How to Design a Deck That Will Complement Your Custom Home

A deck can not only provide you with a great space for spending time outdoors in the warm months, but it can also do wonders for the look of your home. We have already talked about how the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior, and your deck is no exception. You should treat designing a custom deck the same way you would treat designing any room in your house. When designing your custom deck, the first step will be choosing from several deck material options. We’ll cover the most popular types of material used for decks and railings.

Use our guide to figure out how to design a deck that works for you and compliments your house.

Deck Materials

Composite

If you’re looking to install a deck and not worry about maintenance afterwards, then composite decking is your best solution. The secret is in the material: composite decks are made from recycled plastic, wood chips, and sawdust. Composite decks are not only long lasting, but they are durable to the point where they never splinter or rot and they won’t fade like wood will. Another one of the benefits of composite decking is how easy it is to clean. Simply use a hose to spray down the deck and watch how easily it can be washed. The total lack of post-installation maintenance is the main reason why composite decking is the fastest growing material alternative out there.

However, composite decking is noticeably more expensive than traditional wood decking. Many people prefer the look of traditional wood, and some complain that composite decking can get hot on bare feet. But, if you are looking for a deck you can relax on rather than constantly working on, it might be worth spending the extra money to use composite materials.

Cedar

Cedar is one of the most popular material options for decks, and the beauty of it makes it easy to see why. Cedar decking has a vibrant and rich color that looks great for any deck project. The warm color complements any home with a natural look. Cedar also accepts staining product that will enrich the natural color of the wood and allow you to customize the shade of your deck. To keep your deck looking nice, you’ll have to re-stain it every two years or so. The warm color will inevitably fade over time, so you’ll need to put some work in to keep it looking its best.

Cedar is also popular due to its durability. For cedar wood, the manufacturers use the core of the tree. The core of cedar contains a natural resistance to moisture, weathering, and pests. This means cedar is more resistant to rot and pests than other wood types, making for a durable deck that will stay strong for years to come.

Treated/Pressurized Lumber

If you care about longevity and saving money, then pressure-treated lumber is another great option. Not only is treated wood the least expensive of the options, but it also is stainable and tough enough to resist everyday wear and tear. When being turned into lumber, chemicals are added to repel water and insects, meaning your wood won’t rot easily. Some of the higher quality pressure-treated lumber can last upwards of 30 years. If getting the biggest bang for your buck is a top priority for decking, then this is a great option.

But, just because it is the most durable option doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best option. While pressure-treated lumber is durable and inexpensive, it also comes with quite a bit of maintenance. You will have to wash, sand, and stain your deck yearly, and while that may not seem like a lot of work, having to do it every year may start to wear on you. You also need to make sure you’re getting a good quality of wood, as not all pressure-treated lumber is created equally. Take the time to make sure you are getting your wood from a source you trust.

Deck Railings

After you’ve selected the right deck material, you can pick out the best deck railing for your home. There are three main types of railing used on custom homes these days, and picking out the right railing is just as important as picking a deck material.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a near-perfect railing material, offering strength, weather-resistance, easy installation, and little to no maintenance. Aluminum’s appearance is versatile, clean, and stylish. Railings made of aluminum are available in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional to old-fashioned, and it doesn’t need to be painted, stained, or treated. The powder coating which offers dependable color, longevity, and durability will protect the metal and preserve its condition. Aluminum will stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at it: from rain and hail to snow and ice. It resists corrosion, rust, decay, insect infestation, and can last for decades.

Cable

Want uninterrupted views and very little maintenance? Cable railings can help you keep your view mostly intact while also allowing for next to no maintenance after they are installed. You can attach them to wood, vinyl, or stainless steel, meaning you have plenty of options for how you want your deck railing to look. The price of cable railings depends on what material you attach your cables too and they are often the most labor intensive. However, the gaps in the cables may make it an unsafe option for houses with pets and children.

Vinyl

Want a railing that is long-lasting and easy to maintain? Vinyl railings are the most durable of the options, and there is very little maintenance that needs to be done after installation. Although it is more expensive than cable railings, it is still less expensive than glass, and when done correctly, it can make any deck look beautiful. This classic look will keep wild critters off your deck while keeping your pets and children safely on it.

Glass

If you want your railing to look beautiful no matter the cost, you can’t go wrong with a glass railing. Glass railings give a look of beauty and elegance to your deck while also giving you a great view of your property. But, all of that beauty does come with a cost. They are expensive, and as the months and years go on, you will have to put in quite a bit of maintenance in terms of cleaning the glass and keeping everything looking as good as possible. If getting the best look for your deck is a top priority, and you don’t care about the extra money or effort it will take, then a glass railing is a great option.

Whichever materials you choose for your deck and railing, Norton Homes has the ability to help you design it beautifully. We understand the latest trends for both exterior and interior home design, and implement that knowledge for the design of your custom home. Our vendors offer the finest selections of decking and railing materials, ensuring that your deck will compliment your new custom home. Contact us if you want to learn more about designing the home of your dreams!