In the Catskills, Capital District, and the Hudson Valley, the first true scent of spring isn’t just the blooming lilacs—it’s the smell of cedar, freshly turned soil, and the first weekend of outdoor prep. After a long winter, our decks and patios aren’t just additions to our homes; they are a welcome invitation to live outside for the next five months.
Whether you are looking to revitalize an existing deck or planning a complete backyard transformation, the secret to a successful outdoor season is getting a head start in May.
Audit Your Deck: Safety First
Before you host your first BBQ, a thorough inspection of your deck is essential. Our region’s winter weather can wreak havoc on hardware and wood.
- The Hardness Test: Take a screwdriver and gently press it into several areas of your wood decking, especially where boards meet the joists. If it’s soft, it’s time to talk about replacement.
- Hardware Check: Ensure the ledger board (where the deck attaches to the house) is secure.
- Upgrade Opportunity: If your wood deck is showing its age, this is the year to consider thermally modified or composite decking like TimberTech. Products like our high-performance decking lines offer the beauty of real wood with the stability of a material that won’t warp or twist under the summer sun.
Inspect your deck before the season
Deep Clean & RevitalizeLast year’s foot traffic, pollen, and winter grime can dull even the best outdoor spaces.
- Pressure Washing: The key here is to apply presoaking/cleaner and use the right setting on your pressure washer. Using the highest setting will damage your deck, so make sure your pressure washer is on the lowest setting, use the 40° nozzle, and hold the nozzle about 12″ – 18″ above the deck, moving with the grain.
- Brushing: If you don’t have a pressure washer, a specialized deck cleaner and a stiff-bristle brush can do a great job of lifting gray oxidation without damaging the wood fibers.
- The Benjamin Moore Advantage: If your deck is looking faded, a fresh coat of Woodluxe can do more than change the color—it provides the UV protection needed to prevent splintering. For a modern look, consider a solid stain in a deep charcoal or slate gray to make your greenery pop.
Clean and retreat your deck
Not Just A Deck, It’s Another Room
One of the biggest trends in home improvement is treating the backyard as a literal extension of your interior floor plan. More than ever, this means thinking about your layout:
- The Cooking Zone: Is your grill area functional? Consider adding some countertop space or a custom-built outdoor kitchen island for prep work.
- The Conversation Zone: Arrange your furniture to encourage conversation. Use outdoor rugs to define the space and outdoor lighting like Edison bulbs or recessed deck lights to extend the “usability” of the room well into the evening.
Cook zone and conversation zone
Privacy & Personalization
Your outdoor space should feel like a sanctuary. If you have neighbors in close proximity, consider architectural measures to enhance privacy.
- Lattice & Screens: A simple cedar lattice or a modern horizontal slat wall can look nice while providing privacy without blocking the breeze.
- Create The Perfect Connection: Look at your home from the outside in and create a seamless transition. Replacing a standard back door with a Marvin sliding or folding door system can completely erase the barrier between your kitchen and your deck, making your outdoor space feel twice as large.
Keeping your deck private
The GNH Design Kickstart
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is waiting until the first 80°C day to start their outdoor living projects. By then, material lead times and contractor schedules are at their peak.
By starting your outdoor audit in May, you ensure that when the Fourth of July arrives, you aren’t standing in a construction zone—you’re sitting in an outdoor living space you’ve always dreamed about.
Whether you need a fresh gallon of Woodluxe stain, a new DeWalt pressure washer, or everything you need for a brand-new deck, stop by our showrooms in Greenville, Windham, or Latham, where our experienced professionals can help you make this season your best one yet.
