Extending the design elements of your home to your outdoor living spaces has been one of the big deck design trends in the last few years. From outdoor kitchens to fully integrated sunrooms, the desire to expand our casual living footprint outdoors continues to evolve.
But it’s not just the big projects that are following this trend. Just like the interior of the home is usually a mix of building materials and architectural details, today’s decks are incorporating the same look and feel. Historically, residential deck materials were all pretty uniform. If it was a wood deck, it was all wood, from the deck boards to the railings to the guardrails to the steps. The same went for composite decks or vinyl decks, etc. These days, many homeowners are looking at more innovative deck designs that challenge the traditional designs.
Mix and Match Deck Materials
Mixing and matching the materials used to build a deck opens up a variety of design options for deck designers and builders. Whether you are building a new deck or refurbishing an existing one, the old rules about all your materials and colors needing to match are out the window.
Today, homeowners are pairing wood deck boards with the sleek look of aluminum railing or more traditional wrought iron railings. You’ll also see a variety of low maintenance deck materials paired with with popular metals like bronze, copper and stainless steel.
Railing Revolution
Treating the railings as a separate design element allows homeowners a great deal of flexibility when it comes to size and scope of their project. Metal, wood, vinyl and wrought iron are all finding their way into residential decks to add more visual interest and in some cases, reduce maintenance requirements.
One element being looked at in particular is the shape and size of the rail. Traditional vertical deck railing can obscure the view so homeowners are finding alternatives. One of these innovations is cable deck railing. Cable railing is a series of metal wires installed either vertically or horizontally.
This creates an industrial aesthetic that complements the style of many modern homes and allows superior ventilation. Inspired by industrial and commercial design, these narrow railings provide the same level of safety as traditional railings but with less interference with the view. Even though this style is considerably more expensive than traditional railings, cable railing is gaining in popularity in the area.
Decorative Accents
Homeowners can put their distinctive personal touch on their deck with little details and innovative options. This includes balusters, molded caps, step and post lights, and a variety of surfaces and colors. You can also add gates for pets and children with self-closing hinges that can be locked with a key.
Whatever product or design you chose, make sure you find the right contractor for your project. Download your FREE Guide, Iowa Contractor Comparison Guide – How to Make Your Remodeling Project a Success for tips on hiring the right local contractor.
