Deck Design Ideas: Inspiration for Your Outdoor Oasis
Roger Marx • December 15, 2023
Your deck is an extension of your home—a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. But before you can start enjoying your deck, you must design and build it. Once it's complete, you've got to stay ahead of regular maintenance to guarantee its ongoing form and functionality. If you're looking for inspiration along these lines, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll share some of our best deck expertise to help you create an outdoor oasis that's both beautiful and functional.
Deck Design Considerations
Like any type of renovation, a deck has the potential to increase the value of your home or become a money-guzzling eyesore. As such, to maximize your return on investment, there are a few things to keep in mind when designing your deck:
The size and shape of your deck. Your deck should be large enough to accommodate your needs, but it should also be in proportion to your home. A deck that's too large will overwhelm your home, while a deck that's too small will feel cramped.- The location of your deck. Your deck should be located in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, but it should also be protected from the wind. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you must build your deck in a well-drained area.
- Materials matter. Your deck can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, composite, and aluminum. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you must choose the one that's right for you.
- Functionality is key. When designing your deck, think about how you want to use it. Do you want a space to entertain guests? A place to relax and enjoy the outdoors? A little bit of both? Make sure your deck design includes space for the activities and furniture you want to have.
- Safety first. Plan for the fortification of the railing system and ensure that there is no possibility of an accidental fall. Free standing handrails can be a great way to add support around the deck stairs and any other parts of the deck that aren't attached to the house.
As you can see, there is quite a bit to account for when designing a deck, so it is imperative to be meticulous throughout the planning process to create a deck that enhances the quality of your home.
Deck Design Inspiration
Now that you know what to keep in mind when designing your deck, there are a number of different design ideas you can leverage to create an outdoor oasis:
- A Composite wood deck. Composite decks are the most popular option now for a few reasons. They require minimal maintenance, are more durable, don't fade like wood, come with up to 50-year warranties like our Azek and Trex lines, aren't attacked by bugs, and many other advantages.
A classic wood deck. A wood deck is a timeless classic for a reason. It's warm and inviting and can be customized to fit any style home. If you're looking for a low-maintenance option, you may want to choose a composite deck. Composite decks are made from a mixture of wood and plastic, so they're more durable and easier to care for than traditional wood decks. - A modern aluminum deck. Aluminum decks are a great option for homeowners looking for a sleek and contemporary look. They're also highly durable and low-maintenance.
- A multi-level deck. A multi-level deck is a great way to add interest and dimension to your outdoor space. You can use different levels to create different areas for lounging, dining, and grilling.
- A deck with a pergola. A pergola is a great way to add shade and privacy to your deck. You can choose from various pergola styles to find one that complements your home's architecture.
- A deck with a fireplace or fire pit. A fireplace or fire pit is a great way to extend the use of your deck into the cooler months. You can gather around the fire with friends and family to enjoy the outdoors, even when it's cold. If a traditional fire pit is a safety concern for those with wood decks, there are plenty of gas and electric fire pits on the market that provide a similar ambience to an open flame and create a focal point for the deck.
Whatever deck design you choose, be sure that it complements the exterior of your home to help maximize curb appeal and potentially increase the resale value of your property.
Caring for Your Deck
Regardless of what style of deck you choose, it is essential to provide it with the proper care to maximize its form, functionality, and safety. Some of the most important maintenance points to consider include:
Regular sealing. Classic wood decks must be regularly sealed or painted to maintain their weather-resistant properties. Clean the deck and use a good paint striper to ensure that the application adheres to the boards as strongly as possible for maximum longevity.- Keep the deck clear. Decks naturally tend to accumulate clutter. However, letting items pile up on the deck creates a haven for rodents and other types of varmints. In addition, as decks are a favorite location for grilling, be sure that any spills are cleaned up expeditiously to prevent insects and other forms of wildlife from converging.
- Waterproof under the deck. It is critical to protect the deck's foundation. Research how to waterproof under a deck to guarantee that standing water does not lead to rot.
Other ideas in regard to deck care include covering all deck furniture when not in use, regularly tightening/replacing fasteners, and pressure washing the deck on a semi-annual basis.
Plan, Build, and Maintain Your Outdoor Oasis
Your deck is a great place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. However, any deck project should not be done haphazardly. By successfully planning, designing, and caring for your outdoor oasis, you can guarantee a value-adding addition to your home's exterior for years to come. For more of the latest deck trends, peruse the resources at Decks By Dak for the leading insights in the industry!
