How can I makeover a deck that gets a lot of sun exposure?

Hi Mary,

Can you build or purchase a pergola to put on it? That could a permanent feature.

A sail cloth would be less expensive and short term use but I've never seen any that were large enough to shade more than two people... maybe you could find larger though.

My parents had a metal pole frame that they would cover with a plastic mesh 'fabric' that they would set up on their deck, it also had the pipe frame work on the deck as well as above to hold the shade cover. I think they were able to tie the base frame to the deck boards and posts but there wasn't a gap between the floor boards that I can recall so I'm not sure. They would remove the cover when there were high winds expected and dismantle the whole thing for winter.

Good luck in finding the right fix for your needs!

This site tells you how to cover it:

https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/patio/designs/decks-and-patio-design-ideas/

How to convert into outdoor living area:

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/convert-covered-deck-indoor-living-area-35945.html

50 deck design ideas:

https://www.homestratosphere.com/covered-deck-designs/

Add lots of flowers and planter boxes. Make an outdoor seating area and add an outdoor rug

Get a large table with a umbrella a swing with a cover even a 12 x 12 tent to cover up for shade make a little oasis.

Thank you everyone who answered. I now have some really great ideas for my deck. Thanks so much.

Hi Mary - These are two articles that show how we took our small and sad deck and turned it into a gorgeous entertainment space complete with a pergola. Hope they help with some inspiration! Hugs, Holly

https://pinkfortitude.com/built-in-bench/

https://pinkfortitude.com/veranda-transformation/

You could add a table with a large umbrella to protect you from the sun. You could add lots of plants and flowers that love sunlight

Our deck gets 100% sunlight as well, I get it! We got a retractable awning which I realize may not be possible for everyone. A pergola or shade sail might help and I'm sure if you typed in "deck ideas" into the search bar on the top left on Hometalk, loads of helpful ideas will come up. I also sprang for a good quality stain on the wood.