There’s nothing worse than being trapped inside on a nice summer day. When the weather is gorgeous and fresh air is calling, you’ll wish you had your dream deck or patio. That’s why you should start now on these six patio upgrade ideas.
The Value of an Outdoor Space
If you don’t have a patio, you’re missing out! They’re the perfect place to entertain guests, enjoy an outdoor dinner, and make lasting memories with your family.
But they’re not just fun; they’re also a valuable addition to your home. The return you get from refurbishing your deck or patio depends on the materials you use. But a functional outdoor space is very attractive to buyers when it’s time to sell your home.
If you’re building a brand-new patio, you can expect an average return on investment (ROI) of around 100%. Upgrading an existing patio, however, can deliver an even higher return (up to 500%) because repairs cost significantly less than building new. The same idea applies to decks: installing a new deck typically yields about an 80% ROI, while upgrading an existing one can offer up to a 400% ROI.
Six Deck and Patio Upgrade Ideas to Tackle This Summer
There’s no better time than now to start customizing your outdoor space. And with a little help from the team at KSW Construction LLC, you’ll have your dream patio or deck in no time!
1). Custom Deck
Our first idea is to build a custom deck or expand your current one. Decks are a good investment for your own enjoyment and the return they provide—about 44%, depending on the material you choose. Some popular material options are pressure-treated wood, softwoods, tropical hardwoods, and composite.
Do you want an open deck? Covered? Elevated? Ground-level? Deck expansion? Whatever you want, we can build it. We also offer ADA-compliant decks with ramps and railings, so everyone can enjoy the fresh air.
See some of the work we’ve done below!
2). Shade Structures
Our second patio upgrade idea is to invest in outdoor shade solutions. Structures like pergolas and pavilions add a luxurious element to any yard and are great to lounge under on a hot summer day.
Pavilions have a solid roof to completely block out the elements, and are perfect to hold events or small gatherings. They are typically larger and more expensive. Pergolas, on the other hand, have a latticed roof that lets in more light and air. This is a smaller, more decorative structure that provides a perfect place for climbing plants.
You can typically find these outdoor shade solutions in wood, vinyl, or composite materials. But if you have a particular vision, you can get one custom-built to complement your existing space and design style perfectly.
3). Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are very popular right now—and for good reason. A quality outdoor kitchen installation can have an ROI of 100-200%. Gone are the days of a tiny grill in the corner of your patio. Now you can put your own unique spin on your space and entertain with ease. Finish it off with lighting and electrical for ultimate convenience.
If you love cooking, this patio upgrade idea is for you. Try integrating a pizza oven, countertops, and of course the classic—a grill. Don’t have room for an outdoor kitchen? A deck expansion can provide the perfect base. And don’t forget to make room for a dining table so you can enjoy your meal in the open air.
4). Fire Pit
If an outdoor kitchen installation seems like too big an undertaking, then keep your upgrades small. Something as simple as a fire pit or fireplace can make a huge difference in your space.
Adding a heat source is perfect for chilly nights, and it provides a peaceful ambiance to your patio. You can roast marshmallows, cook hot dogs, or just enjoy the crackling of the flames with your friends and family. There are both portable and built-in fire pits for patios, so you can pick what works best for your lifestyle.
While fire pits and fireplaces are fun additions, you do have to be careful. One stray spark can cause damage to your home. Different fire pits burn wood, charcoal, natural gas, or propane. But no matter what kind you have, remember these safety tips.
Keep all fires at least ten feet away from your home and other combustible areas. Make sure you use a fireproof base, especially if it’s sitting on a wood deck. Don’t place it under power lines or string lights. And of course, never leave the fire unattended.
5). Landscaping and Lighting
Another easy patio upgrade idea is to focus on the details like landscaping and lighting. Look at the edges of your patio. Consider adding a stone border to define the edge.
If you have a green thumb, install raised beds around your deck to add pops of colorful flowers. Keep decorating with a few container gardens to fill out the space, or hang potted plants. You can also twist plants around the posts of your pergola or pavilion to give it a natural look.
Don’t forget about patio lighting! Add string lights, stair lights, or post lights for your deck. You can also wrap them around the posts of your shade structure to add some more ambience.
6). Furniture and Decor
Our last idea is to invest in quality patio furniture. Trust us, it makes all the difference. Long-lasting, comfortable seating can transform your patio from a dud to a dream. Use outdoor furniture to create different zones on your patio—for eating, entertaining, and relaxing.
First, find weather-resistant furniture and accessories perfect for the goal of your space. If you’ve decided on an outdoor kitchen, then you’ll probably want a dining set. If you have a fire pit, then you may want Adirondack chairs circling it. If you installed a pergola, maybe you want some outdoor couches so you can relax and enjoy a good book.
Along with quality patio furniture, consider adding an outdoor rug, umbrellas, or curtains for extra privacy. These final touches and decor can help complete the space.
Next Steps With KSW
Are you ready to upgrade your patio? Our team at KSW Construction LLC can help. We have over 50 years of combined experience as a general contractor in Central PA, working with hundreds of homeowners to transform their outdoor space. If you have a vision, we can make it happen. Contact our team to get started.
