8 Custom Decking Ideas You Can’t Miss
Summer is on our doorstep, which means soft, warm evenings and long, sunny days that you’ll be spending outside. Whether you want to dine al fresco with your crew or have a movie night under the stars with your family this summer, why not upgrade your outdoor space by personalizing it with a deck or a deck upgrade? While you might not have thought too hard about this before, there are so many options available to “deck out” your custom decking! Whether you’re looking for more style, more comfort, or more room, our list below has you covered. It highlights amazing ideas that can bring your project to life and add flair to any build.
1. Deck Inlays. A deck inlay is a custom pattern that can provide an added touch of personalization to your outdoor space. If you love the sea, try a nautical flourish. You can put your own stamp on it in any way, from initials to historical icons. You can also add fun curves or angles to what was once a flat deck. One thing is for sure: your options are endless.
2. Multi-Level. Who doesn’t want to add more space to their home? With a multi-level deck, you can add room, change the flow, or give definition and dimension to your new space. With different levels, you can also create clearly defined spaces such as a sitting area or a dining nook—perfect if you’re having friends over for a cookout!
3. Fire Pit Focal Point. Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire is part of the fun of summer. With a fire pit, your outdoor space is transformed into an instant party hit. It’s also a natural focal point for your deck. By installing one as a part of your custom deck, you can keep the fun going into the evening by breaking out s’mores, gathering the crowd, and enjoying the flicker of the flames!
4. Alternate Decking Material. Are you looking for a deck that you can enjoy instead of constantly maintain? There are many alternate materials available to give your deck a time-tested and weather-resistant edge, most made of polymer and composite materials. Azek, which is a brand of polymer decking, offers a comparison guide on decking materials, reviewing typical pressure-treated wood and some of the new enhanced options that are available.
5. Contrasting Colors. Make your deck even more unique and add a custom look and feel by using contrasting colors and wood types for the trim. Your contractor or lumber yard can offer suggestions for how to get that perfectly designed look. Using complimentary and contrasting wood will further highlight the craftsmanship you’ve worked so hard to achieve!
6. Lighting. Lighting adds ambience, and it’s key to making sure your guests look great in all those Instagram pics of your summer parties! The right lighting in the right place will also help you avoid accidents such as bumped knees or stubbed toes. Add some recessed lighting on the stairs to increase safety for those guests who go up and down at breakneck speed. Or you can add colorful lanterns or box lights into the railings. They will both brighten your deck space and alert people to where the railings start and end. Your outdoor space will be beautiful and safe!
7. Planter Boxes. Lush greenery adds depth, dimension, and life to any space. To incorporate your green thumb and liven up your deck, think about adding built-in planter boxes. One popular idea is to plant a herb garden in one of the boxes. That way, you can add extra flavor such as mint, thyme, and basil to cocktails and recipes all summer long when you’re out grilling and want to spice things up! You could also steer toward aromatic florals. Imagine sitting on your deck with a book, soaking up the sun, and a soft breeze scented with lavender flowing your way—a perfect staycation at home.
8. Built to Sit. Built-in seating is awesome for many reasons. You get additional seating that can provide you or your guests with more places to rest. It also saves you the hassle of having to dig through the garage for old camp chairs, or spending more on additional deck furniture. What’s more, it can relieve you of the pressure of replacing outdoor furniture year after year. Whether it’s built-in benches that can be easily fit for an existing table you have or in place of what would otherwise be a railing, built-ins add style and functionality to your space.
Creating a deck that meets your needs and exceeds your wildest dreams is easy: just visit Cape Cod Lumber today to incorporate some of the above ideas. Celebrating 60 years in the business, this employee-owned company established in 1958 has everything you need to make sure your deck is your happy place this summer. Go to capecodlumber.com for more info!