Author Bio:
Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on
Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
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At Decks by DAK, we believe that your deck is more than just a structure – it's a place where memories are made and moments are cherished. That's why we're excited to announce our latest initiative: Deck Check by DAK. Deck Check by DAK is a comprehensive 10-point inspection program designed to help homeowners like you better understand the health and condition of your deck. Our team of experts will conduct a thorough examination, covering everything from split or decaying wood to loose or corroded fasteners, to ensure that your deck is safe, secure, and ready for enjoyment. Here's what you can expect from our Deck Check inspection: Split or Decaying Wood: We'll inspect various areas of your deck to assess the condition of the wood, paying special attention to any signs of decay or deterioration. Railings and Banisters: Ensuring that your railings and banisters are secure is essential for the safety of your deck, especially if it's elevated. Cleaning and Maintenance: We'll provide recommendations for cleaning and maintenance to keep your deck looking its best and prevent issues like mildew and decay. Lighting and Electrical: Our inspection includes checking the functionality of all lighting and electrical components on your deck to ensure safety and compliance with codes. Outdoor Furniture and Storage: We'll assess the condition of your outdoor furniture and storage solutions, ensuring they're sturdy and safe for use. Surrounding Trees: If your deck is surrounded by trees, we'll evaluate the potential risks associated with overhanging limbs and falling debris. Loose or Corroded Fasteners: Loose or corroded fasteners can compromise the integrity of your deck, so we'll inspect and address any issues we find. Grills, Fire Pits, Chimneys, Heaters, and Candles: Safety is paramount when it comes to fire-related features on your deck, and we'll ensure they're positioned and maintained properly. Flashing: Proper flashing helps prevent moisture damage, so we'll check for any areas where flashing may need repair or replacement. Stairs: Finally, we'll inspect your deck stairs for stability, ensuring that handrails, risers, and stringers are securely attached. Deck Check by DAK is more than just an inspection – it's a commitment to your safety and peace of mind. Best of all, our inspection comes with no obligation to purchase our services. Our goal is simply to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your deck's maintenance and care. To schedule your Deck Check inspection or learn more about our services, contact us today. Your deck deserves the best, and with Deck Check by DAK, that's exactly what it'll get. Warm regards,
How to maintain your new deck
The exterior of modern homes is far more than a perfectly manicured lawn and a few flower pots to boost curb appeal. No, contemporary homes are finding innovative ways to create dynamic outdoor living spaces to help increase the functional square footage of the property and provide homeowners with a breath of fresh air and change of scenery. With that said, not every outdoor living space is created equally, with poorly designed spaces often more trouble than they are worth. To help avoid this scenario, keep reading for 5 pro tips on how to create a functional and stylish outdoor living space! Make Sure Rooftop Areas Can Carry the Load Rooftop decks are an emerging trend among homeowners looking to maximize every square inch of exterior space possible. They are especially prevalent in areas that do not have a ton of adjacent land, as they provide some stunning views and a wonderful interior/exterior transition area when entertaining guests. However, before laying down rooftop flooring tiles to complete the space, it is critical to test the rooftop and see what kind of load it can handle. Do not build a rooftop deck on a roof whose beams and rafters are not in top condition. Furthermore, it is a great idea to lay down structural b decking on top of these substrate materials to further support the load. B decking helps provide shear support that transfers vertical loads horizontally to the frame. It can allow flat roofs to accommodate substantially more weight than it could without b decking and limits the risk of acute damage to the roof. Use Low Profile Railing To Guarantee Deck Views According to Remodeling Magazine , a deck addition is one of the most value-adding projects a homeowner can undertake, boosting home value by 40-50% of project costs for most applications. However, much of this value is contingent on the deck functioning as intended. For example, buyers aren’t going to pay extra for a home with a deck if it doesn’t enhance views and allow them to enjoy a change of scenery. Therefore, when building a deck, look into hog wire and other types of welded wire deck railing to secure the perimeter of the deck without inhibiting views. Choose the Right Materials for a Deck Project Deck projects are one of the most popular for DIY enthusiasts. To this end, there are many types of products, such as innovative fasteners for deck ledger board installation and lock-in-place composite deck boards, that can facilitate deck projects for non-professionals and guarantee that DIY deck projects are up to code. With that said, be sure to choose the right type of materials for your project. Make sure they will be able to accommodate the amount of furniture and traffic you plan on using on your deck. If you can’t resist the timeless beauty of a natural cedar deck, be sure to treat it with the right type of polyurethane to improve its moisture and fire resistance. Incorporate Some Sun Protection Exterior spaces will be far from popular if inhabitants are left to bake in the sun. Nobody will want to spend hours outside if they are sweating, squinting, and having to remember to re-apply sunscreen every 90 minutes. With that said, there are a number of ways to add a little shade to an exterior space. Some ideas include: Portable awnings and porch umbrellas Rustic porch ceilings Decorative pergolas for both attached and stand-alone structures Not only will providing shade make them more desirable areas for people to hang out, but the right shading mechanisms can add some style and character that ties the aesthetics of the exterior together. Lower Maintenance Requirements As Much As Possible Not only will run-down exteriors detract from curb appeal, but they will be extremely uninviting as gathering spots. Nobody wants to hang out on a deck that is sagging, a lawn overgrown with weeds, or a patio with standing water. As such, it is critical to look into adding as many low-maintenance features to your exterior as possible. Composite decking boards are increasing in popularity because they can withstand UV and moisture damage without having to be regularly treated. Stone landscaping pavers with built-in drainage features are providing a strong option in place of traditional concrete. Artificial turf is gaining attention for homeowners looking for that lush green aspect without having to continually water, trim, and fertilize. Get Started Today Toward a More Functional and Stylish Exterior Creating a functional and stylish exterior living space is critical for maximizing the value of a contemporary home. For most applications, the most straightforward way to accomplish this is through the installation of a high-quality deck. For more information on building the perfect deck, contact Decks By Dak today for a consultation! Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor , a new construction industry resource site.
