With summer just around the corner, you might be thinking about remodeling your yard to enjoy the warm months in the sun. Who says you need to be at a waterfront to enjoy the benefits of a visually-pleasing, functional deck? Although decking is usually associated with docks, pools, and waterfront homes, you can take advantage of this beautiful addition to your home even if you don’t live next to the water. An outdoor deck is a popular way for making better use of your living space and increasing home value without breaking the bank!

Quick and Inexpensive

In comparison to patios, decks are faster and cheaper to build ranging from an average of $20- $30 per square foot. Because decks can take as little as a week to build, you can be sure to have your new outdoors ready to enjoy well before summer. Another benefit of a deck is that the terrain doesn’t need to be levelled, and you can have a flat surface anywhere without having to pay for expensive retaining walls and dirt filling to level the ground.

Beauty with a Purpose

Just like the Miss World pageant, decks have beauty with a purpose. They add design to your home, making it more visually pleasant. Who doesn’t enjoy the natural look of wood complementing the yard and garden? Apart from being a decorative structure, a deck is functional for many reasons. Decks increase your living space, making room for an outdoors living room or barbecue area to enjoy alone or with guests. In addition, space under the deck is a great storage space for those “toys” like the kayak you once thought was a good idea but only ended up using once in a blue moon.

Safe for the Family

If you have children or pets, a deck is a better option for keeping them contained in an outdoor space. Our services include the construction of child safety fences, of which we are proud to be experts. We specialize in the highest, most innovative fence layout design and installation, without skimping on quality.

High Quality, Low Maintenance Relationship

Discouraged by the perceived upkeep and maintenance requirements of a deck? Gibson Marine Construction takes pride in providing different choices of quality materials. If taken care of the correct way, good decking can last a long time. Our composite decking with a 25 year warranty is an excellent option for those seeking to “keep it casual” with their decks without compromising in an exhausting relationship. Hosing down the surface with water every once in a while is more than enough for maintaining the long-lasting material and the mutually enjoyable relationship with your deck. We also offer extruded PVC with limited lifetime warranty, and pressure treated lumber for the more passionate deck lovers.

To discover what deck material and design better fits your needs, feel free to schedule a professional appointment with Gibson Marine Construction.

If your decorating budget is limitless, you are probably having a professional decorator dress your home and boat dock for the holidays. However, if the seasonal embellishment of your property rests solely on your shoulders, making your outdoors festive is easy .

The only real caveats concern safety:

Make sure all lighting and/or décor is rated to be used outdoors
Be certain that nothing presents a tripping hazard

Other than that, you are good to decorate your dock for the holidays! As wonderful as it is to live on the water with its unique lifestyle and scenery, decorating your outdoor space makes certain times of year extra special and shows the neighborhood you are full of cheer! What effect is more striking than little white lights twinkling across the water?

Less is More When it Comes to Décor

Deck railings are probably the best surface to garnish. By stringing lights that outline the deck or are scalloped from the handrails, you can give just the right touch of twinkle.

Since docks in Florida don’t get the glistening benefits of a light snow dusting, you can take a potted palm and decorate it with ornaments or even some tinsel. Take a few chairs and add seasonally colored cushions.

If you already have a dock lighting design in place, consider a motif of red velveteen bows or decorate existing planters with lights and even waterproof ribbon. Little flourishes will go a long way when they are placed properly to enhance effect.

Protect Your Dock

Depending on your dock’s material, be sure to use the right method to attach light strings. If you own a pressure treated wood dock, you may already have a line-up of stainless steel screws from which to hang them. If a PVC dock, check with your marine construction company for the best adhesive that will remove easily, but resist the weather so your dock stays decorated!

Stemming the Holiday Décor Tide

Overall, decorating is great when you are in the planning stage and when you get to step back and admire your handiwork, but a good thing to consider is the time it will take to de-decorate! So before over-festooning, think about the sweat equity you need to spend taking it all down and trying to get everything to fit back in the boxes!

Make the Season Bright with Underwater Lighting

If you were considering adding this dimensional nuance to your Florida dock; now might be a good time. The balmy weather won’t hinder the installation and it could also make a lovely holiday gift, or at least a nice seasonal addition to give your shoreline a little lift! Infinite possibilities can be achieved with LED lights, ones that attract fish, spotlights, up-lighting; customizable adjustments are possible to create a variety of effects.

Florida’s exquisite coastline may not have the golden leaves of autumn or January’s shimmering icicles to naturally adorn its backyard space and waterfront docks, but hints of the holiday can be found in the trimmings added to your home’s docks and decks.

No waterfront? No Problem! How Decking can add Style and Purpose to your Summertime Florida Home

Bedeck Your Dock for the Holidays