Your deck design needs to capture the ideal combination of space, comfort and features while taking into account your lifestyle and property layout. Modern designs also include amenities normally found inside, bringing the conveniences of your inner living space outdoors. Think about including some of these top modern deck features to create a deck designed for the needs of today.
# 1 - Maintenance Free Materials
Modern schedules are jam packed with commitments, daily tasks and must-do's, leaving little time for extra home maintenance. Instead of installing a traditional product that requires annual maintenance to prevent decay or maintain a certain appearance, consider investing in vinyl or composite decking.
These products only need to be washed down every so often to remove built up dirt and debris. The power of UV rays and inclement weather do little damage, even after a lifetime of use. While the initial cost may be higher than treated wood or cedar, this decking product outlasts both and eliminates the replacement cost. Low maintenance railing materials include composite wood, vinyl and aluminum railing systems, all available across North America.
# 2 - Glass Railing
Ensure your modern deck is safe without detracting from the beautiful view with tempered glass railing. Available in a wide range of designs, including those with a wooden frame, a maintenance-free aluminum frame or vinyl systems, this type of railing keeps an open feeling and allows natural light to brighten the space.
Make sure your glass railing meets local building code and utilizes tempered glass panels. Look at etched glass or various shades of tint for something a little different from the ordinary. Remember that installing glass railing down deck stairs can be tricky, so you may need to opt for picket styles on the stairway.
# 3 - Deck Board Patterns and Borders
Deck boards offer another simple and affordable way to dress up your contemporary deck. Frame a particular area with a border that uses a contrasting color of deck board or a different profile. Or give your seating area pizzazz with an inlaid pattern. Both of these deck design ideas are straightforward to install and keep the deck surface smooth and safe.
Some contractors install treated wood deck boards in the main area and dress up the border or inlaid pattern with cedar decking. Whether you stain the cedar or leave it natural to turn gray, the different colors will give your deck character and style. Composite wood comes in a variety of colors; simply choose a contrasting tone for your patterns.
# 4 - Outdoor Kitchens
Bring entertainment into the yard with an outdoor kitchen, built for full or partial prep, depending on your preferences. Many homeowners design for a built in grill and make backyard barbecues a snap, while others include an entire kitchen with refrigerator, sink and prep station.
Plan out the space well, with easy access to the indoor kitchen and adequate power and plumbing. It helps to have overhead protection to provide shade and keep out the rain. Think about the flooring in this areas as well and opt for something safe and non-skid, like textured deck board or paving stones.
# 5 - Heat Protection
Whether you are planning to add a full outdoor kitchen or merely a space for your grill, heat protection is essential. Install a heat shield between your barbecue and any vinyl, aluminum or wood siding. Consider the placement of windows and doors as well, and keep your grill away from foot traffic streams.
Consider adding heat protection into the deck board, and possibly adding extra support in the deck framing. This allows you to use any size or shape grill and not worry about the strength of your deck. Heat protective inlays, such as paving stone or manufactured products designed to withstand high heat, must be supported from underneath and can be incorporated into the balance of deck with trim and transitions.
# 6 - Seamless Shade
Shade structures allow you to use the deck more often, keeping out the potentially harmful sun's rays and rain showers. But these structures must be a part of the overall shape and not interrupt flow in any way. Overhead features like pergolas and arbors can produce dappled shade, but the higher posts and beams can also be used as a base for solid shade structures like a covered roof or full gazebo.
Search the web for products that can be added to your deck design, including a casual and fun shade sail or a frame for vines to create a natural screen. Talk to your contractor about unusual ways to create shade that catch the feel and mood of your deck.
# 7 - Built In Seating
Modern design is clutter-free and sleek, which is a more difficult accomplishment in an outdoor living space. Instead of relying on the traditional patio furniture for comfortable seating, think about incorporating the main seating or extra seating with benches, wide stairs and contemporary twists on conventional porch swings.
Location and style are entirely up to you, but built in seating can help to make the most of smaller spaces and eliminate the need for additional furniture.
# 8 - Safety and Mood Lighting
Deck lighting has certainly evolved over the years, moving from larger lights with incandescent bulbs to flush features with LEDs and solar lighting. Take a look at some of the products available from your decking contractor.
Consider including lights in your decking surface, within the railing and stairs for safety and in overhead features or as wall mounts for mood lighting. Solar lighting reduces the power required and can be installed almost anywhere in the yard, while low voltage transformers can be fitted with photocells for efficiency and convenience.
Build a modern deck that works well for your family and adds value to your property and lifestyle. All of these features take an ordinary deck design and transform it into something unique, providing you with more to love in your outdoor living space.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
Porch Design
At the turn of the 20th Century almost every home on a city street had a porch. In fact the porch became popul...
Building Decks by Design
At the end of a tough day there 's nothing like opening up the patio door and strolling out onto the deck ...
