There are plenty of cookie cutter decks out there. You know them when you see them: they are basic, plain, often white and always unmemorable. These decks sure look nice, but they also all look the same. They are like the IKEA furniture of decks—easy on the eyes and everyone has one. At Custom Deck Builders, we are all about custom decks—decks made to reflect YOUR style, fit YOUR home and meet YOUR needs. Our Maryland deck builders and designers put a lot of effort into making sure your deck is one of a kind. Here are a few ideas we often suggest to our customers who are looking to make a statement with their deck.
Play With Colors
Monotone decks are boring! Pick one main color and 1-2 accent colors to create a truly unique deck. You can have a different color for your railings, or even visually separate posts from balusters. Just make sure your deck goes with your home’s exterior. The colors don’t have to match 100%, but the overall look should be cohesive.
Find Your Style
Colors are important, but what truly makes a deck look like you’ve put some thought into it is the combination of shapes, styles and materials. For example, black metal railings or curved balusters can instantly turn a cottage chic deck into a classy and elegant deck. Many homeowners don’t realize that they can customize virtually every aspect of their decks. This includes things like:
- Shape of the railing posts and post caps
- Shape of the balusters
- Base trim and post covers
- Spacing of the posts and balusters
- Direction of the boards on your deck
- Overall shape and size of your deck
That’s why it’s important to find a professional Maryland deck contractor who can help you explore your options. Many contractors build only cookie-cutter decks and will try to sell you one. If you want custom, look for a contractor who also does deck design and can incorporate your requests as long as they align with the building codes.
Add Some Lighting
Deck lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of deck design. Lighting is often added as an afterthought in a form of a few lanterns on the side of a home. Meanwhile, if you think about lighting at the design stage, you can incorporate railing posts with post cap lights or lighted balusters. You can even build lights into steps to ensure safe use of the deck at night.
Consider Deck Furniture
Adirondack chairs and picnic tables are not your only deck furniture options anymore. Outdoor furniture has evolved so much over the past few decades, you can’t tell anymore if it’s for outdoors or not. There are plenty of comfortable, attractive and durable seating, lounging and dining outdoor furniture options for every style. From rustic to ultra-modern, you’ll be sure to find something that catches your eye and makes your deck look like a spread in an outdoor living magazine!
Build More Than a Deck
A deck can be much more than a platform for your grill! You can separate it into functional areas to create a true outdoor oasis. Add a pergola to create a comfortable and shaded outdoor reading nook. Include a screened gazebo to cover your mini bar. Make the top level of your deck a screened room to serve bug-free meals right out of the kitchen!
Need help figuring out how to implement all of these ideas into your new deck design? Contact Custom Deck Builders today for a free consultation. We serve customers in Southern Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.
