In the process of building a deck? While the deck alone will give you a solid outdoor space to work with, there are some optional add-ons you’ll want to consider if you want to get the full potential out of it. Here are a few worth a look!
Give Yourself Some Shade
A pergola or shade sail does more than block the sun. Without some kind of overhead cover, a deck in direct sunlight can get hot enough by midday that you’d rather be inside.
A pergola is a freestanding or attached structure with an open lattice roof. It cuts glare without making the space feel closed in. A shade sail is a fabric panel you stretch between anchor points. Both options drop the surface temperature noticeably and make afternoon time on the deck far more comfortable.
Solar Post Caps for After Dark
Want to use your deck at night? Add some solar post caps for nighttime safety! These small fixtures sit on top of your railing posts and charge during the day so they can light the perimeter of your deck after dark. They don’t require wiring or an electrician, and they turn on automatically when the sun goes down. If you use your deck in the evenings, post caps give you just enough light to move around safely without installing a full outdoor lighting system.
Built-In Seating Along the Perimeter
Built-in bench seating runs along the edge of the deck and gets fastened directly into the frame. It saves you from dragging furniture out and back in every season. Because it’s attached to the structure, it also doubles as a secondary railing barrier on lower decks. The seat height is typically 17 to 19 inches, which matches standard chair height, so it’s comfortable for most people without any custom adjustments.
A Hot Tub Platform
Yes, a hot tub is quite the investment, but it can be worth it for those who want to get more out of their deck year-round. A hot tub filled with water can weigh anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 pounds, so your deck needs to be engineered to handle that load before you place one. A dedicated reinforced platform keeps the weight distributed properly and protects the rest of the structure.
Storage Underneath
If your deck is elevated, the space underneath it is usable square footage you’d otherwise ignore. A skirted storage area with a hinged or sliding access panel gives you a dry, out-of-sight spot for seasonal items, garden tools, or anything else cluttering up your garage.
The Add-Ons Make the Deck
A basic deck gets you outside. These additions make it a space you’ll actually want to spend time in. Whether you add one or work through the whole list over time, each one extends how you use the space, what time of day you’re out there, and how comfortable the whole setup feels when you’re in it.
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