Love where you lounge this summer. Whether you’re hosting friends for grilled brats or sipping coffee solo before the day begins, now’s the time to get your outdoor space ready for prime deck season. From smart upgrades to simple deck decorating ideas, here are seven ways to refresh your deck or patio so you can enjoy every minute of a Madison summer.
1. Start with a Deep Clean
Grime, salt residue, leaves, and debris from the off-season can leave your deck looking rough. A thorough cleaning is step one for making your deck decor shine. For composite decking, we’ve got a full blog post walking you through what to use and how to do it safely.
If you’re using a power washer on a wood deck (or really any deck for that matter), make sure to use a lower pressure setting—blasting too hard can damage the boards. And don’t forget to clear out the debris between deck boards. On wood decks especially, that trapped moisture and buildup can accelerate rot and decay.
2. Inspect Your Deck for Damage
A clean deck is a great start—but if the structure’s in rough shape, it’s only surface-level pretty. Take a few minutes to check for issues like:
- Popped or rusted fasteners: These are a recipe for injury—bare feet and raised screws don’t mix. They’re also a tripping hazard and a sign the deck’s fastener system might be failing.
- Loose or shaky railings: A major safety issue, especially if kids or guests are leaning on them. Wobbly railings can also mean deeper structural problems.
- Splintering or warped boards: Besides being painful for bare feet, these issues can cause instability when walking and may indicate water damage or aging materials.
- Signs of rot or mold: Soft spots, discoloration, or musty smells could mean your deck’s integrity is compromised. Left untreated, rot spreads and can weaken the entire structure.
Catching these problems early is the key to avoiding big repairs down the line. Not sure what you’re looking for? We highly recommend reaching out to a professional to assess the situation thoroughly. Many offer a free consultation to get you started.
3. Re-Stain Your Deck Or Go Maintenance-Free
Wood decks in Wisconsin take a beating. Between winter snow and summer sun, most need staining or sealing every 1–3 years.
If you’re doing it yourself:
- Scrape, sand, and/or wire brush rough areas or peeling spots
- Use a quality exterior stain or sealant with UV protection (we love Cabot or Sikkens)
- Avoid staining in direct midday sun (aim for morning or late afternoon)
If you’d rather not mess with it—or you’re ready for a maintenance-free decking upgrade—we can help. Reach out for a free estimate and we can walk you through both options.
4. Tidy Up the Landscaping Around Your Deck
The space around your deck plays a big role in how finished and polished the entire space feels. Overgrown or weedy beds can make even the nicest deck look forgotten. Take a weekend to:
- Weed landscaping beds surrounding the deck
- Re-edge and define borders
- Lay fresh mulch or decorative rock
- Add seasonal plants for pops of color
Local favorites for landscaping supplies:
- Circle B Landscape Supply & Midwest Decorative Stone – mulch, stone, and delivery in the Madison area
- K&A Greenhouse and Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses – great selections of annuals, perennials, and shrubs
5. Rethink Your Outdoor Space With Function in Mind: Deck Decorating Ideas
Does your current setup actually work for how you use the space?
Matt & Cassie (owners of 3rd Gen) found themselves ignoring their screen porch the past few years—until they realized the low sectional sofa wasn’t a good fit for their lifestyle. This year, they swapped it for a dining table and two small lounge chairs, and now use the space constantly. (Classic cobbler’s kids situation, but proof that a thoughtful approach can make the world of a difference!)
To get started, ask yourself:
- What would make me excited to use my deck / screen porch / patio more?
- Is there a function that’s currently missing?
- If I have multiple outdoor spaces around my house, is there variety in how they serve us? (Ex. Are they all just lounge seating or do you have a zone for eating / playing cards and another for chatting?)
Your refresh also doesn’t have to be major. Simple swaps could also reignite your excitement for an already functional space…
- Quick tweaks: Add outdoor throw pillows, swap in a new rug, rearrange existing furniture, or layer in some plants.
- Bug busters: Whether you have a screen porch that battles the occasional wayward spider or an open deck that becomes a full on feast for mosquitos, certain plants / candles can be really helpful. Things like citronella, lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint can naturally deter pests.
Need some deck decorating ideas or someone to just handle your refresh? Julie, also known as The Porch Girl, is a local gem who offers front porch, deck, and screen porch decorating services, including layout suggestions, furniture selection / assembly, and styling. The photos below are not from a space we built, but are courtesy of Julie to show how powerful even minor tweaks to your space can be if done intentionally!
Before & After Photos by The Porch Girl
6. Add Safe Outdoor Heating for Cozy, Extended Deck Use
Let’s be honest… even summer nights in Wisconsin can have you reaching for a hoodie and lap blankets (see photos from our client’s screen porch below for proof). Extend the use of your deck into the evening with:
- Fire tables (propane or gas)
- Tower-style heaters (with enough clearance from your deck surface)
- Infrared heating lamps (properly wall or ceiling mounted)
Safety tip: Always follow manufacturer guidelines and be extra cautious with composite decking—some heating options can discolor or damage the surface.
7. Add Lighting for Ambiance and Safety
Lighting adds safety, ambiance, and serious nighttime charm. Depending on your setup, you might:
- Add lanterns or flameless candles to tables
- Install post-cap or stair lighting for visibility
- Use solar lights around nearby landscaping beds
- Opt for subtle under-rail or under-table lighting
If you’re considering a deck renovation or new build, we offer low-voltage lighting installations that look clean, modern, and make your space usable long after sunset.
Your Deck, Done Right
Getting your deck ready for summer doesn’t have to be a huge project. A little elbow grease, a few smart upgrades, and implementing a few of these deck decorating ideas can completely transform your outdoor space.
If you’re looking for help—from a re-stain for your wood deck to designing a brand-new maintenance-free deck—we’d love to talk. 3rd Gen is here to make your summer setup stress-free and spectacular.
Summer Deck Prep & Decor in Madison, WI FAQs
Late spring or early fall are ideal—temps between 50–80°F with low humidity and no rain in the forecast for 48 hours. Avoid direct sunlight while applying.
We recommend using planters with proper drainage and trays underneath to avoid trapping moisture or causing staining long term. This goes for outdoor rugs too – avoid rubber backings!
Battery-powered lanterns and solar lights are quick options, but for built-in lighting (like stair lights or rail cap lights), we offer professionally installed low-voltage lighting systems.
Check out local favorites like The Porch Girl (design + sourcing), Chalet Ski & Patio, At Home, Menards (outdoor furniture stores), K&A Greenhouse, or Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses for greenery and accents.
At least once a year—spring and fall are perfect times. Look for loose fasteners, shaky railings, soft spots, or splintered wood.
Think fun colored throw pillows, faux or real plants, and maybe a few bug-busting candles. This can really transform a space and could be knocked out within just an hour or two.
