If a deck is to seem a natural part of the house, it must reflect its “personality.” Using colors from the home’s siding or trim helps, and visual features like angles or curves can be repeated on the deck. Some design programs have a high learning curve; others are designed for beginners and include premade plans, easy-to-decipher controls, and a printable layout of the deck’s dimensions. Some even provide a bill of materials.
Color
One of the most important design elements in a deck is color. Whether you are looking to create a beachy ambiance or a traditional and classic look, the right color for your deck can make all the difference. To learn more, check out this website at https://yourhomeexteriors.com/.
When choosing a color for your deck, it is important to consider the color of your home and the landscape surrounding it. If you have a brightly colored house, deck colors that complement the color scheme can help pull it all together.
If your house is a neutral shade, the color of your deck should match to blend in with the natural environment and the rest of your home’s exterior features. For example, if your siding is yellow or gray, a light brown deck would work well. In addition, you should also take into account any other color schemes that exist in your neighborhood.
During the design process, many homeowners start with an overall color scheme in mind. However, before you choose the specific shades for your decking and railings, it is a good idea to consult a color wheel to find complementary tones. Using the color wheel will help you find a palette that works well with your home and the surrounding landscape.
There are many shades to choose from when it comes to decking, but some colors are better for certain climates. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of greenery, decks that use dark brown or reddish hues can blend in well with the surrounding vegetation. If you live in a colder climate, white or gray decks can add a clean and classic look to your home’s exterior.
When choosing a color for a deck, it’s also important to consider the location and how the deck will be used. For example, if you have stairs on your deck, using a darker color can make the stairs stand out and increase safety. On the other hand, if your deck will be used for dining or entertaining, a lighter shade can provide a more relaxing feel.
Stain colors are another important consideration for your deck. While some people may opt for a natural wood look, other homeowners prefer a more vibrant stain that can be used to create patterns and textures. Some options include a herringbone pattern that adds a geometric flair or a border that highlights a specific space.
Materials
When choosing materials for your deck, it’s important to consider not only appearance and cost, but also durability and upkeep. Different building materials offer different trade-offs in all of these areas. Some may require annual maintenance, while others can go a long time without it. You’ll also want to consider how the material will hold up to your climate, as some materials can be better suited for certain weather conditions than others.
Wood is one of the most common deck building materials and it offers a natural look that many people prefer. Traditional wood options include softwoods like cedar and redwood, and hardwoods such as ipe. Hardwoods have a higher initial investment, but they are durable and last longer than softwoods. However, they are susceptible to moisture and can become rotted or mildewed over time.
Composites are an alternative to traditional wood and offer a more modern and durable option. They’re made from a combination of recycled plastics and wood fibers, and they’re designed to visually capture the look of natural wood. They’re a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance deck, as they don’t splinter and don’t need to be stained or painted. They’re also a more environmentally friendly choice as they can be made with either a light or dark color, which helps to repel or retain sunlight for better management of warmth.
Other alternative deck materials include aluminum and plastic. Both are extremely durable and low-maintenance, but they have a different aesthetic than wood. Plastic-composite materials are also gaining popularity as they’re made from recycled plastics and are sustainable. They’re also resistant to mold, mildew, and insects that can plague wood-based products.
If you’re considering hiring a professional to build your deck, it’s a good idea to consult with a design expert who can help create a detailed plan and ensure that the project is completed properly. A deck designer can help you determine the best materials and features for your specific needs and goals, and they can assist you with planning out a safe and functional space that will complement your home’s style.
Lighting
Lighting is an important part of deck design, both for safety purposes and to create a pleasant atmosphere after dark. Step and railing lights help guests navigate the space safely, while accent lights can highlight landscaping or architectural features on the deck and yard below. Depending on your needs and style, you can choose from a variety of lights to brighten the area and set the mood for special occasions.
If you’re working with a deck that doesn’t have any built-in lighting, consider adding some temporary fixtures to illuminate the space. Lanterns — either filled with candles or battery-powered — are a stylish option, and can be moved around to different areas of the deck for added lighting as needed. You can also add strands of string lights to create an outdoor living room atmosphere, which is great for lounging and dining.
For a more permanent lighting solution, sconces and wall lights are easy to install on the side of the house or on the back of the deck. They can be used to frame the stairs or walkways, or to add a touch of style and elegance to the railings and furniture. Choose sconces that complement the color of the home or are compatible with the style of the deck to create a cohesive look.
The color of the lighting also makes a difference. If you’re going for a more rustic or country look, you can use warmer tones and fixtures to compliment the space, while those who prefer a more modern look should stick to cooler, lighter colors.
It’s easy to incorporate all of these deck ideas into your design plan with SmartDraw’s extensive library of symbols. With just a few clicks, you can draw the foundation of your deck and then fill it in with tables, chairs, lounges, and more to create the perfect outdoor entertainment space. Plus, you can also create elevation plans to show how your deck will look from grade level. Start your free trial and get started designing your dream deck today. Then, once you’re done, you can share your plan with team members to collaborate on the project and make any adjustments as necessary.
Stairs
Stairs are a functional element of a deck but can also be a major focal point in the overall design. They can be opulent and grand, or minimalist and understated. Sometimes site and deck style dictate what kind of stairs are necessary; other times, homeowners have a lot of latitude when it comes to choosing stair designs. Fortunately, there is a huge variety of different stair architecture that can be used to achieve both functionality and aesthetics.
One way to make a set of deck stairs more distinctive is by adding a second landing. This gives the space an added sense of dimension and creates a natural focal point that can be highlighted with a staircase lighting fixture. This deck step design is also an example of how a simple wood plank pattern can be used to create an eye-catching texture and dynamic shape in a stair design.
Another common option for deck stairs is to skip risers entirely, which can be a great choice for an open, airy look. This is also a more practical design as it can help keep the stairs cleaner since leaves and dirt won’t collect against the steps like they would on a traditional stair with risers.
A curved deck stair is another great way to add visual interest to your deck design. While this type of stair can be tricky to build, it’s important that it is done properly to ensure safety and structural integrity. According to a blog post by Hanover, PA contractors, the best way to go about building a curved deck stair is by first creating a plywood template with a full-scale layout. This is then attached to the deck and walls are built underneath it along both sides. The stair stringers are then cut to match the bending of the template and installed on top of the joists.
Lastly, you can also enhance your deck’s stairs by using a vibrant flowering plant to drape over them. Colorado is brimming with wildflowers and towering pines, so why not let the beauty of nature complement your outdoor living space? Deck stairs are a perfect place for these types of plants to thrive, as they can be easily tended to and won’t obstruct the visibility of people moving up or down the steps.
