Outdoor living is having a moment, as homeowners continue to embrace living areas that go beyond the confines of their homes. Accordingly, outdoor spaces such as decks are key investment areas (and return on investment areas) for homeowners looking to gather outside and unwind. While decks have staying power–they have been a classic outdoor living option for decades–they have not stagnated. Rather, innovative materials, fresh features and ease of maintenance are defining the decks of 2024.
It’s all material
Choosing the right material is a logical and important first step for anyone looking to build a deck. “Modern decking materials have so much more to offer than traditional lumber,” explains Amanda Cimaglia, Vice President, ESG & Corporate Affairs for TimberTech. “Manufactured products, like PVC and composite, use polymer blends and capping to improve the durability and longevity of decks.”
Alan Lee, President of Requarth in Dayton, agrees. As there’s been a gradual transition toward composite decking over the past decade, the latter has evolved exponentially, he explains. Originally a wood-fiber, wood-polymer mix, composite boards today are aesthetically pleasing and have been refined to include a structural layer of protection in the form of capping. The cap is comprised of either plastic or PVC and prevents moisture and insects from penetrating the boards. In addition to being low-maintenance, composite also offers the benefit of hidden fasteners, which create a cleaner look. “On a wood deck, there are options to incorporate hidden fasteners,” explains Lee. “But on a composite deck, they’re already part of the system. You don’t have screw heads or fastener heads popping through.”
The aforementioned PVC is another option. Made of plastic, it’s also impervious to moisture and stays cool on hot summer days. It’s slip-resistant, projects a wood-like appearance, and is a particularly good choice if you live in a fire zone. Speaking of wood, Lee is quick to note that wood decks are still viable options and should not be discounted. Premium Southern Yellow Pine is preservative-treated and of the highest grade, which is key for strength and longevity.
Custom Outdoor Structures out of Dayton also advocates for wood decks, indicating that treated pine and cedar are ideal for homeowners who desire the look and feel of real wood. Custom Outdoor Structures handpicks its own wood and uses galvanized screws versus nails in its wood decks, ensuring that the boards won’t loosen. But whatever material you select for your deck, be sure to consider texture, color and especially durability.
Designs reflect indoor-outdoor floor plans
When it comes to decks, a quality design is as important as quality material. Cimaglia explains that homeowners are looking to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living spaces and create a more natural flow between the two. “Plus, adding an outdoor living space is often a less expensive way to add more square footage to a home and can even create a multifunctional ‘room’ for entertaining, exercising, playing with the kids or reading a book,” she continues.
Sometimes creating a multifunctional space requires adding multiple levels or elevating your deck. This creates visual interest and further expands your square footage. As part of the design process, consider adding a shade structure, which can protect you from the elements while also creating an attractive focal point. Custom Outdoor Structures offers motorized pergolas that utilize louvers to easily control whether you enjoy full sun, filtered shade or full rain protection.
One of the other main design considerations is what type of deck railing to install. Wood has traditionally been the material of choice, but today’s options include composite, PVC or metal, including aluminum, which is currently quite popular. All are durable, low-maintenance and offer high value for the cost.
“The top rail you choose sets the tone for the rest of the railing design,” Cimaglia says. “Options range from traditional milled wood looks to sleek modern designs, so you’re bound to find one to fit the style you’re creating.”
The railing’s infill is not to be overlooked, as it helps define the aesthetic for the space you’re curating and determines what your view will be. TimberTech has options ranging from traditional balusters to glass panels to stainless steel cable, so you can achieve everything from a stately, traditional look to something that’s more industrial or minimalistic.
The color of the railing should complement your home’s exterior colors, including its trim. “You can choose one color for a monochromatic look or mix and match for more contrast,” says Cimaglia. For his part, Lee recommends talking to someone you know and trust when embarking on the deck design process. And if you’re looking to brainstorm ideas online, he recommends the Simpson Strong-Tie deck planner software.
Color me happy
While the colors you choose give your railing design its finishing touch, the board colors serve as a jumping off point. Deck colors are trending toward lighter browns and natural tones this year, indicates Lee, including light grays and a stunning whitewashed cedar. While gray tones have infiltrated all of home design, the darker grays and black deck tones that were once popular are being edged out. As with anything, it comes down to personal preference, but be reassured that deck manufacturers today offer a myriad of color and finish options to choose from. TimberTech uses colorcascading technology to deliver the most realistic wood look with natural color blending. And the subtle nuances of their multi-tonal options and wood grain patterns mirror the colors in nature.
Light it up
Lighting should be a key part of the deck design process, as not only does deck lighting increase visibility after dusk, it also creates an attractive radiance to completely transform the look and feel of your space.
“Permanent or built-in lighting solutions are great investments, offering instant illumination and weather durability,” confirms Cimaglia. When it comes to deck lighting, the options are limitless, and a little light can go a long way. Cimaglia suggests the following options:
In-deck lighting: After sunset, it can be hard for visitors to navigate around your deck. With path lighting, you can indicate direction and safely guide guests around the space. Have a pro install in-deck lights within the walkways of your deck as a clever way to brighten the path.
Riser lights: Use riser lights as attractive yet subtle stairway additions to prevent stumbles and ensure safe steps. Install them cascading down deck stairs or as a focal point to illuminate multiple stairs at once.
Decorative post cap lights: Enhance the look and feel of your posts by attaching decorative post cap lights. These softly lit ring lights add a touch of elegance to railing posts while providing a line of sight on your deck. Opt for solar-powered post caps to skip the wiring and save on energy.
Sustainability and preservation
Homeowners today are interested in environmentally sustainable products, and in the decking industry, products are created with sustainability in mind. TimberTech decking is made from up to 85 percent recycled waste and scrap material that otherwise would have been destined for a landfill. Over its lifecycle, it’s a more sustainable option than traditional wood decking, and it’s recyclable at end of life.
Once you invest in a deck, you want to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy it for years, and that’s where maintenance comes in. “Deck maintenance is vital to a deck’s appearance and structural integrity,” says Cimaglia. “When done properly and routinely, it increases your deck’s lifespan and reduces the likelihood of future repairs or replacements.”
Ultimately, your deck’s maintenance needs depend on its material composition. Cigmalia re ommends following specific cleaning instructions for your deck material, as best practices change between materials and manufacturers. That said, in general, deck cleaning involves the following steps: clear the deck, prepare the cleaner, section the deck, clean with the proper brush, rinse and let dry for 48 hours. Regarding the cleaner, create your own out of dish soap and water for wood decks, or purchase manufacturer-approved solutions for composite decking. If you have a wood deck, you’ll also need to sand and seal it annually.
Other related considerations include the addition of tape to deck structures today. Lee explains that deck builders put tape under the deck board, on top of the joists, in order to protect the deck’s substructure and keep it from rotting. “On a quality build, they should be using tape,” he says. “It’s a self-sealing tape that prevents water from going inside.”
Finally, speaking of under decking, Lee suggests that homeowners consider under-deck draining systems, which make the space under the deck usable. There are multiple options on the market today that combine style and functionality, and by creating a dry space below your deck, you can further extend your outdoor living options.
RESOURCES
creative-earthscapes.com
customoutdoorstructures.com
requarth.com
strongtie.com
timbertech.com
Article by Lee Rhodes
Article originally appeared in May 2024