<p>Decks have grown massively in popularity in the UK over recent years and many people enjoy the extra dimension which they offer in the garden.</p>
<p>A good deck has some shelter and protection from the weather and is raised so that damp weather won&#8217;t affect the timber. If your deck is looking a little lackluster, there are some simple ways to brighten it up and increase your enjoyment of it.</p>
<p>After a long winter, it&#8217;s usual to find that your deck area is grubby and it might be in need of a new coat of varnish; before you decide if this is strictly necessary give the boards a good sweep and then use some hot water and detergent to scrub it down with a stiff bristled broom.</p>
<figure id="attachment_568" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-568" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://thediscoveryblog.com/how-to-make-your-deck-into-a-stylish-haven/3612125600_0bd9dff250_z/" rel="attachment wp-att-568"><img class="size-medium wp-image-568 " alt="3612125600_0bd9dff250_z" src="https://medusamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/3612125600_0bd9dff250_z-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-568" class="wp-caption-text">Flowers and plants in small groups will enhance the beauty of your deck.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Once the deck boards are dry you should see clearly whether they need a fresh coat of varnish or not; choose a good quality outdoor varnish and apply on a calm, dry day.</p>
<p>When the deck is spruced up you can then begin to think about furniture and plants to brighten the area up even further. Seating on deck areas is a must and whatever your taste, you should choose the best quality outdoor furniture possible.</p>
<p>Low seating and a low table looks particularly stylish on a deck and the addition of bright cushions will offer a luxurious feeling to the area.</p>
<p>The idea of a deck is to further your indoor living space; a good deck is an extension of your home and needs careful decoration just as much as any living area does.</p>
<p>Hanging plants and containers of flowers or grasses look lovely on a deck and the protected nature of decks may allow you to grow some plants which otherwise might not thrive in your garden.</p>
<p>Heather look amazing when grouped in corners and ferns and ivy provide a magical green screen to cover exposed areas.</p>
<p>If you would like to add a fun element to your deck you could consider adding a hammock or a swing seat, children in particular would thank you for this addition and visitors will head straight for them. Another possibility is a small water feature near to your deck, the sound of running water is very relaxing and will add a magical touch to your time outdoors.</p>
<figure id="attachment_569" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-569" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://thediscoveryblog.com/how-to-make-your-deck-into-a-stylish-haven/295828094_5400cbf796_z/" rel="attachment wp-att-569"><img class="size-medium wp-image-569 " alt="295828094_5400cbf796_z" src="https://medusamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/295828094_5400cbf796_z-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-569" class="wp-caption-text">Clever seating arrangements increase the usability of deck areas.</figcaption></figure>
<p>When it comes to eating on your deck there are a few things to consider; barbecues are not ideally suited to decks and they really need a paved area away from the house to be considered safe, but that does not mean that you cannot use your deck as a place to eat; a low table and chairs will provide a lovely informal place to enjoy meals with family and friends and some shelter for evenings when the weather is chilly.</p>
<p>Your deck should be seen as an extra room, a place to relax and chat, to enjoy your garden from the comfort of a sheltered spot where good seating and pleasant surroundings come together.</p>
<p>Put the effort into your deck when it comes to seating, soft furnishings and plants and you will reap the rewards season after season.</p>
<p>Look at your space objectively and consider the weather when choosing your seating arrangements. Which direction does the wind tend to travel? Which spot gets the most sunshine?</p>
<p>When you have taken time to arrange your deck in a lovely and thoughtful way, you will find that you have created a beautiful and tranquil haven for you and your family.</p>

How to Make your Deck into a Stylish Haven
