Deck lounging, afternoon barbecues, and nighttime cocktails – isn’t that what summer is all about? It can be if you put a little imagination and planning into your new home purchase.
Every aspect of your dream home begins with imagination, so close your eyes and take a moment to envision the perfect home for you. Imagine that you are hosting your first outdoor party and you can’t wait to show off your beautiful, trend-setting deck. You open the door and lead your guests out onto a sun-worn, splintered cedar deck, lean against its rickety wooden railing, and bask in the glow of a single yellow-bulb porch light.
Oops, wrong house. Let’s try this again.
This time you step through the back door of your custom dream home and onto your comfortably cool outside deck. Your friends and family are milling about, mojitos in hand, admiring even the smallest of details that make your entertaining space rise well above all the rest.
You can turn that vision into a reality. The materials and technologies that are available today can be brought together within the best of designs to create the trendiest of custom decks. You can begin with five ideas that will make an immediate impact on your outdoor entertaining space.
PVC low Maintenance Decking
Life is busy, so keeping maintenance to a minimum is a real plus. Investing in PVC (polyvinylchloride) decking is a great option. Thanks to technology, PVC decking offers the beauty of quality wood decking, without the hassles. Getting rid of wood means getting rid of mold, as well as the hassle of sanding, staining, and sealing wooden decks every two to three years.
PVC decking is beautifully engineered for durability and style. In addition to an array of color options, this material is resistant to slipping, warping, and dents. It’s wood-free, green-friendly composition is fire-resistant as well, in addition to being safe for you and your guests for years to come. As a further plus, warranty options for PVC decking can extend as long as 30 years against fading, material defects, and termites.
Metal Railing
If you want to really wow your guests, consider metal railings as a way to create a unique outdoor space. Like PVC decking, metal railings significantly reduce maintenance and extend the life of a deck. You can also select a style that offers a fresh contrast to a deck. The end result will be a touch of class that is sure to trigger neighborhood deck envy.
Built-in Seating
Built-in seating is another fabulous way to customize a deck; it also offers a way to maximize space and accommodate a larger number of guests. Think about your purpose: Do you want to create a cozy area for conversation, or are you looking for a way to showcase a beautiful garden or your favorite tree within it?
With the availability of curved and linear seating, your choices are nearly limitless. The best part is that your seating will complement, rather than detract, from your clean deck design.
Built-in Lighting
Built-in lighting is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to create a custom deck for your dream home. No more extension cords strung across the deck to add nighttime lighting. In addition to the safety factor, built-in lighting is one of the absolute best mood-setters. There is nothing like a quiet night on the deck, with an inviting glow and some light music to complete the mood.
If environmentally-friendly options are important to you, built-in solar lights offer a beautiful and affordable option. Solar light is renewable, and it works in shaded areas as long as there is a nearby sunny spot. In addition to energy savings, solar lighting could create a tax credit, but be sure to do your own research regarding that possibility.
Clips, Screws, and Plugs
Attention to detail is one of the benefits of a custom-built home or at least the custom-built deck of your dreams.
Today’s hardware options can replace unsightly screws and plugs. Now you can eliminate stripped out screws, corrosion, and unsightly nail marks. You can also select stainless or another color that might better match your decking choice.
A Small Piece of Advice
To get the ultimate enjoyment out of a new home, you should talk to your design-builder about a deck before you begin construction. While you can add a deck after the fact, you will be more likely to face challenges related to space limitations, landscaping constraints, and the challenge of blending the style of your new deck with the existing style of your home. Don’t pass up the opportunity to create an amazing outdoor space from the very beginning.
