--- title: 8 Tips to Help Make Your Deck More Inviting description: We’re all looking forward to spending more time outdoors this summer! To help make your outdoor space more inviting, we’ve put together some tips that can help create a deck that’s perfect for gathering friends and family, or just enjoying your own personal getaway.  image: https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hubfs/SUB.MayBlogImage.jpg --- CALL US:[(319) 362-3115](tel:(319)%20362-3115) [![Suburbanlumber](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hubfs/Suburbanlumber-Nov2017/Images/suburban-logo.png "Suburbanlumber")](http://www.suburbanlumber.com/) - [Services](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/services) - [About](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/about) - [Blog](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/) - [Contact](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/contact) - - [Building Materials](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/building-materials) - [Doors & Windows](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/doors-windows) - [Decking & Railing](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/decking-railing) - [Cabinets & Countertops](https://suburbanlumber.com/cabinets-countertops/) - [Roofing & Siding](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/roofing-siding) - [Millwork](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/millwork) # Suburban Lumber Blog # 8 Tips to Help Make Your Deck More Inviting [![](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hubfs/SUB.MayBlogImage.jpg)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/make-your-deck-more-inviting) We’re all looking forward to spending more time outdoors this summer! To help make your outdoor space more inviting, we’ve put together some tips that can help create a deck that’s perfect for gathering friends and family, or just enjoying your own personal getaway.  #### **1. Make It Comfy:** **![IMG_7520](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7520.jpg?width=960&name=IMG_7520.jpg)** It’s not practical to drag your old sofa and recliner out of the basement and use those as deck furniture, but that doesn’t mean your deck can't be comfortable. Try adding some large pillows with outdoor coverings or a couple of outdoor ottomans or poufs.   #### **2. Add More Seating:** **![IMG_7524](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7524.jpg?width=750&name=IMG_7524.jpg)** There are plenty of outdoor furniture options, but that can also be pricey, depending on how much seating you want to add. Instead of spending a fortune on patio furniture, pick up some bench brackets and [2x4s](https://suburbanlumber.com/) and add a built-in bench around the edge of your deck. And those pillows we mentioned above will be great as cushions! #### **3. Give It a Garden Feel: ** **![IMG_7521](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7521.jpg?width=960&name=IMG_7521.jpg)** There are plenty of options when it comes to adding some greenery to your deck. There are simple, plastic planter boxes that are easy to find and will screw into your wooden deck railing—or you could build your own planter boxes to attach to your deck’s railings. If you have a pergola or patio cover, hanging baskets won’t take up much deck space, but will still give a feel of a garden setting. And of course, there are always giant flower pots you can place around your deck. #### **4. Customize Your Railings:** **![IMG_7523](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7523.jpg?width=1500&name=IMG_7523.jpg)** Upgrading your [deck railings](https://suburbanlumber.com/products/exterior-trim-soffit-siding-columns-and-rail-products) can make your whole deck feel brand new. The possibilities are endless when it comes to railing systems—from PVC and vinyl, to aluminum, steel, cable, or even glass. With so many options out there it can be a bit overwhelming. If you need help finding the right railing system that fits your style and budget, check with your[local decking supply experts](https://suburbanlumber.com/contact). #### **5. Light It Up:** **![IMG_7519](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7519.jpg?width=784&name=IMG_7519.jpg)** If you’d like to use your deck into the evening, try adding additional lighting. This can be as involved as choosing a railing system that has built-in lighting, or as simple as picking up some solar powered lights or string lights. Instead of relying on that bright, but harsh, porch light that illuminates your whole yard, adding more subtle lighting options can create a better environment for relaxing with friends and family. #### **6. Add Entertainment:** **![IMG_7517](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7517.jpg?width=960&name=IMG_7517.jpg)** Almost every home has Wi-Fi and streaming TV capabilities which makes it easy to set up outdoor movie nights. You won’t want to leave your TV outside if your deck isn’t covered (and even then you’ll want to put a cover on it when not in use), but it’s a breeze to move a small flatscreen TV with your favorite streaming device to your deck. You don’t need a cable jack or splitters—all you need is an outlet and Wi-Fi coverage. #### **7. Heat It Up:** **![IMG_7518](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7518.jpg?width=960&name=IMG_7518.jpg)** Propane fire pits are a very popular upgrade to any deck, especially those that are built into tables. These products allow you to create a centerpiece that can easily transition from an outdoor coffee table to a fire pit with the flip of a switch. And don’t forget the s’mores! #### **8. Tie It All Together with an Outdoor Rug:** **![44798470_1883200995103394_1106051484283305984_o](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/44798470_1883200995103394_1106051484283305984_o.jpg?width=960&name=44798470_1883200995103394_1106051484283305984_o.jpg)** Not only can an outdoor rug add color and define your space, it also can keep your deck from burning your feet or you from stepping on a nail that is peeking out. ### **Happy deck-o-rating!