In a safe and family-friendly community like Mechanicsburg, there is nothing better than having your neighbors stop by for an impromptu party or watching your kids play in the yard – and a deck is the best place to enjoy all that this close-knit Pennsylvania community has to offer.
A deck is an excellent investment to improve the exterior of your home, as it is long-lasting and a highly sought-after feature by homebuyers. More than that, it allows you to spread out and truly enjoy your backyard, as you have a comfortable spot to enjoy dinner without worrying about muddy shoes or pests.
Once you’ve searched for “deck builder near me” and found a highly reputable company to install this essential outdoor feature, you need to begin thinking about how to protect and enhance your investment. Today, we’ll discuss some of the most crucial things you must consider when adding a deck to your home.
Consider the PA Climate
Mechanicsburg is a warm, temperate environment that receives significant precipitation throughout the year: solid waterproofing is a must. While it’s recommended that you reseal a deck every one to three years, consider resealing your deck every year thanks to the humidity and frequent precipitation of Mechanicsburg rather than waiting. You can delay this by a year when your deck is brand new, but be sure to stick to a good routine after several years have passed.
Wood rot isn’t just unsightly but dangerous; rotted decks are prone to collapse and may serve as a serious liability. Working with a great builder can reduce this risk, particularly by ensuring good structural integrity, but it’s up to you to keep the deck in good repair by performing regular maintenance.
Invest in Lighting
Outdoor lighting can be expensive, but it’s well worth the investment, as it ensures you can enjoy your deck long after night falls. Hanging lanterns offer a romantic air, while fairy lights help create a magical scene that boosts your mood while also providing plenty of soft, diffused light.
Place bug zapper lights near the entrance to your deck in order to help ward off mosquitos and other bugs that will ruin your dinner, and be sure to consider a motion sensor light that will spook deer or raccoons who come too close to the home.
Capture the Local Culture Through Unique Accents
One of Mechanicsburg’s claims to fame is being a railroad hub, and you can help bring this to life through careful decor that embraces this history. For example, you may consider purchasing globe lanterns similar to those used by railroad engineers of years past; this subtle but classy hint can be placed on railings or hung from a pergola to lend a comforting light to any outdoor celebrations.
Mechanicsburg is also known for its bustling flea market, where you can find one-of-a-kind artwork and statuettes from local artisans. This is a great way to both support the local economy and bring home an eccentric accent that will keep people talking.
Use Multipurpose Furniture
There’s nothing more annoying than having to tote everything in and out of the home every time you’re hosting, whether that is a barbecue lighter or the citronella candles that keep your dinnertime bug-free. To rectify this, consider using benches and tables with built-in storage instead of deck chairs; this also allows you to seat more people, as they are more compact than broad wicker chairs. You can keep outdoor pillows to ensure they don’t blow off during one of Mechanicburg’s frequent windstorms, as well as other practical items like bug spray, sunscreen, or lanterns.
Consider Metal Instead of Wicker
Outdoor furniture is unfortunately expensive, but an upfront investment can save you hundreds of dollars over the long term; this is why you should consider powder-coated steel or aluminum furniture instead of wicker chairs for your deck. These types of outdoor furniture can last 15 years or more, which is quite a good lifespan when considering that many wicker products start to break down in only a few years. As they are heavier, they can also withstand the nasty weather that frequents Mechanicsburg.
Metal furniture is particularly good if you intend to keep your furniture in the same setup for the majority of the year because it can be cumbersome to move. With some cozy cushions, you’ll feel just as comfortable as you would in a softer material, and you can rest assured that it’s built to last.
A deck is a great way to soak up the sunshine and host guests for Mechanicsburg’s many festivals, such as Jubilee Day. Working with a reputable deck builder and embracing all that makes your town unique will mean you’ll look forward to coming home every evening, ready to fire up the grill to enjoy a delicious steak with friends and family.
