Every season, more and more homeowners are creating outdoor spaces where they can gather and unwind. A classic choice for decades—decks—continues to rise in popularity. To meet this growing demand, the industry has responded by producing innovative materials, fresh features and low-maintenance options.
MATERIALS MATTER
Choosing the right material is a logical and important first step for anyone looking to build a deck. “Modern decking materials have so much more to offer than traditional lumber,” explains Amanda Cimaglia, Vice President, ESG & Corporate Affairs for TimberTech. “Manufactured products, like PVC and composite, use polymer blends and capping to improve the durability and longevity of decks.”
“The vast majority of our decking requests in the past few years has leaned heavily toward composite materials,” says Zack Sowder, design and build estimator, K & R Landscaping Originally a wood-fiber, wood-polymer mix, composite boards today are aesthetically pleasing and have been refined to include a structural layer of protection in the form of capping. The cap is comprised of either plastic or PVC and prevents moisture and insects from penetrating the boards. In addition to being low-maintenance, composite also offers the benefit of hidden fasteners, which create a cleaner look.
PVC is another option. Made of plastic, it’s also impervious to moisture and stays cool on hot summer days. It’s slip resistant, projects a wood-like appearance, and is a particularly good choice if you live in a fire zone.
Wood is still a viable option and should not be discounted. Premium wood which is preservative-treated and of the highest grade is key for strength and longevity.
BLEND INDOOR AND OUT
When it comes to decks, a quality design is as important as quality material. Cimaglia explains that homeowners are looking to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living spaces and create a more natural flow between the two. “Plus, adding an outdoor living space is often a less expensive way to add more square footage to a home and can even create a multifunctional ‘room’ for entertaining, exercising, playing with the kids or reading a book,” she continues.
Sometimes creating a multifunctional space requires adding multiple levels or elevating your deck. This creates visual interest and further expands your square footage. As part of the design process, consider adding a shade structure, which can protect you from the elements while also creating an attractive focal point.
One of the other main design considerations is what type of deck railing to install. Wood has traditionally been the material of choice, but today’s options include composite, PVC or metal, including aluminum, which is currently quite popular.
The railing’s infill is not to be overlooked, as it helps define the aesthetic for the space you’re curating and determines what your view will be. Options range from traditional balusters to glass panels to stainless steel cable, so you can achieve everything from a stately, traditional look to something that’s more industrial or minimalistic.
COLOR TRENDS
Deck colors are trending toward lighter browns and natural tones this year, including light grays and a stunning whitewashed cedar. While gray tones have infiltrated all of home design, the darker grays and black deck tones that were once popular are being edged out.
LIGHT IT UP
Lighting should be a key part of the deck design process, as not only does deck lighting increase visibility after dusk, it also creates an attractive radiance to completely transform the look and feel of your space.
When it comes to decks, a little light can go a long way. Here are some options:
In-deck lighting: You can indicate direction and safely guide guests around the space.
Riser lights: These attractive yet subtle stairway additions help prevent stumbles.
Decorative post cap lights: These softly lit ring lights add a touch of elegance while providing a line of sight on your deck. Solar-powered post caps skip the wiring and save energy.
SUSTAINABILITY AND PRESERVATION
Homeowners today are interested in environmentally sustainable products, and in the decking industry, products are created with that in mind. TimberTech decking is made from up to 85 percent recycled waste and scrap material that otherwise would have been destined for a landfill. Over its lifecycle, it’s a more sustainable option than traditional wood decking, and it’s recyclable at end of life.
Once you invest in a deck, you want to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy it for years, and that’s where maintenance comes in. “Deck maintenance is vital to a deck’s appearance and structural integrity,” says Cimaglia. “When done properly and routinely, it increases your deck’s lifespan and reduces the likelihood of future repairs or replacements.”
Article originally appeared in May 2024