There’s nothing like spending a late summer evening in an outdoor space surrounded by friends and family. Whether in your home or at your place of business, a deck provides the perfect opportunity for bringing people together. It’s both a classic space and a place of indulgence. If you don’t have one already, it’s time to start considering the many perks of an integrated outdoor area.

Which Deck Design is Best?

Not all decks look or function the same. One may be elegant, while another is homey. Some have an integrated bar, while others are about comfy seating. How do you know which deck is right for you? It all comes down to your unique needs.

Popular Deck Designs

When it comes time to build your perfect deck, the best route is to contact a custom deck builder. That way, you can get an outdoor area that matches your every need. Do some research ahead of time so you have some idea what you’re looking for.

The most popular deck designs include:

• Platform Decks: Also known as floating decks, platform decks are often simple, ground-level decks that can be attached to your home or located nearby.
• Raised Decks: Raised decks are usually attached to the second story of a home and often have a stairway that leads to your yard or driveway.
• Wrap-Around Decks: This deck design is usually in an L or U shape, conforming to the shape of the house. On rare occasions, a wrap-around deck may surround the entire house. Wrap-around decks are generally only one level.
• Multi-Level Decks: Multi-level decks are one or more levels. They can connect different stories in your house or can be designed to create a dynamic deck space with specialized areas.

Remember, if none of these designs suits your needs or matches the style you are looking for, you might consider a different type of outdoor area, such as a patio, porch, terrace, or stoop. A deck is versatile, but it’s not the only option.

Deck Materials

The most common deck construction materials are natural wood, pressure-treated wood, composite material, aluminum, and PVC. The type of material you use in your deck design will likely depend on your budget, how you use the area, the region that you live in, as well as maintenance and upkeep.

Natural wood decks are elegant, long-lasting, and boast a variety of colors and textures. Natural wood is an excellent choice for invoking a particular design style, time, and place in your home or place of business; however, it’s also one of the more expensive materials and require considerable upkeep.

Pressure-treated wood is a good budget option. It is widely available; however, it is prone to decay, splintering, and pests and requires significant maintenance. Protecting your property from termites is already hard enough—adding your deck to that task could be a lot, even for the handiest homeowner or business owner.

Composite decks resemble natural wood but are constructed with plastic and leftover wood fiber. Decks designed with composite boards have color versatility and low maintenance and upkeep concerns. The material is slightly more expensive.

Aluminum decks are modern, sleek, and comfortable. The material boasts a mid-range price point and is particularly low-maintenance. However, aluminum can be damaged by saltwater and is, therefore, not a great choice for coastal areas.

PVC decks feature a very specific look, appearance, and feel. They are great for a more modern look. PVC is resistant to rot and mold, making it easier to maintain.

Railing or No Railing?

In the United States, there are strict regulations concerning the height of your deck and whether or not a railing is required. Any deck above 30” inches from the ground must possess a railing.

For decks below 30”, whether or not to include a railing will depend on your budget and the purpose of your deck. If you would like the deck to cater to families or to give a sense of privacy, a railing can increase the appeal of your space.

Deck Accessories

Once you’ve chosen the type of deck that best suits your home or business, it’s time to consider maximizing the space. What kind of furniture do you need? How about appliances? Lightening?

When thinking about filling your deck space, there are many different styles to choose from. When choosing a theme, consider the materials you’ve used and the way the space will be used.

Multifunction furniture can create a space that is optimal for a variety of occasions. Lighting should be strong for spaces that may be used practically—such as cooking or playing games—while spaces for relaxing and socializing should feature soft light.

Conclusion

Decks come in many shapes and sizes. It is important to create space for enjoying life and bringing your favorite people together (with the bonus that they also enhance the value of your property!). A deck design should be personal and timeless, fostering a sense of uniqueness for many generations to enjoy.