Deck & patio upgrades to refresh your outdoor space

by Lori Madden 10/30/2022

When it’s time to upgrade your outdoor living space, your primary focus will likely be your deck or patio. Whether you want to improve an existing deck or build a brand new one, going into the project with some ideas in mind will help you achieve your outdoor living goals.

Here are some outdoor patio and deck ideas to consider:

Living walls complete with movable planters

You might want to install walls on your deck to provide privacy. It can shield you from neighboring buildings while making you feel surrounded by trees and herbs within minutes. Use hanging planters to cover your walls in lush greenery. Another option is to use wheeled planter boxes with a trellis for plants to climb.

Wood & stone decks

Stone veneer is a favorite among deck builders for its affordability and ease of installation. What’s even better is that stone veneer allows you to enjoy the aesthetic appeal of real stone in your deck design without the weight and price tag. Combining natural wood deck and stone veneer will create a striking contrast of materials and textures.

Patio privacy screens

There are many DIY solutions for patio privacy screens, but it’s important to use the right material for the job. If you opt for fabric screens, choose something easy to clean and weather-resistant. Windy backyards benefit from heavier weaves like canvas to keep the screen in place.

Are you ready to take your deck, patio or outdoor space to the next level? These ideas should help you get started and guide your project for a perfect outdoor living area.

About the Author

Lori Madden

As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I have seen my hometown grow from a sleepy coastal town to a highly sought-after destination along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After working in Chicago for 5 years, I returned to Sarasota and saw it through a new lens and really began to appreciate what makes Sarasota so desirable, including temperatures that allow for year round outdoor activities including tennis (a personal favorite), golf, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing and/or shelling on our pristine sandy shores, including Dr. Beach’s #1 beach in the United States for 2017, Siesta Key! Sarasota’s cultural amenities are many and diverse, appealing to a wide range of arts lovers. Downtown Sarasota has become a destination in itself, drawing many new developments for those who want to be within walking distance of Main Street's offerings and the picturesque bayfront and marina. Foodies will find an eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something for everyone, and there are now Farmers Markets every day of the week in various locations throughout Sarasota, but the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota draws the biggest crowds. Since 1988, my passion has been selling real estate, representing both buyers and sellers. I have been recognized by my clients and customers for an uncompromising work ethic and dedication to helping them achieve their real estate goals. Relying on my experience as a real estate paralegal and being highly organized, I am able to help make the transition between contract and closing a smooth one for my clients. With an eye for interior and landscape design, I've been known to pitch in and help Sellers minimize and/or reorganize their belongings in order to stage their home to maximize its sale potential. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market. I welcome the opportunity to share with you all Sarasota and her surrounding islands have to offer!