Creating the perfect outdoor oasis requires careful consideration of your outdoor space, and a well-designed deck is essential to achieving this goal. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy area for intimate gatherings or a sprawling space for entertaining, the process of maximizing your outdoor space begins with thoughtful design and planning. With the right guidance and expertise, you can transform your vision into a stunning reality.
Whether you’re considering a complete deck overhaul or simply looking to enhance your current outdoor space, these five steps will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to achieving the outdoor haven you’ve always dreamed of.
1. Decide Which Decking Material You Want
When choosing the material for your custom deck, it’s important to carefully consider the benefits and maintenance requirements of each option to make an informed decision that suits your design preferences and lifestyle. Deck designers will help you understand your options.
- Wood: Natural wood deck designs offer a classic, traditional look, but they need regular upkeep, like repainting, resealing, or restaining. They can also be prone to issues like rot and insect damage.
- Composite decks: Composite deck boards require minimal maintenance, are resistant to rot and insect infestation, and can withstand various weather conditions. They are made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic.
- PVC/Vinyl decks: These decking components are made from polyvinyl chloride, are highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew, and they require minimal maintenance while offering a long lifespan. They don’t need sanding, staining, or sealing, making them a practical and durable choice for your custom deck.
2. Settle on a Deck Style
After carefully considering the benefits and maintenance requirements of different decking materials, the next step is to choose a deck style that best complements your outdoor living space and meets your specific design preferences and functional needs.
Single-Level Deck
A single-level deck is a simple and versatile outdoor space that is typically built directly adjacent to a building or home. It provides a flat and open platform for outdoor activities such as dining, lounging, and entertaining.
Single-level decks are often constructed with a single set of stairs for easy access and can be customized with various materials and design elements to suit the homeowner’s preferences. This type of deck is ideal for smaller properties or for those who prefer a straightforward and easy-to-maintain outdoor living area.
Multi-Level Deck
A multi-level deck is a versatile outdoor space that features multiple tiers or levels connected by stairs or ramps, providing various distinct areas for entertaining, dining, and relaxation.
This type of deck can be designed to follow the natural contours of the landscape, offering different vantage points and creating a visually interesting and dynamic outdoor living space. Multi-level decks often provide opportunities for incorporating a number of outdoor living features, like built-in seating, planters, and outdoor kitchens.
Elevated Deck
An elevated deck is a raised outdoor platform or structure typically attached to a building. It is often constructed above ground level to provide a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape and to maximize use of your yard, especially if the ground is sloped or hilly.
Elevated decks are commonly used for outdoor entertaining, dining, and relaxation. They can add a stylish and functional outdoor space to a home, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
Curved Deck
A curved deck, also called a circular deck, is a unique and visually appealing outdoor space that features a gently arched or rounded design rather than the traditional straight lines. This type of deck adds an elegant and modern touch to a property, creating a more fluid and organic feel.
The curved shape allows for a more dynamic layout, providing interesting nooks and spaces for seating, landscaping, and other outdoor activities.
This style deck can enhance the visual appeal of any home while offering a distinctive and inviting outdoor area for relaxation and entertainment.
3. Consider the Creative Use of Materials by Mixing Them
Incorporating a variety of decking materials into your custom outdoor living space design can greatly enhance its visual appeal and functionality, creating a unique blend of textures, colors, and structural elements.
Consider using composite decking, wood, pavers, metal, and glass to bring creative possibilities to life. Metal railings and balusters can add a modern and sleek look, while glass panels provide both openness and safety.
Mixing different hues can bring vibrancy and personality to your outdoor living space, and incorporating patterns into your deck boards adds an extra level of visual interest.
With material versatility, the creative possibilities for your custom outdoor living space are endless, ensuring that it is both visually captivating and functionally practical.
4. Incorporate Outdoor Living Features
To create a truly stunning and functional outdoor space, consider integrating various outdoor living features into your custom deck design. These features not only enhance the visual appeal of your deck but also contribute to its practicality, transforming it into a beautiful outdoor oasis.
Here are some built-in features that can elevate your deck and make it a perfect outdoor retreat:
- Deck lighting: Illuminate your outdoor area with strategically placed deck lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance for evening gatherings.
- Landscaping ideas: Enhance the aesthetics of your deck with the addition of potted plants, flower beds, or vertical gardens.
- Outdoor furniture: Select durable and comfortable outdoor furniture that complements the overall design and provides a cozy seating area for relaxation. Also, consider built-in seating and benches.
- Outdoor kitchen: Elevate your custom deck by providing a space for cooking, dining, and entertaining.
5. Contact Us to Begin Your Custom Deck Journey
Enhancing your home with a custom deck is an investment in your home’s functionality and curb appeal. Working with a reputable deck contractor is essential to ensure proper installation and maximize the potential of your space.
For residents in Ohio, Hen House Decks is your go-to expert for custom deck construction services. Our skilled deck builders are dedicated to crafting the perfect deck for your family’s needs and preferences. Contact us today to request a consultation for your project.
