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                   Image from: http://northernva.archadeck.com

Outdoor living is what it’s all about – especially in the beautiful Nashville area, but if your home’s exterior is less than inviting, you may find yourself putting off those summer parties and weekend gatherings. The good news is there are some simple and inexpensive ways to spruce up your outdoor area on any budget, and with little experience in design. Here are some easy tips for getting the most out of your fence and deck.

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Image from: charlottecommercialpainting.net

Stain them regularly. If your fence and deck are made of wood, it’s important that you routinely paint or stain them to help keep them sturdy and visually appealing for longer. Over time, both fences and decks – in Nashville especially – can become warped and weakened due to warmer temperatures and stormy weather. Make them last longer and look better by maintaining them.

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Image from: http://gzguigg.com

Create a comfortable, inviting space for entertaining. Make your deck the center of attention by adding outdoor furniture and plenty of areas to place drinks and snacks. Separate the different sections of your deck into areas for cooking, eating and just relaxing. If your deck is in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, consider installing an awning or shade sail to keep the area cool and comfortable.

Install outdoor lighting. Add to the ambiance of your outdoor oasis by strategically placing lighting throughout. Solar lights are great along walkways and near stairs, while LED lights can add a sense of warmth. Your fence can be used to hang solar lanterns to add just that simple little touch of elegance to your yard.

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Image from: http://columbus.archadeck.com

Use a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. What better way to enjoy a relaxing evening than by sitting around a warm, soothing fire? You can purchase small fire pits for relatively inexpensive prices at various home goods stores, or – if you really want to go all out – you can have a full outdoor fireplace built.

Consider switching to lower maintenance materials. If you find you have to paint, stain and maintain your fence and deck more often than you’d like, it may be time to consider making the switch to lower maintenance materials. Vinyl fences are beautiful and can last longer than wooden ones, making them sound investments. Likewise, decks made of composite material provide the look of a traditional wood fence, but with a longer shelf life.

If you’re still not sure just how to fix up your fence and deck, a Nashville home improvement specialist can help. They can offer their professional opinion and help transform your mediocre yard into a beautiful, inviting outdoor living space that you’ll be proud to show off to your friends and family.