Unique and attractive deck designs are becoming a more common feature of outdoor living spaces. If your goal is to build a deck that improves the outdoor aesthetic of your home and increases its value, here are some things to consider to spark your creativity and find inspiration.
Where to Build
If you're planning a deck project, the first thing you'll want to consider is the deck location. There are many options available to you, depending on the configuration of your home and the outdoor space you've chosen for the deck.
Platform decks are some of the simplest and most commonly found—they sit low to the ground and are best for level areas. Raised decks sit higher and must incorporate railings and other safety features in their designs. Two-story decks can be spectacular to behold, but they present design challenges as they must incorporate both the lower and upper stories of the home. Multilevel decks are great for yards or outdoor areas with uneven ground, as they can conform to the natural contours of the space. Finally, freestanding decks can be a great option when attachment to the home is not possible.
Stains and Color
Stains come in many different colors, from light to dark. You can match the color of the deck to the siding on your house or use a complementary color to the hue of your home. Stains come in transparent types that allow the grain of the wood to show through, and there are semi-transparent finishes that color the wood but still allow the grain to show through.
shading
A deck built in a sunny area will get the most use because it's more inviting than one built in a dark, shady space. But if you want a cool, shady escape, consider a movable or stationary sun blocker.
Collapsible umbrellas, sunshades and awnings are widely available, and they can block the sun and provide a cooler area to relax or dine outdoors. When deciding between shading options, consider how you plan to use the space under it.
awnings
Awnings come in a wide variety of patterns and fabrics all of which will hold up in rainy weather and resist fading in the sun. They generally have an aluminum frame that folds up against the wall of the house. The frames also come in a wide range of colors to match the trim colors on your house.
There are plenty of options for awnings but a retractable model that is attached to your house and unfurls at either the touch of a button, the twist of a crank or manually by pulling it out may be the best choice.
This type of awning allows you to enjoy the sun when you want it but create shade when you don't. It can also help keep rain or falling debris from overhead trees from ruining your party. They also provide protection from sun damage to the interior of your home by shading windows and doors.
