A pressure-treated deck is a great way to expand your outdoor living area and add value to your home. Pressure-treated lumber is a durable building material engineered for the Canadian climate that is rot and pest resistant, which means less maintenance and more relaxation. Available in multiple lengths and widths, you can easily create a custom look suited to your needs. Here are five features that will elevate your deck design:

1. Add Levels
Consider breaking your deck up into multiple levels to create spaces for different activities. For example, add a specific area for a dining table and a separate area on a different level for relaxing on outdoor lounge furniture. This technique can be useful for sloped backyards or can add interest to decks built on flat ground using concrete deck footings. Connect the areas together with pressure-treated stairs for a uniformed look and flow between spaces.

2. Add Bench Seating
A built-in bench around the perimeter of your deck can help define the space and add extra seating. Take bench seating to the next level with built-in storage to hide away outdoor cushions and accessories when they’re not in use. Bench seating can be a great space-saving feature on smaller decks or work as stylish overflow seating.

3. Add Shade
Add a shaded area made out of pressure-treated lumber to keep you cool and comfortable on your deck during the hottest months. Install a pergola or shade structure over a section of your deck to help keep you out of the sun. Then, string up LED Vintage String Lights to add light and ambiance to your deck. Alternatively, add shade with a shade sail or umbrella.
4. Add railings
Deck railings can add safety and style to your deck. Use Pressure Treated Balusters or upgrade to maintenance-free Regal Aluminum Railings. Combine aluminum pickets with glass railing panels for a clean and modern look with a view.
5. Add privacy
Create a more intimate setting and add privacy to your deck with pressure-treated lattice, decorative panels or greenery. Hang planters to help obstruct the view and screen out your neighbours. Shade structures, such as a pergola, will also add privacy. Consider painting or staining wooden privacy screens to help them blend into their surroundings.

Shop these products in store to get started on your next deck project!
Speak with your local deck and fence experts at your nearest Lyons & Island TIMBER MART location to start building your dream deck today!