Spruce Up Your Deck Business with These 6 Upgrades

With Spring officially beginning, it’s time to get geared up for deck building season. As the snow melts, customers will start requesting estimates for their deck builds and renovations. We want to give you some inspiration for upgrades you can offer to set your bid apart from the pack.

1. Seating and Storage Combined. For large decks, you have space to install permanent seating in addition to patio furniture. For small decks, you may only be able to fit permanent seating, because it hugs the edges and uses the space to its max. Either way, if you’re installing benches on a deck, consider making them storage benches as well. Instead of a clunky storage bin taking up valuable space, storing cushions, grill accessories, or yard tools right under the benches is a great way to use space.
2. Matching Furniture. Consider offering matching furniture, like a hexagonal picnic table, made of the same material as the deck. These are great looking when using a composite material. They give a lot of seating and table space, create a really cohesive look for the deck, and can be customized to the ideal size for the customer.
3. Support Gardening. Home gardens are gaining in popularity as customers look to get more locally-sourced produce. Find ways to include gardening structures into your deck construction. You could offer matching raised garden beds around the deck perimeter, or even a trellis for climbing vegetables like cucumbers. A trellis can offer both functionality and a nice finishing touch by creating a natural visual barrier for privacy. Building a series of raised platforms in a corner of the space for potted plants could add a lot of beauty to the space as well.
4. Plan for Light & Sound. You’re not an electrician, but taking time to consider finishing touches that require electric can give you a leg up. Create mounting spaces for lights under step edges or structures to protect outdoor speakers or TVs. You may even consider partnering with a local electrician, which could generate more business for both of you.
5. Enhanced Cocktail Hour. Spending summer nights on the back deck with friends while the kids play in the yard is a timeless tradition. Often times there isn’t enough counter space to hold everyone’s food and beverages, but there’s an upgrade for that – a Bar Rail. Construct a shortened counter along the top edge of your railing that’s bar height and perfect for holding drinks.
6. Finally, a Trap Door! Initially it seems comical, but a trap door with a storage space underneath could be useful for outdoor storage in a tight space. The door itself would blend into the planking, and lift up to show a storage space.

Regardless of which upgrades you offer, for a flawless finish, turn to the hidden fasteners in the InvisiDeck® Hidden SCRAIL® Deck Fastening System. This deck fastening system creates a completely smooth finish with no visible fasteners. Designed to be used with grooved boards, it can be adapted for use in non-grooved hardwood or composite materials with the use of BECK's groove cutter. The clips and SCRAIL® are installed under the deck's surface, and hold tight without being seen. Watch our video for more information.