Home is where your personality shines through in for guests and onlookers to admire. Taking pride in the appearance of your home is an essential part of maintaining a well-kept outward appearance. Just as important is the quality and design of your deck.
For homeowners who want to create a deck that's unique and personal, composite decking offers a wealth of opportunities for customization. Although basic, cookie-cutter deck packages are readily available and can simplify the process of building a deck, there are also plenty of options for making your deck stand out. Here are some tips for customizing your composite deck to match your home or personality:
Use Color and Pattern
Composite decks come in a variety of colors, but there's no saying you have to pick just one. Some of the most unique and stunning decks are made using an accent color to frame the deck, add dimension or create an eye-catching pattern. The possibilities are automatically limitless and allow for a great array of creativity.
You can also add interest by varying the way your deck boards are laid. Composite deck boards do not always have to be laid out parallel to each other. They can also be arranged into a parcel, diagonal or herringbone design. Combined with judicious color choices, a patterned deck design can become a stunning piece of art in itself.
Vary the Handrails
Instead of opting for the standard composite handrails, choose a railing style that complements both your home and your personal style. These days, handrails come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials, from wrought iron-style aluminum to whimsical glass to industrial and minimalist stainless steel cable. An aluminum handrail, for example, can add contrast and elegance to a deck, while a glass or cable handrail helps showcase the view of your garden or a beautiful vista. As an added bonus, aluminum, glass and cable handrails are all strong, durable and low-maintenance.
Add Lighting
Lighting is an important element that separates a mediocre composite deck from an impressive one. When designing a lighting scheme for your deck, you should first take into account what the deck will primarily be used for. Do you plan to have a lot of social gatherings? Do you want to create multiple areas of use, such as an outdoor kitchen and a space set besides for playing card games? Use a combination of perimeter and accent lighting to provide the necessary lighting for any outdoor activities you'd like to do on your deck.
Other Finishing Touches
When creating a composite deck that is truly unique, there are plenty of other details you can include. For example, you can add a pergola to your deck to add shade and definition to your outdoor living space. You can also top off the posts of your handrails with artistic or decorative post caps.
Armed with this knowledge you will be well on your way to crafting an attractive composite deck, the luxuries of which truly are a constant gift to you, your family and the neighborhood.
~ Ben Anton