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Portland Deck Landscaping: 5 Tips for Sprucing Up Your Outdoor Space

June 6, 2012

Not all Portland homeowners have thousands of dollars to spend on completely remodeling their backyard spaces. Luckily for those of use on a more limited budget, there are a number of fun, affordable improvements you can make to your outdoor property that can breathe some new life into an outdated yard, deck, or patio. Here are a few of our favorite Portland deck and patio improvement projects. Enjoy!

 

 

1. Add a Kitchen

Improvement Remodeling has been building outdoor kitchens in Portland for years and we love it. There are few outdoor additions that add as much fun and chance for entertaining as an outdoor kitchen. While outdoor kitchens can indeed cost a lot of money, they don’t have too – a few well-constructed shelving units artfully arranged around a traditional grill can work just as well as a full outdoor kitchen unit.

 

2. Widen the Stairs

Most people think of stairs as simply a way to get on and off their deck. In fact, wide, long stairs can also act as benches when a party requires extra seating and can also be used to hold planters and potted shrubs. Adding a few extra feet to an additional staircase is a relatively quick and affordable project, too.

 

3. Add a Fun Railing

Hardwood decking, while beautiful and functional, are rarely a lot of fun. Adding a mixed-material railing, however, really frees you up in terms of style and personality. You can add a funky free-standing railing between support beams, add an intricate lattice railing around the deck, or use a single-beam railing that’s been painted to match your house. Get creative and see what happens.

 

4. Add Interior Accents

One of the most popular outdoor decorating trends in Portland is using fixtures and materials traditionally used indoors for outdoor applications. Couch cushions, free-standing floor lamps, coffee tables, even drapes and curtains – all our great ways to add a touch of familiarity and comfort to an outdoor space. Remember to bring these items in when not in use, though – Portland weather doesn’t bode well for upholstered items.

 

5. Soften the Ceiling

A lattice is a great way to provide a little cover to exterior decking. Add a few climbing vines or plants (native to Oregon, of course) and within a year or two you’ll have a naturally shaded deck that is beautiful, fragrant, and easy to maintain.

 

Unsure about what kind of outdoor additions would work best for your Portland backyard space? Contact Improvement Remodeling today to discuss with our experienced design professionals and develop a plan that fits your style and your budget. We look forward to hearing from you soon!



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