Home > How To Design A Custom Deck That Complements Your Homes Style
So, you’re interested in sprucing up your home with a custom deck? A custom deck can enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal and functionality, making it a wonderful place for entertainment. Whether you add a grill, seating, or even a pool around your custom deck, it will greatly improve your home and its value. However, when planning your new custom deck, it must be well-designed and built. Continue reading to learn how to properly design a custom deck for your home.
The first step in designing your custom deck is to understand your home’s style. Your deck should enhance your home’s current style and not clash with it. Some common architectural styles include Victorian, Mid-Century Modern, Colonial and Mediterranean. You can determine your home’s style by looking at the porches, windows and siding. Victorian homes typically have large wraparound porches, bay windows, and scalloped wood siding. Mid-century Modern homes usually have large windows and open floor plans. Colonial homes offer columns, a symmetrical design and wood siding. Lastly, Mediterranean homes feature red-tile roofs, plaster or textured siding, and curved archways. By designing your deck around your home, you can ensure cohesion throughout.
 When planning your custom deck, the first step is to measure and evaluate the available area. Next, consider the deck’s purpose. Is the main purpose of your deck for entertainment, relaxation, outdoor dining, a garden? This will ensure you have the proper size and space for your deck. Lastly, it is essential to consider your budget for materials and labor for this project.
 The most popular decking materials are wood, composite and PVC. However. There are pros and cons of each material. Wood decking is very customizable because it can be stained or painted easily, has a low initial cost, and is durable with proper maintenance. However, wood decking needs regular upkeep including sealing and sanding, and it can be a safety hazard, such as the potential for slipping or splinters. Composite decking is available in various colors, requires less maintenance, is very durable, and is fire resistant. However, it is more expensive, can stain or fade easily, and expands and contracts more than wood. Lastly, PVC decking is weather-resistant and durable, with minimal maintenance required. It also is customizable with a variety of color options and is lightweight. However, PVC decking is more expensive initially than other materials and can be slippery and retain heat. You can’t go wrong with any of these options, since they all have pros and cons, but it ultimately comes down to your primary concerns and budget. For areas with colder climates such as Columbus, Ohio, it is recommended to use composite decking, as it withstands cold and damp environments.
With custom decks, the layout opportunities are endless! However, when designing the layout of your custom deck, it is important to have a cohesive layout that flows with the rest of your home. If you have limited space, you can try a multi-level deck to optimize entertainment space. You can also consider adding built-in seating and planters to the deck itself. It also is important to consider safety. You can add railings, extra lighting, and other custom features to make sure your guests are safe entering and exiting the deck.
 To add aesthetic appeal to your deck, there are many things you can add to give it pizazz. Firstly, you can paint your deck or choose a color material that complements the exterior of your home. You can also add decorative elements such as pergolas, arbors, trellises, and privacy screens. Lastly, adding landscaping in your backyard around the deck helps tie it into the rest of your outdoor space.
 Once your dream custom deck is designed and built, it is important to understand the regular maintenance needed for your deck. For all materials, it is recommended to clear leaves and debris frequently to prevent mold/mildew. You should clean all spills as soon as possible, avoid cleaning with chemicals or bleach, and avoid pressure washers. You can protect your deck from the elements by using a waterproof sealant or stain, a UV-resistant awning, or deck joist tape.
Though you can design your deck, it is highly recommended to hire a professional deck builder to help build your custom project. A professional is experienced and knows the ins and outs of decking materials, layouts, and structural integrity. They also understand local building codes and regulations. However, should you decide to take the do-it-yourself approach, there are resources available to help you plan and execute. It is essential to obtain the necessary permits and adhere to local regulations for your deck construction.
Overall, there are many factors to consider when designing and building a custom deck. From the decking materials to the layout, it is helpful to have experts to guide you. Luckily, at APCO, our team of experts is committed to helping you design and build your dream custom deck. APCO can help make your custom deck process smooth and stress-free. From the initial consultation to the final installation, we will guide you through every step to ensure that your new deck looks great, offers maximum durability, quality, and complements your home’s style. With our extensive knowledge and experience, we can help you choose from a wide range of materials, layouts and design options to meet your needs and budget. Contact us for a FREE assessment and start designing your dream deck today!
For more information about our decking installations or to get started on a new project, call us at 614-224-2345 or contact us online to get in touch with our deck specialists!
The Architectural Products Company
The Architectural Products Company
