Trex RainEscape: Double Your Outdoor Living Space in One Simple Step

One of the must-have features among today’s homeowners – and buyers – is outdoor living space. If you have a home with an elevated deck, you’re in luck! With the simple addition of a deck drainage system, the area beneath the deck can become a covered outdoor oasis to enjoy year-round.

Using an integrated network of troughs and downspouts, an easy-to-install system like Trex® RainEscape® captures and diverts water away from a deck, protecting the area underneath from the elements and allowing for it to be outfitted with everything from furnishings and accessories to ceiling fans, lighting, appliances and entertainment components. For inspiration, here are 10 ways to make the most out of this bonus outdoor space:

1. Add square footage. By properly protecting the area beneath a deck, you can virtually double your outdoor living space. With a deck drainage system in place, you can confidently create an outdoor room as comfortable and functional as any other room in the house.

2. Dine al fresco. An outdoor dining area takes any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Think beyond the traditional grill and patio furnishings to create an elegant, open-air gathering spot. Incorporate soffit lights into the ceiling to enhance ambiance and extend the usability of the space.

3. Grab the best seats in the house for game day. Shielded from the elements and outfitted with comfortable furnishings and a mounted flat screen television, a space like this offers an oasis for hosting football Sundays or movie nights with family and friends.

4. Put the “ahhh” in spa. If you love spending time outside, even during winter, a hot tub is a great addition that works with any size deck, so long as the overhead space is larger than the tub. Protection from the weather means you can enjoy a relaxing soak any time, any season.

5. Say, “Yes, Chef!” There’s no need to miss a moment of fun with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. With the Trex RainEscape system, gas lines and electrical wiring can be run safely and discreetly between the deck surface and a soffit ceiling to accommodate whatever may be on the menu.

6. Seclude your sanctuary. Whether you’re looking to enhance privacy or simply create a cozy atmosphere, adding curtains to a covered deck is a simple way to create a stylish and intimate setting.

7. Screen it in. Optimizeusability byenclosing the space beneath your deck with screens or windows. This offers the dual benefits of enjoying the views, fresh air and natural light without having to worry about pesky insects.

8. Lounge the days away. There’s nothing better on a hot, sunny day than a shady respite outfitted with inviting, plush furniture and front-row seats to nature’s beauty.

9. Fire it up! The allure of an outdoor fire is hard to rival or resist. Instantly enhance the warmth and ambiance of your outdoor space with the addition of a fire feature.

10. Make it practical. When properly protected, the space beneath a deck is ideal for storage. Seasonal items such as pool equipment, gardening tools, patio furniture and yard games can be safely tucked away. Size permitting, this space can even be used to house grills, lawnmowers, bicycles, ATVs and snowmobiles.