Warmer weather is finally here, and we’re dreaming of decks built for family gatherings, late-night entertaining, and lazy Sunday afternoon sun bathing. That’s why we fell in love with this composite deck featured by Trex. Whether you’re looking for something elaborate or a deck built to suit your needs, building the perfect deck is possible when you spend time planning the design. In this Create This Look, we’re taking a look at Trex’s design considerations to help you make sure you’ve thought of everything for your deck build.
Benefits of Composite Decking
If you’ve never considered a composite deck, it’s definitely worth looking into. The benefits alone of composite decking make it worth the investment; for example, composite decking won’t rot, warp, splinter or crack; it doesn’t require seasonal painting, sealing, or staining; it won’t fade or stain; and it’s termite proof.
Our favourite benefit? Trex composite decking is extremely eco-friendly… while wood decking contributes to deforestation, every 500 sq ft of Trex deck contains over 140,000 recycled plastic bags, essentially saving 400 million pounds of plastic and wood from landfills each year!
With the ability to build into a variety of deck shapes, check out some of these features as we relate it to Trex’s planning recommendations.
How Will You Use It?
Imagine putting all your hard work into building a solid, great looking deck only to find out your furniture doesn’t fit! Stand in the space where you plan to build and envision how you’ll use it and how you’ll get on and off your deck.
Dining? If you plan to enjoy a lot of outdoor meals on your deck, make sure you build it close to your kitchen to minimize trips back and forth. Also allow plenty of room around your patio table for the chairs to pull out comfortably. Perhaps also consider a bump-out space just for your grill, keeping it a safe distance from the house.
For dinner parties, consider adding a cocktail rail to the top of your deck’s perimeter or splinter-free benches built right in.
Pool? Fortunately, composite decking plays well with water, so it’s a great choice for a pool deck. Remember, any yard with a pool requires a fence, so be sure to check local height requirements for fencing around pools.
Entertaining? Consider a multi-level deck to create different areas for dining and lounging. Using more than one decking colour also helps to create visual separation between spaces.
In this feature Look, you can see how there are at least three spaces for entertaining: a casual dining area, a couple lounge chairs, and even a space under the pergola. The use of light and dark decking adds to the space visually, helping the space feel used while keeping it open for late night dance parties or for little ones to run around.
Relaxing? If you’d like a deck specifically for lounging (a good book and sun bathing, anyone?!), be sure to leave room for plenty of fully reclined lounge chairs.
The Size of Your Space
Always check what the local building codes are for your property location and size. If you have a small space but want to entertain, consider a multi-level deck that makes use of vertical space, using the lower level for storage or a stone patio.
If space is not a limiting factor, take a look at the natural structure of your build area and work with it. Curved decking and rails let you work around any obstruction and easily maximize an irregular space. Seemingly useless areas can transform into the perfect nook, bench, or privacy wall.
Sun & Shade
With composite decking you won’t have to worry about hiding your decking from the sun; it’s anti fade and stain properties give you peace of mind that you’ll never miss a summer’s worth of sun.
If you’re looking to maximize your shade space, you can build around existing trees to take advantage of natural shade; or, install a gazebo or pergola to provide shade where you need it most, like over seating areas and dining tables.
Entrances & Exits
Entrances & ExitsConsider how you’ll access the deck from your home and yard. A stand alone deck is built low to the ground, offering access from any side. Not only does this help create a defined space in your yard, but it can also help create a usable space over difficult terrain.
A deck with a single access point allows only one exit point off the house. If this is the case, consider a doorway off the kitchen for an easy path from the fridge. If you can include only one staircase off your deck, build on a corner or consider a narrow-to-wide design and line with potted plants.
Multi-level and wraparound decks accommodate lots of friends and can create beautiful configurations for different entertaining spaces. For decks with multiple access points, the stairs and railing can become the focal point of your space. Lighting installed along railings and into stair risers keep night walks safe and amps up the drama.
Places to Lean or Sit
A deck railing serves two purposes: safety and privacy. Check local building codes regarding decks a certain height off the ground or requiring styles taller or short than standard issue. The only thing your neighbours will really see is your railing. Trex’s mix-and-match modular system will allow you to add the perfect railing to suit your space.
Whether your deck space is limited or you want to maximize your entertainment areas, use composite decking for splinter-free, long-lasting benches.
Create Your Look
Now that you’ve taken into consideration the purpose, size, and design of your deck, bring your ideas, sketches, and measurements to your nearest Timber Mart location where our DIY Project Sales Experts can help you create a free materials list and building plan.
Resources:
https://www.trex.com/build-your-deck/planyourdeck/design-considerations/
https://www.trex.com/why-trex/deck-material-competitor-comparison/trex-vs-wood/