So, you’re remodeling your deck — maybe ripping off splintered boards, maybe saying goodbye to that sad old railing that wobbles if you lean on it. Good call. But before you call it done, let’s talk about what takes a deck from “functional” to “this is the best part of our house.”
At HOMEfix, we remodel a lot of decks — and one of the biggest opportunities we see homeowners miss is skipping the smart add-ons. I’m not talking about things that break the bank or take months to build. I’m talking about thoughtful features that instantly add comfort, style, and usability to your outdoor space.
Let’s walk through a few of the ones we recommend.
1. Upgrade Your Railing — It Sets the Whole Tone
Your railing isn’t just a safety feature — it’s the first thing you see from inside the house. And aging wood railings just don’t cut it anymore.
Here’s what we’re loving right now:
- Horizontal hog wire or cable railing for a sleek, open view — great if you’ve got scenery worth seeing
- Black aluminum balusters with wood top rails for that modern-farmhouse feel
- Privacy railings with integrated screens or planters if you’re close to neighbors
- Built-in drink ledges on top of the rail — perfect for a morning coffee
2. Low-Voltage LED Lighting: The Underrated MVP
You’d be amazed how many beautiful decks become unusable at night. Lighting is often an afterthought — and it shouldn’t be.
What you should consider installing:
- Post cap lights to softly define the perimeter
- Stair tread lights for safety and ambiance (especially crucial if you’ve got kids or guests)
- Under-rail LEDs that tuck beneath the top rail and cast a warm glow over everything
These aren’t glaring floodlights — they’re subtle, beautiful, and add way more elegance than people expect. And they make the space actually usable after sunset, which is when a lot of people want to be out there in the first place.
3. Built-In Seating
Benches built into decks used to be clunky, overbuilt, and usually matched the same weather-worn lumber as the rest of the structure. We’re past that now.
How to do it better:
- Floating bench seating with slatted backs for airflow and a more modern feel
- Corner benches that double as hidden storage for cushions or firewood
- Built-in seating with planter box ends, so the transition from “structure” to “nature” feels organic
- Custom seat cushions and backrests that make it feel more like a lounge than a deck
This is perfect for smaller decks where adding furniture would just eat up space. Built-in seating gives you form and function in one shot.
4. Planters That Are Actually Part of the Deck
Anyone can toss a few potted plants on a deck. But when greenery is built into the design, it changes everything.
Ideas we love:
- Integrated planter boxes along the edges of the deck — soften the space, add privacy, and bring life right up to your toes
- Post-mounted planters to break up long runs of railing
- Step-integrated planters where the stair landing blends into a small herb or flower bed
These aren’t hard to build, and they don’t require irrigation systems or landscape crews. But they add serious texture and personality — especially if your deck is high off the ground and lacks that “garden connection.”
5. Add Shade Like You Actually Use the Space
Colorado sun is no joke. If your deck bakes in the afternoon, you’re probably not getting nearly the use out of it that you want.
Options that work and look good:
- Pergolas that can be designed to fit your home’s style — rustic, modern, or somewhere in between
- Tension-mounted shade sails that add architectural interest and block harsh light
- Retractable awnings for decks where you want flexibility but not a permanent structure
- Slatted roof structures (wood or aluminum) that give partial shade while keeping airflow
The best time to add these is during the remodel — not as a janky afterthought with zip ties and PVC pipes next summer.
6. Level Changes That Define How You Use the Space
This is next-level stuff — but if you’re already doing a significant deck remodel, it might be worth considering.
What we’re talking about:
- Adding a step-down lounge zone for seating, fire pits, or even a hot tub
- Creating tiered dining vs. lounging areas, especially if you’ve got a big footprint to work with
- Designing a deck-to-patio transition that connects your upper and lower yard without awkward steps or dead space
Even a single 6-inch step can give visual separation and make the whole area feel more intentional.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Replace — Rethink
When people call us for a deck remodel, they’re usually focused on the obvious stuff — new boards, fixing rotten posts, upgrading from wood to composite. That’s important. But that’s just the start.
The fun comes in these kinds of upgrades. The ones that make your outdoor space feel like it was designed for your life, not just bolted to the back of your house.
At HOMEfix, we’re not here to slap a deck together. We’re here to make outdoor spaces that feel like real, lived-in extensions of your home — beautiful, practical, and full of personality.
If you’re thinking about remodeling your deck this season, let’s talk about how to make it something you actually want to be on, not just something you maintain.
