Everyone has that friend…you know the one with an amazing, welcoming deck? Maybe they have the most comfortable chairs. Perhaps the layout is incredible, and there is space for everyone.

Whatever the reason, and there are many, their deck is the perfect place to hang out and enjoy friends.

The question becomes, how does one go about creating a welcoming deck? Is it possible to create a welcoming space without spending a fortune?

At Dupont Construction and Remodeling, we specialize in creating your perfect deck. Whether that means building a new deck from scratch or giving your current deck a facelift, we can help give you the deck of your dreams.

Seating

Non-Permanent

One of the most important things to creating a welcoming space, whether inside or out, is a comfortable place for friends and guests to sit. What better way to encourage someone to feel at home than an inviting chair?

Thankfully, there is no shortage of outdoor seating available. A quick trip to a hardware store or grocery store or search on the internet will yield thousands of options at every budget.

You will find wicker options with colorful cushions and metal or iron chairs that make perfect bistro sets. There are outdoor couches with throw pillows and hammocks that invite your guests to relax. 

You simply have to decide what your budget is and what theme you are going for with your deck. Consider how much space you have and how to use it best. If you have a smaller deck, it might be wise to invest in a bistro table with comfortable chairs for eating or hanging out.

However, if you have a larger space, you can incorporate a table and chairs or a couch, assuming your budget allows for it. Spend some time shopping in person at local stores to sit on the chairs and see how they feel.

If you are not in a rush, watch for sales that happen throughout the year. The biggest sales happen at the end of the season, around August or September.

Permanent

Of course, there are ways to build seating into your deck. Consider built-in options if you want permanent seating that isn’t easily damaged or moved.

If you live in a windy place, it is nice to have seating that can’t go for a ride should a storm come through. You will find there are beautiful ways to build benches into your deck. Bonus, these benches can double as storage!

Swings are another permanent seating option that is incredibly popular. Hanging a swing is a fantastic way to encourage guests to sit down and enjoy their surroundings.

Flowers and Plants

Flowers and other plants are another great way to create a welcoming environment. Plus, this is also a way to let your creative juices flow.

The beauty of flowers and plants is that you can make them entirely your own. You will never see two homes precisely the same when it comes to plants and flowers.

A few fun things you can do are place urns or large pots around the outside of your deck. Think about how much space you have along with your budget.

If you are tight on space, consider hanging plants —some beautiful varieties that cascade over the side of a hanging basket. 

Whether you have planted flowers in pots, in a bed, or hanging, flowers are a fantastic way to add a pop of color to your yard.

You can also use plants to keep bugs away. Add color or fragrance to your deck and ensure mosquitoes and other pests don’t bother you and your guests. A few plants to consider are:

• Marigolds
• Chrysanthemums
• Petunias
• Mint
• Basil
• Lavender
• Citronella
• Chives
• Bay Leaves
• Garlic
• Rosemary

As a bonus, you can use many of those plants for cooking, as well! You can ensure your guests are bug-free and feed them delicious food made with ingredients grown in your yard. Win-win!

Accessories

There are many little things you can do to make your deck welcoming. Many of these require nothing more than a quick trip to Wal Mart or a shopping spree on Amazon.

Adding lighting can do a great deal in creating a welcoming environment. If you want to invest more and have lighting installed, we recommend getting professional help. 

However, there are ways to add lighting yourself. Lanterns or candles are a fantastic way to add light. Consider placing candles in sturdy holders, like a metal pail with sand, going along the steps. You could also hang stringed lights around your deck.

A rug is another way to create a welcoming feel. There are many outdoor rugs to choose from, whether you want bright, colorful, earthy, and muted. You can also choose from a variety of sizes.

If you do have furniture or benches, consider some throw pillows as an accent. Throw pillows can be big or small, bright, or plain. Choose a style that fits your personality and your deck and go with it. Your guests will likely appreciate a little extra comfort. 

Finally, consider a water feature. Whether you choose to purchase a small fountain, you can hang from the wall or set on your deck or go all out by building one in your yard; water helps create a fun environment. Running water through a fountain can also help cover outside sounds that might be irritating.

Call Dupont Construction and Remodeling Today

If you want help creating a welcoming deck, call Dupont Construction and Remodeling today. We have years of experience helping people throughout the area design and achieve their dream deck space.

We can help if you don’t have a deck but want one or  have a deck that needs serious attention. Call us today for a free estimate. We will meet with you, come up with a plan, and work together to ensure everything is within your budget.

Call us today so we can get going on your dream deck. Next step, decorate to create a welcoming deck all of your friends and family can enjoy.