READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Vol. 1 Issue 9 March 2014 | Page 53

Consider these five ways you can update your
deck and grow your real estate value:

and provide an important safety feature. But they
also add to the visual appeal of the deck and are a
main feature in your line of sight. If your wood
balusters are worn, you can instantly upgrade your
outdoor space with new options. Metal balusters,
for example, come in a variety of designs to match
any home's style - from contemporary to
traditional. Have a stunning view from your deck?
Enjoy uninterrupted sight lines with glass
balusters that simultaneously maintain a deck's
safety and visual appeal.

1. Add or update post caps
One of the easiest ways to add a dash of design
and even some color and light to your deck is to
update your post caps. If you currently have post
caps, most can be removed by gently tapping them
with a mallet. Then it's an easy DIY project to add
new post caps simply by using exterior
construction adhesive. These decorative caps come
in a variety of styles, including basic wood that
can be stained to perfectly coordinate with your
existing color scheme. If you want to add a bit
more pizzazz to your outdoor space, give your
deck the Deckorators touch with classic copper
post caps or solar powered caps that illuminate
once the sun sets.

3. Bring back deck boards
After seasons of changing weather and lots of foot
traffic, your wood deck boards may be showing
wear. Protect the integrity of the wood and refresh
the look of your outdoor space by cleaning deck
boards and giving them a new coat of paint or
stain. Start by scrubbing or power spraying off dirt
and grime, and then let wood dry thoroughly.
Next, use stain or paint made specifically for
decks to help protect the wood from the elements.
Just as indoor paint transforms a room inside your
home, new stain or paint on your deck boards will
make your outdoor area look new and refreshed,
making you feel like you have a whole new
outdoor area.

2. Replace balusters
Balusters are connected to the railing vertically

4. Refresh railings
When it comes to deck railings, there are endless
options to match any style or price point. You can

(BPT) - It's easy to dream of perfectly pristine
outdoor spaces when looking at the decks in
magazines and online, but too often what we want
and what we have don't align. If your deck suffers
from weathered wood, loose railings or dated
balusters, you're not alone. The good news is there
are surprisingly simple ways to give your deck a
facelift and transform it into the outdoor oasis you
want in as little as one weekend.

go with an off-the-shelf product or customize one
to fit your personal design aesthetic. For example,
Deckorators co-extruded composite CXT railing is
ultra-low maintenance and gives you the options
to mix-and-match railings, posts, balusters and
caps for a look that's entirely your own. Not
looking to do a full railing replacement? Sand
down wood railings and apply a new coat of stain
for an instant update.
5. Install lighting
A great deck will serve as an extension of your
home both day and night, but if you don't have
proper lighting, you'll be heading indoors once the
sun goes down. Add visual appeal and an element
of safety to your deck with easy DIY lighting
options. Lighting on your stairs adds a splash of
drama and makes it easy to get around. Balusters
are an often-overlooked item that can provide a
great lighting location too. Solar Baluster Lights
install around 3/4-inch round balusters with
nothing more than a Phillips screwdriver. Finally,
Solar Accent Lights can be placed on posts to
illuminate pathways and deck edges.
Expanding a home's livable space to the outdoors
is a top home improvement trend. With these
simple tips, your deck will find new life and you'll
be able to enjoy plenty of time outdoors with
Mother Nature. For more information, visit
www.deckorators.com.