Are you ready to build the deck of your dreams? The design of your deck is an exciting process. Wood decks, vinyl decks, and other materials can be used to craft your ideal decking system.
A custom deck design empowers you to select the layout, sizes, material, features and more. Deck design begins with your ideas. With the help of a professional contractor, your design will be perfect for your decking needs and personal budgets.
Contact Mountain View Sun Decks today for custom deck design or future installation services. We are happy to help craft your amazing ideas into stunning designs. Book a free deck consultation today!
Custom Deck Design
A full custom deck design incorporates each respective aspect of the deck. Each part of the deck play a role in creating the perfect outdoor space in regards to safety, aesthetics, functionally and privacy. Your deck style, layout, and overall size will be designed. Permitting considerations are required for most decking projects. The specific deck features and build materials will be selected. Your staircase design and materials are hand picked. Your deck railing materials, design, and colours are selected by your to complete the overall look of the space.
Custom Deck Materials
A key part of any deck design is the selection of your decking materials. Each respective material can offer advantages in regards to durability, safety, aesthetics, and cost. 5 common decking materials are:
- Vinyl – Vinyl decking is durable, attractive and splinter-free. The materials can mimic wood grains or offer a diverse range of colour selections. Tuf Dek, Econo Dek and Deck Rite are all great vinyl-decking options.
- PVC – PVC decking is resistant to water and fire damage. The material is also resistant to temperature change, meaning PVC decks will not get too hot to walk on during warm summer days.
- Composite – Composite decks are durable, can last upwards of 15 years. These decks don’t rot away and are often made of recycled materials, making them a “greener” choice. Trex, Timber Tech, and Fiberon capped composite can all be ideal materials.
- Pressure Treated – Pressure treated wood has been enclosed in a vacuum-sealed cylinder and has had chemical forced into the wood fibers. These chemicals help the wood combat termites, insects and weather decay.
- Cedar – Cedar decks can be available in trusted and untreated options. Untreated cedar contains natural oils that prevent water damages and insect infestations. Cedar is one of the most beautiful decking materials and easily accepts wood stains that can enhance the natural tones of the wood.
Custom Deck Design Process
Designing a deck system involves considering how each aspect of the deck will best suit your needs. This is the outline of most custom deck design projects and the deck design process:
- Initial Consultation – The initial consultation is where homeowners bring their custom deck ideas to the contractor. The scope of the project is outlined and general sizing specifications are determined. Physical parts of the deck including, the ledger board that attaches to the home, floor joists, blocking, support beams and rim joists will be considered for the layout and sizing of the deck.
- Design Considerations – Several aspects of a deck design are now considered. The deck layout and style selection are defined. Some deck styles include contemporary, colonial, mountain, coastal and traditional. Specific features and or appliances like lighting, heating, sounds systems and more need to be selected. Deck material choices, staircase designs, and railing designs can all be done at this step.
- Permits – Most decking projects require some form of permitting. A deck that is in a devolved area, more than 1.5 meters high or within meters of any property lines will likely need a development permit. Building permits are required when a balcony is being built or if the deck is more than 0.6 meters from grade. Trade permits are required for gas, electrical, plumbing, and other trade service requirement to provide special deck features. Attaining permits and adhering to building bylaws is key to a sustainable and legal decking project.
- Design Confirmation – After permits have been obtained the project design is confirmed by the homeowners a final time and the products can begin being ordered, and or purchased.
- Deck installation – The deck is ready to be installed. You are a few days away from enjoying the deck of your dreams!