One of the advantages of living in Woodstock and other North Georgia communities is being able to use your deck most of the year.
As the weather changes, that outdoor space can shift. You may have it dressed with umbrellas and bright flowers for the summer, and even have a few mosquito repellent planters. With subtle changes, the space can also be perfect for fall.
Update Plants: Traditional seasonal décor usually features pumpkins and gourds. If you still want to keep flowers around, consider mums. They are native to the area and flourish in the fall with bright colors. Mums grow in orange and yellows, but also purples, giving a nice variety. They do well in pots, so if you just trying them out, or want brighten up your existing flower pot arrangements, they’re a great option.
Add Pillows and Blankets: Summer decks are all about enjoying the sunshine and the warm temperatures. There may even be a few towels on hand for sunbathing or drying off after a dip in the pool or playing in the sprinklers. In the fall the days usually start and end with a little chill. Swap out towels for cozy blankets, then you can enjoy morning coffee or an evening sit outdoors.
Is your furniture upholstery a bright, summery color? Add pillows in coordinating, warm fall colors, to stick with the theme. If your furniture is upholstered, consider draping it with throws in fall colors to warm up the area. Added bonus – pillows and blankets won’t feel as cool to the skin as wood or plastic furniture and body heat will warm them faster.
Get the Fire Pit Ready: Ah, the fire pit. It was perfect for s’mores in the summer. Now use it as a gathering place to tell stories and share apple cider in the fall. Make sure the area immediately around the pit it is clean and if necessary repair or replace any bricks or pavers meant to contain the fire. Update your stock pile of wood, arrange your chairs in a circle around it, and you’re ready to go!
Small Details: If your yard has a lot of trees, keep a broom handy to keep your deck clear. If you have a wooden deck, leaves piling up can damage the planks, especially if there is a lot of rain. Clumps of wet leaves can lead to rot.
Even if your deck is pressure treated wood, make sure you seal it, and redo the finish every two to three years depending on the exposure your deck gets. This will preserve the life of your deck and give you more time to use the deck throughout the year – it won’t be off limits waiting for repair.
Three Brothers Painting can paint, stain or seal decks for you and we even do minor wood rot repair. If you need help getting your deck ready for fall, give us a call!