Dec 14, 2022
As property prices fall across the country, investing in some simple outdoor improvements can increase the value of a home. According to Softwoods, a family-owned South Australian company that has been trading for more than 30 years, installing a deck will enhance the appearance of a backyard space while also bringing warmth and comfort to the outdoor area.
When it comes to decking, Softwoods says the structure is the most important element of the entire project. If there is an existing deck on the property that has seen better days, homeowners should assess whether it is worth repairing or building a new one. If the structural integrity of the deck is at risk, then the safety of the deck is too. Signs of wood deterioration include splinters or loose boards, as well as nails and screws coming loose. Softwoods says sometimes a fix can be more costly than starting from scratch, and it may be safer to replace than repair.
Softwoods explains that in addition to enhancing appearance, there are definite benefits to adding a deck that will both increase the enjoyment of the outdoor space as well as the property's appeal to prospective buyers. As an extension of the home, a deck creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, increasing the feel of usable space for entertaining, relaxing and dining.
While decking extends the living space, it is also a part of the backyard, so adding plants will unify the space with the larger outdoor environment. Using pots and planters or adding a vertical garden will bring colour, life and visual interest to the deck, suggests Softwoods.
Adding lighting, comfortable seating and even an outdoor kitchen will further enhance the appeal of the deck by making it both functional and stylish. Softwoods recommends treating the outdoor space like an interior space by making it a warm and inviting place to relax.
For a deck that can be used all year round, Softwoods says adding outdoor lighting and a pergola will bring the most benefits to homeowners.
To learn more about decking and pergolas, contact Softwoods.
Gareth Ainsworth believes returning striker Tom Eaves still has what it takes to strike fear into lower-league defenders.
Matt Milnes has proven himself as an even better bowler during his second Kent spell than he was in his first - ask team-mate Ben Compton.
Gillingham will play Chatham Town in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday night - and it’s free to watch.
Tom Eaves has completed a move back to Gillingham after seven years away.
Megan Belt has stood down as Kent Women’s captain at the end of this season.
Gillingham defender Omar Beckles says Saturday’s defeat at York has given the Gills the perfect chance to show their character against Newport County.
Catch up with all the week’s football fixtures and results here.
Sheppey United ensured they cashed in after playing their first home game for more than a month on Saturday.
Club captain Daniel Bell-Drummond has revealed how he and Kent team-mate Keith Dudgeon embraced as they celebrated promotion in strange style.
Find out who’s in KentOnline’s team of the week and vote for your star man.
Former Kent head coach Matt Walker is celebrating County Championship Division 1 glory - beating the county he’s about to join to the title!
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.