If you’re looking forward to the warmer days ahead, you’re not alone.
Savory burgers and veggies on the grill, kids running through sprinklers in the yard, family and friends enjoying one another’s company as the sun sets, there’s plenty to love about spring and summer here in southeastern PA.
Especially if you’ve got a backyard deck or patio.
But maybe that back porch has seen better days. When concrete cracks and wood splinters and fades, what might be an otherwise great place to spend time with loved ones can feel like a waste of space.
The good news is that a quick refresh may be all your deck or patio needs to be reawakened as the go-to hang spot all summer long.
With that in mind, this guide outlines an overall strategy (plus lots of design options) for turning a drab outdoor living space into a place where memories are made. Give it a read and then let us know your favorites.
Because our team is ready to take your dream and make it a reality.
Ask Yourself: What Do You Want in a Porch or Patio Space?
Before scrolling through deck renovation ideas (or even vetting deck repair contractors), take a step back and ask yourself:
What do I actually want to do in my backyard?
Your answer is fundamentally important to deciding which design choices and upgrades make the most sense.
So whether you’re planning to:
- Host large gatherings
- Enjoy a quiet sip of coffee in the morning
- Let the kids run around while you keep an eye out
- Cook and eat outside more often…
There are upgrades worth making, and some you’re better off putting aside.
Think About Material Upgrades (for Durability and Style)
Once you’ve determined what you want out of a space, you’re much better equipped to determine whether you need repairs, replacement materials, or a full renovation.
If you are looking at upgrading your basic materials, here are a few of our favorites. All are engineered to last decades with relatively low maintenance, while offering lower depreciated costs over the long term.
Consider these popular patio and deck materials:
- Patio Pavers: Exceptional durability (3–4x stronger than concrete), easy to repair, and low-maintenance, pavers are available in all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.
- Natural Stone: Natural stone is an eco-friendly building material that carries a timeless beauty and can last centuries, making it a high-end favorite for a reason.
- Composite Decking: If you’re replacing or renovating a wooden deck, consider using composite planks. These boards resist rot, fading, and constant upkeep—meaning less time maintaining your deck and more time enjoying it.
While each of these materials is fantastic in its own right, none is without its tradeoffs.
Therefore, your best option is to speak with a backyard deck design or patio specialist to determine which materials best fit your home, budget, and goals.
Consider Design Features to Turn Your Patio Into a Destination
While a concrete slab technically counts as a patio, it’s not exactly going to draw a crowd.
So if your goal is to attract family and friends to your home in the warmer months, consider a few choice design features with the power to radically transform your backyard.
These thoughtful upgrades can turn your backyard into the destination this summer:
- Built-in Seating or Planters: One of the simplest ways to create structure, built-ins give your deck or patio definition and reduce the need for furniture.
- Fire Pits or Fireplaces: A favorite focal point for guests, fire pits and fireplaces allow you to use your outdoor space into the cooler evenings and fall months.
- Outdoor Kitchens/Grills: Kitchens, built-in grills, and pizza ovens transform your patio into a true gathering space—rather than just another seating area.
- Shade Structures: A staple in backyard patio designs, pergolas, pavilions, and gazebos add shade, comfort, and visual interest to your outdoor living space.
Looking for more inspiration? Swing by our Gallery page to view some recent Custom Deck Renovations!
How to Make Your Space More Comfortable and Private
A feeling of privacy can make all the difference in a backyard living area.
Here are a few ideas for increasing your privacy:
- Privacy Screens: Retractable screens, partial walls, and grated panels can all make a huge difference in reducing sightlines.
- Landscaping: Strategic landscaping, such as tall hedges, vertical planters, or vine walls, is a fantastic option for increasing a sense of privacy and safety.
- Outdoor Curtains: An affordable option that improves privacy and can be closed and reopened at any time!
While some privacy options require major renovations—three-season rooms with retractable screen walls, for instance—other options are far more accessible and flexible.
Just be sure to consider your privacy when exploring all those outdoor living trends articles!
Try These Add-Ons (That Don’t Require a Full Renovation)
Sprucing up your backyard doesn't always require a new patio or deck.
If your deck or patio is already in decent shape, the following minor upgrades can make a world of difference:
- Rearranging furniture for a better flow
- Adding planters or greenery to soften hard edges
- Installing umbrellas or awnings for hot summer days
- Hanging market lights to create ambiance in the evenings
- Adding outdoor rugs to tie your space together
Any or all of these suggestions will help turn your patio or deck into a more comfortable and inviting space—without breaking the bank.
And Remember: Create a Space You’ll Actually Use!
Tying back into our first idea, the most important consideration when revamping your backyard living area is this:
Build a space you’ll actually use!
If you’ve given your backyard some thought and are ready to explore next steps, reach out to our custom deck and patio experts today.
Our team is ready to help you with everything from minor deck repairs to the design and build of custom decks, patio color ideas, material options, and more.
And with free quotes, initial consultations, and work backed by our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty, there’s no reason to wait on creating an outdoor space you’ll love for years to come.
So let’s talk about making your dream a reality.
Smucker Exteriors knows how important your home is—and our crews have been serving Pennsylvania homeowners with complete exterior remodels, custom deck builds, and commercial services for over 25 years. All of our work is backed by a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and the assurance that comes from highly-skilled crews and reputable products—meaning there’s no reason to wait on getting your free quote in Lancaster, Chester, or Berks counties! Reach out today and let us know what you’re dreaming up.
