutorials online for most of these. What about your actual deck? Have you considered a wooden deck versus composite decking? While wood decks may be less expensive, investing in a composite deck will pay off over the long term. They are more durable, require less maintenance, and come with warranties, which will benefit you in the long run.
Over the past several years, rising lumber costs have swayed the composite decking market. Trex composite is the best choice. It’s available in various colors for deck boards, and the sheer sustainability may be an essential factor in your decision. Trex is so easy that it will outlast many other materials with a bit of preventative maintenance and simple yearly cleaning. This will ultimately be the most cost-effective option for your budget.
Sources
https://trexprotect.com/blog/deck-inspection-guide-ensure-safety-and-durability/
https://levelengineering.com/b/property-inspection/inspect-your-deck-for-these-common-issues/
https://www.trex.com/customer-support/trex-owners/care-and-cleaning/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-deck-cleaner/
https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-stain-a-deck/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90de38c905
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/sealing-the-deck/
https://www.decks-docks.com/3-most-common-pests-on-wooden-decks
