If you have the luxury of having a large outdoor space or even a smaller one, chances are you’ll want to take full advantage of it. One way to do that is by installing or redoing your deck and railing.
With some thought and work, your deck could easily become your new favorite “room” of the house, especially when the weather is nice.
Decks
A deck is broadly classified as any flat outdoor surface capable of supporting weight. They are typically raised and are constructed using treated lumber, composite lumber, composite material, or aluminum.
Material
Decks are differentiated from other outdoor spaces in that they are wood-based structures, as opposed to stone based like patios. Here are some of the more common construction materials:
- Western red cedar
- Ipê
- Teak
- Mahogany
- Other hardwoods (generally sourced from tropical forests)
- Recycled planks
- Wood-plastic composites
As long as your material can hold weight and handle your weather, you should be good to go. However, it is usually best to seek advice from professionals before starting a project of this scale.
Some homeowners who don’t like the look of just stained wood, opt to paint their deck area to suit their desired aesthetic. So, don’t be afraid to experiment to achieve the look you want.
Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to install your flooring in the traditional, straight plank manner. You can employ a number of lay-styles including basket weave, herringbone, and pinwheel.
Design
There are a number of difference deck design choices you can take advantage of depending on the size of your space and the shape of your home.
Some people create a wrap around deck to give their square footage a serious boost. Others with more limited space might use a deck in conjunction with a patio space to create levels to make their smaller backyard seem more spacious.
You can also use the levels idea to create intrigue and focal points for larger spaces by creating a lower area for something like a fire pit, dining area, or even a pool.
Additionally, you can build a deck onto the second floor of your home as well. If you have a garage, you may extend your second floor space by building a deck above it.
Decor
As far a decorating, the possibilities are endless. You can go for a staycation look with lots of drought resistant plant and bright colors. Or, you could opt for something more modern with unique flooring (like grey ipe wood) and cool neutrals. You could even go for something more mid-century modern or a country chic with the right pieces.
Remember to purchase decor items that are suitable for outdoor use. There are materials for rugs and furniture that are designed to resist fading and inclement weather, so keep an eye out for those and pass on some of the more delicate offerings.
Railing
Once you’ve constructed (or paid someone else to construct) your dream deck, the next step for many is to add deck railing. This can help give your deck a more complete look or simply make the space safer for children and pets, especially if it’s over very uneven ground, overlooking a body of water, or is on the second story of your home.
Material
The main consideration when it comes to deck railing is selecting the material you’ll use to construct it. Many people make the erroneous assumption that the railing must match the decking. However, having contrasting materials often produces a much better result.
Wrought-iron paired with a classic looking wooden deck can improve both the aesthetic appeal of and visibility from your deck. For those going for a more sleek, modern look, you can opt for a glass or plastic railing that can either be framed or unframed. Unframed glass railing pairs great with stunning but slightly dangerous views such as lakes or mountains.
If you are really attached to the idea of a more traditional look, there’s nothing wrong with that! You can still add flair and keep things interesting by adding post caps, paint, latticework, or even lanterns to your wooden posts.
Below, we’ve included a set of 107 incredible deck design and railing idea pictures to inspire your decking overhaul.
