Things for Decks

Furniture

• As an extension of your home, a deck can be designed in the same way as any room in your house. As a result, the first place to start when decorating the space should be furniture. Depending on the look that you prefer, you may opt for deck furniture made of wood, wrought iron, cast aluminum, plastic or wicker. When looking at style, take cues from your home's architecture to determine the best look for the furniture. A modern home looks best with a deck outfitted with furniture that features sleek, clean lines while a cottage style home pairs well with rustic-styled furniture. A table and chairs set is a good investment because it allows you to dine outdoors during the warmer months. In addition, you may want to add lounge chairs or a small loveseat to create a sitting area.

Barbecue

• Barbecues are a common way to celebrate during the warmer months, so if you plan to do a great deal of entertaining on your deck, a grill is a must-have item for making hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks and other foods. You have many different types of grills to choose from, including traditional charcoal, gas and infrared, depending on the flavor that you prefer for your food since charcoal imparts a smoky flavor to food that other styles do not. Some barbecues feature additional features, such as attached burners or a built-in fridge, so you can customize the grill to fit your needs.

Swing

• To add a fun, country-like feel to your deck, add a swing. Like deck furniture, swings come in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal and vinyl. Some are also fabric covered for a more decorative look. You can opt for a freestanding swing unit, or choose a style that allows you to hang it from the joists in your deck's roof. Both styles allow you to enjoy cool summer breezes and provide an ideal spot to read a book or spend time with a loved one.

Lights

• Adding lights to your deck allows you to use the space even after the sun goes down. You have a variety of styles to choose from so you can control the light dispersion. Post-cap lights allow you to place larger lights on the top of your deck railing to cast light at table level. To add light at ground level, use post base lights at the bottom of your railing so guests can see where they are walking at night. Lanterns and torch-style lights can add a fun look to your deck as well and provide a more decorative appearance. For a whimsical look, you can even wrap colored string lights around your deck's railing and posts for a festive, party-like vibe.