The holiday season is here and festivity is in the air. It is the time of the year to have fun, receive and give gifts, and host parties for friends and family. When it comes to house parties, an outdoor deck is one of the best spots to host one. If the deck has a good view, it can add a lot to the party ambience and make it truly memorable. That being said, it may not be possible to have a holiday deck party unless you have proper deck coverings.
Why Use Deck Coverings?
Covering your deck offer a wide range of benefits. They essentially extend the utility of your deck so that you can use it at virtually any time. In the summer, a cover will provide shade and block off the harsh sunlight. During the winter, a covering offers a refuge against snow and rain. In California where winter rains can get pretty severe, a cover over your deck lets you enjoy an outdoor time without worrying about the downpour.
Benefits of Covering Your Deck in the Winter
- Nothing beats the sheer luxury of holding a steaming hot cup of coffee and sitting at your deck to take in the evening view. However, this luxury is possible only if the deck has some covering, or the cold temperatures may make it impossible to sit under the bare sky.
- Deck coverings can be used to create an enclosure on the deck by using a tarp or a similar material. This creates a sort of sealed environment on your deck where you can have meals, host parties and spend time otherwise.
- With a cover on your deck, it is possible for you to use your favorite outdoor furniture on it. A covering ensures that the furniture is protected from rain and sun. So you can leave it outside throughout the year and have a comfortable seat whenever you want to enjoy some deck time.
Increase Your Deck’s Usability All Year Long
One of the key reasons why many homeowners prefer to use deck coverings is that a cover extends the utility of a deck. This is particularly true for the winter season. With a covering, the deck essentially becomes an extension of your indoor environment. It offers you a view and feel of the outdoor as well as the comfort and snug feeling of the indoors.
If you’re thinking about adding a deck to your property, your planning should take into account ROI variables. Materials, size, access, and the “wow factor” all contribute to a prospective buyer’s perception of the value added by a deck to the property. It’s worth becoming familiar with deck construction in the comparable properties in your area so you can position yours where you want to be value-wise. Another value relationship to consider is that between your deck budget and the overall value of the property. It doesn’t make ROI dollars and sense to build something too grand for the size and likely resale price of the home. One rule of thumb used by contractors and architects is that a deck should be no larger than the home’s biggest interior space.
Keep in mind, too, that adding value to your home gets the attention of the assessor and the underwriter, so your property taxes and insurance premiums are like to be increased. Like anything else built by human beings, a deck will inevitably require some maintenance and/or repair as time goes by. Good choices of materials, with expert design and construction, are the ticket to keeping those costs down and your enjoyment and ROI up