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Whether you just built your home and you want to add a touch of outdoor comfort, or you're finally building a deck you've been thinking about for twenty years: it's vital that you know what you're getting into. These are five important things to consider when building your deck and why they matter. Why People Love Adding Decks Decks are a wonderful part of any property when done well. They can create a beautiful space to lounge, a fantastic area to entertain guests, and even a safe spot for your pets and kids to enjoy the outdoors. Although there have been a lot of changes in how people build and design decks in the last twenty years, we still want them for the same reasons. They can add value to our properties, they look good, and they give us a space to enjoy the outdoors without being in the dirt or grass. These are the top things to consider about them:
Wood decks can last 20+ years if they’re maintained properly and were built right in the first place. However, if they’re in a highly exposed location that can lessen their life span. Many homeowners try to get as much out of their wood deck as they can, but sooner or later it becomes a safety and comfort issue. Sometimes only a few boards and screws need replacing and other times it’s a better idea to save your repair money and put it towards the replacement fund. Here are five signs you probably need a new deck. ROTTEN WOOD ON BEAMS AND POSTS Any sign of wood rot is an indication that the life of the deck is coming to an end. Typically, the horizontal wood is the first to go because it’s receiving the biggest beating from the sun, weather and foot traffic. If you’ve owned a wood deck for a while you might know this already by how frequently horizontal boards need to be stained. That is one of the primary reasons composite wood made by Trex has become so popular. SPLINTERS IN YOUR FEET AND HANDS We often start getting calls from homeowners when they’ve picked up one too many splinters and are just done with it. You can sand, stain and fill areas on your deck to help it last a little longer and save you from having to pull out the tweezers as much. But no matter how much maintenance you perform, all good things must come to an end. Virginia weather, humidity, rain, snow and four seasons make even the best treated wood fail. Factoring in maintenance costs, many homeowners find that their composite decks cost less in the end. LOOSE DECK RAILINGS If your deck is only a foot off the ground then a loose or rotten deck railing probably isn’t the end of the world. But if your deck is a few feet up, this could be a disaster waiting to happen. It’s always a good idea to check your railings every year because people do have the tendency to trust them enough to lean hard or stand on them. If you’re lucky the railings just need a few more screws and boards replaced. A lot of the newer materials we use for railings virtually never degrade. RUSTY NAILS, FASTENERS AND CONNECTORS These are the guys that act as the glue to keep everything together. We’ve seen decks that people were walking on that were hanging on by a thread! We’ve also seen some pretty terrifying DIY projects where people used hardware designed for hanging picture frames to attach their decks together with. Also, chances are if you have found a few rusty screws and nails, there are probably a lot more! DECK WAS BUILT WRONG FROM THE BEGINNING This might come as a surprise to some homeowners, but unless you built your home and knew what you were doing - there’s a good chance that someone Jimmy rigged pieces of it together. Dozens of decks fail every year hurting people. You’ve likely seen the big ones make national news - especially if someone famous was on it. If you have sneaky suspicions that your deck isn’t safe - you’re probably right. Seeing separation from the house, feeling soft spots, creaking, missshapped, a million carpenter bee holes and more are not good signs. DO YOU NEED TO REPLACE OR JUST REPAIR YOUR DECK? The million dollar (it’s not that much) question homeowners have is whether they need to repair or replace their deck. Replacing a deck is a costly endeavor so it’s not typically something you do unless it’s pretty clear your deck is done. The best way to know for sure is to hire a very large person to do jump rope on it. Then, if he falls through then…just kidding. Just hire a certified contractor to take a look at it. At Decks by DAK we provide free quotes and inspections. A lot of the time all you need to do is send us a few pictures of your deck and we’ll know what to do from there. We have 30+ years of experience and are not in the business of selling people things they don’t need. We will tell it to you straight no matter how little we benefit from the answer.
