“We’re going to be in this house for at least the next five years, so I really want to be able to enjoy it,” Steven said. “That’s why we’re having the Wilmington deck company put a big back deck on the house, right off of our kitchen. It’s going to be our go-to spot for entertaining, whether it’s the kids’ friends we’re hosting or our own. But what I’m curious about is what deck features really hold their value, long term?”
The outdoor living trend has blossomed over 2020 and 2021. Now, as families are planning their 2022 deck upgrades, it’s a great idea to talk about what features are a sensible investment. The best deck upgrades can be divided into two categories: food and fun.
Let’s talk about the food-oriented upgrades first. You can get very serious about your outdoor kitchen, particularly if you have the best Wilmington deck company on your side. Full outdoor kitchens include refrigeration, a cook top or two, clean up sinks with running water, and often a prep area so you can stand and entertain your guest while doing your best Iron Chef impression.
Also super trendy – the outdoor bar. Not everyone gathers to have a big meal. A swanky, comfortable outdoor bar with seating to enjoy cocktails under the stars is a very nice feature. How well do the food-focused features hold their value? Very well, according to local real estate experts, who point out that outdoor kitchens have a tremendous amount of appeal to home buyers who are envisioning spending a lot of time in their new house.
Now about the fun features. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, fire features are red hot. 60% of surveyed designers rate a fire feature as a deck must have. Choose a fireplace – top choice for the grander, more traditional home – or a fire pit, for the casual contemporary feel.
What else is entertaining? Well, if you like kicking back and watching a movie or playing video games, the deck is now the prime location to indulge yourself. Ask your Wilmington deck designer about integrated entertainment, like built-in speakers and television screens.