CUSTOMIZE YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN AND DINING AREA
Enjoy entertaining and cooking? Consider adding an outdoor kitchen and dining area to your deck with built-in features that complement your indoor kitchen. In addition to their abilities as a traditional grill, gas burners are great for cooking stews, sauces, sautéed dishes and fish boils. Built-in refrigeration services can include wine storage, ice-makers and beverage dispensers for tap beer. Build in a customized table and benches. Then go one better with a classic pergola to deflect the sun, or a weatherproof fabric shade sail to mark the dining area and protect your guests from the weather.
BRING ON THE HEAT
Extend the life of your deck beyond the warm months by adding a heating or fire feature, such as a traditional gas or bioethanol unit. Or opt for infrared heat, which can be mounted on a structure, such as a wall, pergola or ceiling. With the addition of an outdoor heating system, your deck becomes that second living room you always wanted, even as the temperature dips. To avoid decking damage, place a porcelain tile or a stone beneath the fire source.
THINK BEYOND NATURAL WOOD DECKING
There’s a smart way to preserve the beauty of your deck throughout the year, reducing time and maintenance costs. Invest in premium composite decking that echoes the same warmth and appearance of natural exotic wood. If you live in an area where there’s changing weather conditions—such as extreme heat, rain and snow—natural wood decking will sustain a lot of damage throughout the year and require regular upkeep. Today’s high-end composite decking is indistinguishable from the real thing, except for the added benefits.
EXPERIMENT WITH COLOR AND TEXTURE
Incorporating accent colors in stairs, railings or deck trim is a subtle (and subtly chic) way of differentiating your decking from the rest. Two-tone decks—like a contrasting bright white or bold black or gray for the stairs or railings—are becoming increasingly popular.
THINK BEYOND RAILINGS
Traditional deck rails can make your outdoor space feel small. A glass wall or railing will definitely open things up, and an aluminum or wrought iron railing system can also add more style, dimension and space. If your deck is low to the ground, you don’t even need a railing. Use wide, large steps instead. It will easily transition the deck to your yard. You can also incorporate greenery to add separation and dimension to your deck.
PERSONALIZE YOUR DECK WITH N INLAY
Decks are a great way to express your design personality, and there are a variety of ways to add some flair to your outdoor area. Custom inlays—decorative elements built into the deck using different colors and textures—have become a popular way to personalize a deck. Inlays can include family initials, sports logos, a compass, gaelic knot, customized designs or even a city skyline.
Design Customized Deck
From style and size to functionality, materials, options, and price, our Deck Designer can help you create the deck that’s perfect for your lifestyle and your home.
Design Customized Deck with Advanced Software
Design the deck of your dreams with our new deck design software. Drop in octagons, make a multilevel deck, add a staircase or wrap around stairs, and get a plan to submit for permits. See the deck in 3D then get a plan.
