BACKYARD BLOG

4 Ways to Protect Your Deck or Patio

Mar.17.2021

If you’ve invested in a deck or are considering it as a home improvement project this spring, then you’ll want to protect your new investment. Many homeowners assume that if they use pre-treated wood, then regular maintenance and upkeep aren’t essential. But that’s not the case! Like any exterior structure of your home, your new deck will take a beating from the elements. So, protecting it the best you can is the only way to ensure it lasts. Our specialty at Mesa Awning is retractable awnings, which is one sure way to add protection. But, there are other ways you can protect your deck from the elements too.

1. Pergolas

One of the most popular ways to protect your deck is with a pergola. Here at Mesa Awning, we use Alumawood®, a material that mimics real wood but won’t succumb to the elements.  A pergola can be built to match your home’s exterior look, tying in nicely with the rest of your outdoor décor. By providing additional shade over your deck, you protect it from the sun’s UV rays. If you want to add more greenery around your deck, consider planting ivy that can grow up the sides and over the top, providing natural shade and even more protection from the weather.

2. Umbrellas

Depending on your deck’s size, you may be able to protect the entire structure with an umbrella. Umbrellas provide instant shade for less, which can be vital if you’re on a tight budget. Furthermore, umbrellas come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, which means you can find one that matches the rest of your outdoor furniture and is big enough to cover a small deck. The other benefit to an umbrella is that you can move it with the sun, which means you can enjoy your patio all day long during the spring and summer months.

3. Natural Barriers

Planting a tree near your deck is an environmentally friendly way to protect your new investment. However, this kind of sun protector requires long-term planning, especially if you’re looking to plant just one large tree. However, if you’re open to new ideas and have room in your backyard, planting fast-growing shrubs and bushes can provide you with all the shade you need in just a few short years. You can also provide your deck with plenty of protection by using strategically placed potted plants.

4. Sunshades

Some homes face north and south, which means their backyards are flooded in sunshine, no matter the time of day. If this is your home, it could be beneficial to couple your pergola or trellis with a sunshade. Sunshades are an additional attachment that can easily cut off the sun’s harmful rays and heat. The other benefits are that they’re retractable, giving you complete control of how high or how low you draw the shade, and they provide additional privacy from your neighbors.

Install a Deck Covering Today

Get your deck covering installed today so that you can start enjoying your outdoor living space as soon as the weather gets warm. If you’re ready to invest in your backyard, then give Mesa Awning a call. We proudly provide homeowners around Phoenix, AZ, with high-quality patio awnings, carports, and window awnings. Get your free quote online or call us today at (480) 969-4064.

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