Congratulations!  By choosing Eva-tech decking you chose NOT to spend your weekends painstakingly sanding, staining, sealing and treating your outdoor deck.  Choosing Eva-tech low maintenance decking means you can now spend your Saturdays pointing and laughing at the neighbours who didn’t.  Well done, You.

Now that you have your composite decking installed and looking pretty it’s time to decide how to enjoy all your time that you don’t have to spend on deck maintenance.  Decisions, decisions.  We know it’s tough.  We’ve put together a few ideas to help you out.

You don’t have to be a pyromaniac to love fire.  There’s something mesmerising about watching flames turn from orange to blue that grabs your attention whether you’re 5 or 95.

Now wait, decking and fire seem like a bad combination.  If it were a wooden deck we were talking about, I’d have to agree.   But Eva-tech decking is less flammable than timber (although you still need to use common sense when flames are near), and it’s low-maintenance decking, so it's easier to clean away the soot afterwards.  Just a quick sweep, maybe some soapy water and you erase the traces of the campfire ash from your Eva-tech deck.   So why not consider incorporating a bit of fire into the ambience of your outdoor space?

Campfire

Wish the party would come to you?  Add a fire pit to your Eva-tech deck and see how quickly people line up to come over for a campfire.  Watch as even the biggest club rat you know decides to take a night away from the bar to come roast marshmallows at your place.  A campfire is the perfect way to keep your kids home with you on Friday night – and meet their friends while they exchange spooky stories on your deck.  It adds light and warmth for cooler nights and makes your parties unique.  It’s a centre for family time or an excuse to sit around and laugh with friends.

Candles

Ok, maybe they’re a bit cliché, but candles are still romantic.  Don’t be shy about putting out lots of them out on the deck to set the mood for a dinner for two.  See how beautiful your lover looks in the light of the flames.  Ok, that was cliché – and a lame line.  But really, you might be surprised just how much a few candles can transform your garden into the perfect date setting.

Candles add sophistication to your deck, as well.  Announce to your guests that they’re about to have a fantastic, grown up evening by setting candles around your deck.

Torches

If you can’t stick it to the man, then stick it to bugs.  Light up a bug repellent torch that looks cool and keeps the bugs at bay.  Forget disgusting insect strips that leave hundreds of dead flies out in full view.  Citronella torches do your dirty work for you, and still manage to look good on your deck.

Tiki Time

Speaking of torches, tiki torches are the perfect detail for fun evenings on your deck.   Use them as decorations for full tiki-themed parties, or just to add a touch of the exotic to your outside oasis.  So what if you can’t make it to the South Pacific this December?  Your deck can be your own private tiki paradise.

Not Just Child’s Play

Sure, roasting hot dogs over the campfire may leave you thinking of childhood, but adding a fire source to your deck is not for kids.  Always be responsible with keeping fire under control.   Even one pretty little candle can lead to trouble if left unattended.

• · Keep an eye on your torches and candles.

• · Make sure there’s a water source nearby.

• · Teach your children about fire safety.

• · Never leave a fire unattended

• · Don’t stress.  Just use common sense.

Now that the disclaimer is over, go out there and enjoy your deck.  Whether it’s a festive bonfire or just a single flame, fire becomes a focal point to a great night.

What are other ways to make your deck special?