Most decks used to be fairly simple creations: single-color wood boards and rails, perhaps with a propane grill, some very casual furniture and a few plants thrown in.
No more. The trend of moving indoor décor outside is transforming deck space, whether people want to jazz up older decks, rebuild with low-maintenance composite materials or even splurge on a “covered deck” with roofs and windows.
“Decks now can be not only nice to look at but really comfortable as well,” says Doug Compton, owner and president of Ardent Builders Inc., a custom construction company based in Williamsburg. “My bet is that much more will be coming in the future.”
Here are 10 current deck fashions:
1. Composite materials. Synthetic deck boards mimic the look of new or distressed wood but don’t fade, crack or decay. “Instead of having to sand, stain or paint, you just wash them off with warm soap and water,” says Mike Tyndall, owner and president of the Yorktown-based Mike Tyndall’s Custom Decks and Privacy Fences. Hidden fasteners also leave smooth surfaces for bare feet.
2. Added color. Composites allow for easy mixture of hues, such as “picture-frame” designs with lighter or darker shades on outer boards and railings. For wood decks, “consider staining or painting with an unexpected color to give it an instant pop,” advises Page Bishop, a licensed Realtor with Twiddy Realty in Williamsburg. One of her favorites is Sherwin Williams’ Juniper Blue.
3. Lights. Low voltage, LED and solar lighting options can boost ambiance and safety, whether as accents along steps and railings or inside rail post caps. String lights are an inexpensive source of sparkle.
4. Under-deck storage. Weatherproofing systems, access gates and waterproof drawers have freed up space for cushions, lawn and grilling tools, toys, sunscreen and more. “Today’s homeowners are looking for creative ways to use their square footage to the fullest,” notes Chris Camfferman, marketing director for Deckorators, a Michigan-based retailer.
5. Interior design influences. Benches, picnic tables and chaise lounges are making way for weatherproof chairs, couches, ottomans and wicker glass-top tables, along with bright cushions, throw pillows and indoor/outdoor carpets. “The accessory market for outdoor furniture has come a long way,” Compton says. To make a small deck appear larger, Bishop recommends minimalist furniture, light-colored pillows and rugs – think white, beige or pale blue – and, if a deck has a tall fence on any side, a hanging mirror. “Those are common indoor decorating strategies,” she explains.
6. Versatile rail toppers. Attaching a regular-sized deck board atop railing is a great way to create a wider surface for drinks, condiments, flowers and other decorations. Retailers also sell connectable deck rail tables that can serve as dining and beverage stations or grill worktops.
7. Railing for more natural views. Narrow or clear railing made of stainless steel cables, aluminum or glass have emerged as an alternative to thicker wood rails. “These systems are perfect for decks overlooking water,” Camfferman says.
8. Entertainment connections. Natural gas hookups allow for endless grilling without propane tanks or charcoal. Meanwhile, outdoor sound systems – electrical outlets built into deck posts, for example, or wiring for exterior speakers – provide the tunes.
9. Perked-up pergolas. Along with vines, adjustable roof panels, billowy curtains and a greater selection of outdoor furniture can take pergolas beyond basic shade and privacy providers. “They can become attractive little ‘outdoor rooms’,” Tyndall says.
10. Covered decks. For those with cash to spare, structures that pair deck flooring with ceilings, durable plastic storm windows and luxuries such as skylights, recessed ceiling lighting or ceiling fans are usable year-round, regardless of weather or bugs.
Source: – https://www.dailypress.com/dp-nws-pt-decks-20180313-story.html
