Today, I want to discuss five ways to create a cozy back deck that is gorgeous and without spending to much money.
Five Ways to Create a Cozy Back Deck Video
Living in Michigan, in the Spring, Summer and Fall I desperately want to outside my four walls when given a chance. Enjoying life beyond my walls requires a well thought out plan for a amazing outdoor space. I enjoy a space that not only reflects my personality of myself and family but, needs to be cozy.
My back deck is not only cozy but, it overlooks my entire back property including the orchard and garden. My back deck is right off the kitchen where meals are easy to serve and enjoy.
Creating a cozy looks was achievable with soft textures, nice seating, lighting and a great paint/stain job. Creating a cozy back deck makes entertaining fun and relaxing. Just this past spring I even incorporate a beautiful perennial garden with a tranquil garden fountain. Check out the Full Post Details!
HOW TO BEGIN A PERENNIAL FLOWER GARDEN
Why a Did I Build a Back Deck?
There are many reasons why I choose to have a back deck put on my home verses a porch or patio; one was the expense. To have a back deck in the size I wanted it was more cost efficient than a porch or patio.
Back Decks are a nice extension of your home; but they do require yearly care and maintenance. Even though, the wood on the deck is pretreated regular staining or painting is needed to keep the deck from rotting because of harsh elements.
Routine Care for a Cozy Back Deck
Like any space on a homestead it must be maintain often and seasonally. Routine Care may happen once or twice a week but, seasonal needs to happen every season and not skipped.
My weekly routine care of my cozy back deck is sweeping the floors in the warmer months and shoveling snow in the colder months. However, my seasonal care of my deck is extensive but, once done I gain hours of enjoyment.
Steps on Five Ways to Create a Cozy Back Deck
Provide a Good Cleaning
Every outdoor space needs a seasonal cleaning including a back deck. I clean my deck by hand by using a giving it a good sweep, and scrubbing the surface with a solution of bleach and warm water. After I scrub the deck down; I spray it down with clean, clear water. Scrubbing and Spray along the grain of the wood to prevent damage.
Every couple of year; I do use a power washer for a heavy duty cleaning to blast away dirt, mildew and stains. Using a power washer every couple years saves of the longevity of my deck because power wash can sometime remove wood, stain and paint.
Once I have everything clean; I check for lose nails or boards. You can have fix by removing and replacing them. For lose nails I like to use galvanized all-purpose nail screws and fill with wood glue. Once, wood glue dry’s it is ready to be sanded smooth!
A Fresh Coat of Paint or Stain
Well, every two year I need to paint a fresh coat of paint or stain on my deck floor and railings. Last year, I stripped my deck with an ugly orange color and stain the floor a beautiful brown and paint every railing an exteral white to brighten it up.
This year my most used areas just need a touch up for get through the year and keep everything in “tip top shape”! Maintaining your back deck will provide years of beauty and prevent damage from outdoor elements.
Important note, is before you paint or stain anything outdoors check the forecast rain should happen for two days to gain a successful job.
Soften the Space
Creating a soft space is my favorite because it equals cozy. Cozy means different things to different people. Cozy means pillows, rugs, umbrellas, and blankets.
For my cozy back deck I add multiply pillows and blankets in a color scheme such as black and white. My woven outdoor rug and umbrella is neutral in a soft brown.
Shop for outdoor fabric because they have a treatment that resistance against stains and moisture. Every season if I reuse certain fabrics I give them a good scrub and cleaning to remove dirt and grime. Avoid hot water and detergent because it will break down the chemical treatment. Allow to air dry and do not dry in a dryer.
Finally, when rain is in the forecast I store all my soft elements in a deck box to protect them during the season.
Add Mood Lighting
Eating meal alfresco is heaven to me and mood lighting is needed some nights especially in the spring and fall. The lighting I decided for my cozy outdoor back deck ranges from candles, lanterns and bistro lights. The lighting can be plugged in or are solar powered or just need batteries.
Recently, I made some homemade citronella candle to add to my back deck that are great for warding off male mosquitoes.
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Remember when you use mood lighting that needs to be plugged in or uses batteries make sure you can use for outdoor use, keep plugs and connections dry.
Bring Living Creation into the Space
What better way to create a awesome space is by bringing in living creations. My last step in creating a cozy back deck is by adding greenery, flowers, herbs and lettuce. Yes, I said lettuce! A cozy back deck needs living creation that spark joy and happiness. Herbs and lettuce are great because my back deck is right off my kitchen so I am able to provide yummy meals with seasonal herbs and greens.
Some perennials such as poppy, roses, lamb’s ear and succulents invite anyone and promote comfort to any space including my back deck. Note, I did add some purple pansy, cosmos and zinnias to the back deck for color to cheer anyone up.
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