Finding the right deck for your home
A deck build or remodel is a big investment in your home, so it’s important to make sure it's one you’ll love for years to come. That means choosing a deck that fits both your needs and your personal style.
There’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to designing a deck. But working with the team at Lampert Lumber means you’ll have help navigating all the ins-and-outs of a deck project, even the factors you might not have considered.
Here’s what you should keep in mind to find the perfect deck for your home:
1. what are your needs
Decks are the perfect place to entertain friends and family. Before you get started on your project, think about how you plan to use your deck.
Ensuring you have enough square footage for tables, chairs and other furniture while still allowing room for standing and foot traffic is key, said Matt Lundquist, a sales representative at Lampert Lumber’s Apple Valley location.
If your deck is on the second floor, you’ll also want to think about whether it will be accessible from outside via a staircase. If so, its placement will impact other decisions around the deck’s layout, Lundquist said.
“If clients want backyard access from one direction or another, we can start with the staircase area and build a deck to the right or the left of it based on that traffic pattern,” he said.
And if your backyard area doesn’t offer much natural shade, you might want to consider adding a pergola to your deck for some protection from the sun.
2. what kind of materials?
Because your deck will be exposed to the outside elements, you’ll want to think about what kinds of materials will hold up the best where you live.
Derrick Rang, a sales representative, recommends a synthetic or composite wood for a deck that will best endure a midwestern climate. Synthetic wood is made using only manmade materials, while composite is a mix of manmade materials and wood flour.
Traditional wood requires annual or semiannual staining, but synthetic or composite materials require much less upkeep.
“There's cost and time and effort into maintaining wood and keeping it in good condition. With composite or synthetic you do get the same type of longevity without the extra material and labor,” Rang said.
And if your deck is low to the ground, a synthetic wood will be less prone to moisture damage, Rang pointed out.
You’ll also want to think about how the color of your wood fits in with your home and needs. A dark stain will get hotter if exposed to the sun and will show dirt more easily, requiring a little more maintenance.
Lampert Lumber is a proud dealer of Trex decking products. Visit one of our showrooms to learn more about this high-quality, durable composite decking.
3. What’s your deck style
Your deck acts as an extension of your home, so you want it to reflect your personal style.
Are you drawn to gray tones or more earthy colors? How will that flow with the other colors on your exterior? It’s good to ask yourself these questions when looking at different color options for your deck, Rang said.
The color of your deck will also inform other choices, including your railing material and color. Black or white railings are popular with gray finishes, while browns work well with earth tones.
But ultimately, decisions around color and finishes come down to personal taste.
“At the end of the day, I tell people that they have to look at it every day. So they should pick what they like and not worry about what the book says to do,” Rang said.
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