Key Deck Design Ideas to Consider in your Deck Plans
By Mark J. Donovan
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A deck is an extension of your home’s living space. Consequently deck design ideas should not be limited to simply deck size and deck construction material. When designing your deck plans it is important to consider the myriad of other deck design options that are available to you today. The addition of a deck onto your home should increase the value of your home, so make sure you carefully consider all of the deck design ideas available to you.
Deck Railings and Balusters Deck railings and balusters no longer need to consist of simple pressure treated 2”x4” railings and basic 2”x2” stock balusters. |
Today you can choose from many other types of deck railing and baluster solutions. For example, you can use decorative aluminum and glass balusters. There are also PVC deck railing solutions today that can support electrical wiring for enabling the installation of deck lighting. In addition, you can accent deck railings with solar lights that can be mounted on top of deck posts. Alternatively, deck balusters can be completely replaced with plate glass.
| Deck Post Caps
Another great and simple deck design idea that can really accent a deck is the use of deck post caps. They are available in many different styles and finishes. Deck post caps can be constructed out of aluminum, copper, steel and even stained glass. There are even low voltage deck post caps for providing deck lighting. Deck Lighting Whether you plan on using your deck regularly in the evenings or simply want to show it off at night, it is important to explore the plethora of deck lighting options available to you. |
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Deck lighting options include the installation of standard electrical lighting, low voltage lighting and even solar lights.
As I have already touched upon the integration of deck lighting into deck posts is a great deck design idea. By installing deck lights into, or on top of, deck posts you can provide uniform lighting around the deck. In addition, or as an alternative, you can install wall lighting on the side of your home to provide general deck lighting.
| Deck Awnings
Depending upon where you live or the position of your deck relative to the sun, deck awnings are another great deck design idea to consider. Deck awnings can help to keep the inside of your home cool as well as provide shade to you while out on the deck. Outdoor Deck Fireplaces Another neat deck design idea is the integration of an outdoor deck fireplace into your deck design plans. The installation of an outdoor deck fireplace however does require some upfront safety considerations so you may want to check with your local building inspector before including a deck fireplace into your deck design plans. |
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Spa Hot Tubs
The inclusion of a spa hot tub into your deck design plans is another great deck design idea. As with deck lighting, there are many different hot tub styles and sizes to choose from. Keep in mind, however, when designing a deck that a hot tub is extremely heavy when filled with water.
| Consequently it is best to design a deck around a hot tub, versus on top of it.
If your deck plans do include the installation of a hot tub on top of the deck make sure your deck framing construction plans are approved by an architect or local building inspector first. These are just a few of the deck design ideas you should consider in your deck design plans. In addition to these deck design ideas, spend some time at a deck and patio center or home improvement store to see what else you may want to include in your deck design. |
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For help on building a deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Deck Installation Bid Sheet. The Deck Installation Bid Sheet will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to ensure that your deck project is completed on time and budget.
Related Information
- Wood Deck Construction Tips
- How to Choose an Outdoor Bar for your Deck
- How to Weatherproof your Deck
Additional Deck Building and Design Resources
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