** ## **Want More Deck Tips? Read On! ** ## [Keeping Your Deck Cool During a Hot Summer](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/keeping-your-deck-cool-during-a-hot-summer) ## [The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Composite Deck](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-building-your-composite-deck) ## [How to Begin Your Deck Replacement Project](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/how-to-begin-your-deck-replacement-project) ### Archives - [September 2025 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2025/09) - [July 2025 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2025/07) - [June 2025 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2025/06) - [April 2025 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2025/04) - [January 2025 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2025/01) - [December 2024 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2024/12) - [October 2024 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2024/10) - [August 2024 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2024/08) - [July 2024 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2024/07) - [June 2024 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2024/06) - [April 2024 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2024/04) - [December 2023 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2023/12) - [November 2023 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2023/11) - [September 2023 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2023/09) - [July 2023 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2023/07) - [June 2023 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2023/06) - [May 2023 (2)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2023/05) - [January 2023 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2023/01) - [December 2022 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2022/12) - [November 2022 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2022/11) - [October 2022 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2022/10) - [September 2022 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2022/09) - [June 2022 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2022/06) - [April 2022 (3)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2022/04) - [February 2022 (5)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2022/02) - [December 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/12) - [November 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/11) - [October 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/10) - [September 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/09) - [August 2021 (2)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/08) - [July 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/07) - [June 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/06) - [April 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/04) - [March 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/03) - [February 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/02) - [January 2021 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2021/01) - [December 2020 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2020/12) - [November 2020 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2020/11) - [October 2020 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2020/10) - [July 2020 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2020/07) - [June 2020 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2020/06) - [May 2020 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2020/05) - [April 2020 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2020/04) - [March 2020 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2020/03) - [February 2020 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2020/02) - [November 2019 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/11) - [October 2019 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/10) - [September 2019 (2)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/09) - [August 2019 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/08) - [July 2019 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/07) - [May 2019 (2)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/05) - [April 2019 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/04) - [March 2019 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/03) - [February 2019 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/02) - [January 2019 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2019/01) - [December 2018 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/12) - [November 2018 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/11) - [October 2018 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/10) - [September 2018 (2)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/09) - [August 2018 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/08) - [July 2018 (2)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/07) - [June 2018 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/06) - [May 2018 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/05) - [April 2018 (2)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/04) - [February 2018 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/02) - [January 2018 (2)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2018/01) - [December 2017 (1)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/archive/2017/12) **VIEW MORE** ### Tags - [Home Improvement (50)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/tag/home-improvement) - [Insider (26)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/tag/insider) - [Exteriors (15)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/tag/exteriors) - [Decking (13)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/tag/decking) - [Roofing (8)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/tag/roofing) - [Siding (8)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/tag/siding) - [Windows (7)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/tag/windows) - [Sustainable Materials (6)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/tag/sustainable-materials) - [Cabinets & Countertops (5)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/tag/cabinets-countertops) # [Follow Us On Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SuburbanLumberCompany) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ![Artwork 1@2x](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Artwork%201@2x.png?width=300&height=110&name=Artwork%201@2x.png "Artwork 1@2x") 2630 Wiley Blvd SW Cedar Rapids, IA **PHONE:**** (319) 362-3115** [**sales@suburbanlumber.com**](mailto:sales@suburbanlumber.com) FOLLOW US - [Sign In](http://www.suburbanlumber.com/Users/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2F) - Sitemap - [Privacy](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/privacy-policy) COPYRIGHT 2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED