From grilling and dining to simply relaxing, your home’s deck is frequently the center of family life during warm weather months. That’s why there’s no better time to give your outdoor living space the upgrade it deserves.

Whether you’re building a dream deck from scratch or sprucing up an existing space, here are five tips for do-ityourselfers who want to start turning their outdoor living aspirations into reality this weekend.

Discover your inspiration

Your deck is a natural extension of your home and your style. Think about the type of design elements that will best fit your family’s activities and complement both outdoor views and the layout of your yard. Flip through favorite magazines to find photos that jumpstart your inner designer, go online to experiment with virtual planners that allow you to try out different colors and configurations or use mobile apps to create outdoor living space designs anywhere at any time.

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Choose materials manufactured to last

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If you’re investing in a brand new deck, select materials that will stand up to years of wear and tear from kids, pets, dropped grilling tools and heavy outdoor furniture. New high-performance wood-alternative decking like Trex Enhance combines superior durability and long-lasting good looks. With Trex’s protective shell technology, it’s also resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold.

Look for easy-to-install solutions

Installing a new deck may seem daunting at first, but with the proper tools and resources, you’ll not only save money on labor costs, but you’ll also take pride in knowing you completed a home improvement project with your own two hands. As you create a list of essential materials for your project, think about incorporating a hidden fastener system rather than traditional nails or screws. Your deck’s surface will be smooth, seamless and more comfortable underfoot.

For more advice, visit www.homedepot.trex.com.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.

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