Once you have your new or improved deck, you may be contemplating how to beautify or maximize the space beneath. We have seen many of our customers transform this shady, empty space into a functional area. Here are some of the best ideas we’ve seen.
Storage Space
Do you have garden tools, outdoor furniture, or bicycles that need to be protected from the elements? Weatherproof storage bins, shelving units, or pegboards are great additions to the space below your deck for organizing items that need a safe outdoor home. Some customers with taller decks have even invested in custom-built storage sheds to house larger items.
Enclosing an under-deck storage area with skirting or lattice can enhance the aesthetics of your deck and offer additional protection for your belongings.
With any of these options, easy accessibility is important. Be sure to think through the location and openings of any storage solutions before making a purchase.
Plants
Depending on your soil and lighting, shade-tolerant plants can be a beautiful addition to the space surrounding or underneath your deck. Hostas, astilbes, and ferns do well in shaded areas. Creeping Jenny or other attractive ground covers are another excellent option since they can handle shadier areas and will continue to spread into a carpet of warm-weather greenery over time.
For a low-maintenance option, consider rock, gravel, or mulch. Potted plants along the edges would allow you to move things around on the covered area as you discover where the best sunlight is for each plant.
If you like lawn ornaments or statues, a few well-placed favorites would look nice peeking into the yard from among the plants.
Lighting
This is one of our favorites for a low-maintenance, beautiful addition to any deck. LED recessed lights can be added on the deck ceiling for a soft glow to enjoy from the yard on warm summer evenings. For a simpler option, hang string lights along the posts or along the edges of the deck. Solar lights along the outside are also an easy, eco-friendly addition to the outside of the deck. Just be sure to install them in locations that get enough sunlight.
Conclusion
Putting some thought into the aesthetic appeal of the area under your deck not only enhances the usability of the space, but it also adds value to your investment.
Here at Evergreen Decks LLC, we are more than happy to help you implement some of these ideas to enjoy your outdoor living space to the fullest.
If you want a quote for a project, click here for a no-strings-attached estimate or email me at evergreendecksllc@gmail.com.
