One of the best ways to enjoy your deck is with friends, but how can you make your deck the place everyone wants to go? The best way to spruce up your deck and create the welcoming vibe you desire is by appealing to your guests’ senses. 

Sight

One of the easiest ways to draw in friends is by having a visually appealing deck. When brainstorming your designs, consider adding these elements for a fun, inviting feel.

Outdoor String Lights 

Have you ever walked past a home and admired their lights from afar? You too can have the deck people gawk over. Outdoor lighting sets the mood and brings attention to your deck’s design. 

Comfortable Seating And Decorative Throw pillows

This seems like a given, but it’s crucial to have enough COMFORTABLE seating for the friends and family you want to attract. By having enough seating, you won’t have to worry about friends having to awkwardly squeeze or alternate who sits on the ground. As for seating decor, as a conversation starter, add some eccentric throw pillows. For a more homey feel, opt for neutral-colored throw pillows.

Movie Projector

This may take a bit more effort than the others, but try to visualize the epic movie nights you could have with your closest friends. It’s worth the effort.

Smell

At times, decks can produce an unpleasant odor due to mildew, food that has fallen beneath, animals, and more outdoor causes. To mitigate the smell and appeal to your guests, look into these.

Outdoor Air Fresheners & Candles

The last thing you want is for your guests to be distracted by the not-so-pleasant outdoor smells. When purchasing outdoor air fresheners and candles, be sure to look for outdoor scents such as cedar, fresh rain, honeysuckle, and lemongrass. If you’re nearing a holiday, incorporate common scents associated with the holiday. 

Flowers

Flowers give off a faint scent but leave a lasting impression. When choosing your flowers, be sure to be mindful of your pets.

Hearing

To create a deck where your friends want to hang out, it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable. Adding background noise to your deck ensures that even if conversation lulls, guests will still have an enjoyable time. 

Outdoor speaker 

An outdoor speaker is a great way to interact with your guests and ensure they keep coming back. We recommend incorporating a weekly music theme and giving your friends control of some songs on the playlist!  

Water fountain

If you’re looking for a more relaxed hangout, adding a water fountain can provide calming background noise.

Taste

When in doubt, always provide something people can eat or drink. You always want to make sure that your guests feel taken care of.

Beverage Cart

Every fun deck hangout has to have drinks. By adding a beverage cart right on the deck, you’re increasing the intimate time you get to spend with friends and family. No more going back and forth to the kitchen!

Charcuterie board/Small Plates

Who are we kidding? Guests love when food is provided to them. All you need is some cheese, crackers, and fruit for a happy group. Get creative with your charcuterie and use a summertime theme your guests are sure to love.

Touch

Chalk Board Sign

Let your friends leave their mark! Get out some colorful chalk for signatures, Pictionary, and hangman. 

Card Games

Gather around the table and enjoy a game! Card games are a great way to interact with your guests.

Congratulations, you’re now well on your way to a deck that your friends never want to leave. Now you’re only missing one thing: your Traxion Treads. Traxion Treads are the world’s first and only step treads for all weather conditions. Traxion will keep you safe from slipping no matter the weather outside. Get your treads today!