Beyond the Deck: Grow Sales With Outdoor Extras

Whether your customers plan to use their deck to relax, entertain, or a little of both, creating a true outdoor oasis means going beyond just the decking and railing. To enhance atmosphere, safety, functionality, and more, it's important to upgrade deck packages with extra features that can complete the space.

Here are categories to consider:

Lighting

As homeowners seek to use their outdoor spaces for as long as possible-later into the evening and deeper into the winter-the warm glow of lighting helps make it happen by adding warmth and providing safety. Depending on the deck design, size, and budget, there are a range of options to choose from and combine, including LED accent lights on railing posts, in-deck lights, lighted post caps, stair riser lights, and under-rail lights. String lights, fairy lights in trees, and security floodlights also can be considered. Combining different lighting styles with a smart home system can help light up certain areas as well as allow for adjustment of intensity and even color.

Outdoor heating

Similarly, outdoor heaters can help homeowners extend the deck season well into the cooler and colder months. Along with freestanding units that run on propane, which offer the flexibility of portability, there is a growing array of infrared heaters for a more streamlined appearance and no fuel hassles.

Fire features

Fireplaces and fire pits also can provide needed heat as well as a boost of ambiance. What's more, the range of options available can meet nearly any style and budget-from a traditional stone fireplace to a sleek linear gas unit with glass pebbles to a large stone bowl. Builders should be sure to account for the structural and material requirements of different fire features.

Shading

Environmental limitations also apply to the daytime: Sunshades, awnings, and other coverings can provide much-needed respite from the hot sun, allowing homeowners to use their decks even in the height of the summer afternoon.

Pergolas

Pergolas provide a beautiful accent, can help designate a special area of the deck, and can add some shade. Even better, they often can be crafted from the same material as the deck for a cohesive look and similar maintenance needs.

Drink rails

Drink rails like those from TimberTech^® provide a flat surface on top rails for people to set their glasses down or lean back and relax while chatting on the deck. It's a simple addition that adds elegance and functionality. The flat top can also support decor, like simple railing planters or tea lights.

Gate

A gate can add an extra measure of safety at deck stairs. TimberTech^® offers a composite gate kit with rustic charm or a PVC gate that is reinforced with aluminum for exceptional strength.

Storage

Storage is often an afterthought for outdoor spaces, which can result in unsightly sheds or other options that don't fit in stylistically. Thinking about built-in storage (including storage benches) to hold furniture cushions, fireplace wood, and other items can help ensure that storage fits sleekly into the space.

Under deck space

The space underneath a second-story deck is valuable for much more than storage. Adding TimberTech DrySpace™ can transform an under-deck area into an additional outdoor living space. Installed under the deck joists, DrySpace channels rain and other moisture away from the home to keep the under-deck area dry.

The Whole Package

While much of a customer's focus for their outdoor space will be on the deck and the railing, steering them toward additional accessories during the design process can help ensure a cohesive look as well as elevate the space's functionality. It also may ensure these often-aftermarket purchases stay with your sale.

Call now to discuss your customer's next big project and experience best-in-class service from your partners at Weyerhaeuser.

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