7 Decisions to Make When Building a Deck

There is no shortage of decking material options and accessories. With so many options things can easily get overwhelming. Let us help you keep it simple. The 7 categories below will help guide you through the decision.

Decking Board Material

Composite decking materials are superior to wood. There will be less long term maintenance and the surface will be easier to clean. 

The most popular decking materials our clients choose is Trex. Most people know Trex as it is a well respected brand. There are other options of the same quality that provide alternative options. Timber Tech and Deckorators are other popular manufacturers. Healthy competition means continuous innovation and improvements in the product lines.

Trex Foggy Wharf photo taken from www.trex.com

Deck Board Colors

Which color pallet do you prefer? Narrow it down to earthy tones or neutral tones. In other words, ask yourself “brown or gray?” If you can’t decide, colors like Rocky Harbor from Trex adds sandy undertones to a rustic slate gray color.

The Trex Enhance product line has the 3 most popular decking board colors. Find the right color that compliments your existing home. Your deck colors can also be coordinated If you are building a patio along with the decking.

Trex Enhance Rocky Harbor photo taken from www.trex.com

Trex Toasted Sand photo taken from www.trex.com

We use the product that is right for you. Timber Tech, Trex, or Deckorators.

Railings

Deck landing and stairs on a new home in Maryland. Railings are White with White Posts and Balusters. 

Railings are essential for safety. So, we need to include them on every deck we build. There are two varieties of standard railings that most people choose. 

White vinyl railings and balusters are a tried and true industry standard. Using white railings and balusters is universal and works with any decking project. 

The material wipes clean very easily and is low maintenance. No wonder its such a popular deck railing selection.

Black balusters are a popular alternative to white. A little bit of contrast is always nice and provides some variety. 

The contrast color is typically considered an upgrade so make sure to ask your designer about the difference in cost of installation.

Some customers choose black aluminum railings to make a bold statement. It all depends on your personal preference.

There is a personalization option called a Cocktail Railing, also known as “drink railings.” These are the best premium option add on you can include in your design. The top of your railing system becomes a functional surface which can be used to place a glass, mug, or anything else you might want. Drink rails are compatable with the

Black Aluminum Railing with Cocktail Top

White Railings and Posts with Black Balusters

Cocktail Railing Top

White Railings and posts, black Balusters, Cocktail Rail

Deck Stairs

Most people building a deck want to include steps down to ground level. In some cases our clients decide no to include steps as a personal preference. Steps are not required and it's completely your choice. 

Options and Accessories to Include

The two most popular accessories are Lighting and Deck Skirting - also known as lattice.

Accent Lighting

Low voltage lighting is the best accessory to add. It is a simple addition with a high return on your investment. Adding lights give you hundreds of more hours of usable time per year. The two most common deck lights are post cap lights and stair riser lights. 

Not only are you able to get more use from your deck, it is also a safer place. Lights mean less risk of tripping and falling down when you can see where you are walking.

Deck Skirting - Lattice

Finishing touches are what make it all come together. Your project might be a great candidate for deck skirting. Lattice is installed to block the view of the space under the deck. You may also get some storage space in the process.

Under Deck rain diversion systems will keep you dry on your patio space below the deck. 

Under Decking

Adding under decking is a fantastic idea if the space under your new deck will have a patio. This rainwater diversion system keeps the rain from falling through the gaps in the decking boards so you can stay dry underneath. It is best to have under decking installed at the time of deck installation. The process to add under decking is harder, but not impossible, later down the road.  

Patio

Adding a patio area at the bottom of your deck steps or under your deck gives you a ground level space to use. An open air patio lets you have a place to add a fire feature. Its usually nice for the adults to sit up on the deck while the younger family members or guests sit around the fire feature down below. 

Schedule a Consultation 

Valley Deck & Patio is here to help! Get in touch with us, schedule a consultation, and lets start planning your project.