Your deck provides and outdoor living space that allows you to enjoy the view, and the outdoors while providing a space to entertain friends and family. Decks can be designed to fulfill a number of uses, incorporating BBQ’s fireplaces, privacy barriers decorative railings and maintenance free materials. Your deck design can dictate what activities the area is best suited for while providing a home with an exterior entity that looks amazing and adds to the property value.
A custom deck design considers materials, layouts, budgets and the deck’s intended use. Decks that are more than 30-inches above grade or that are incorporating gas and electrical lines will need permits and final inspections. Your deck can be designed to be an extension of you and your home. Contact Mountain View Sun Decks for professional and custom deck design ideas and guidance.
Types Of Custom Decks
Custom decks can incorporate unique layouts, and various features such as overhead heaters, BBQ’s, lighting, privacy walls and spindle stairs. Consider these styles of custom deck designs to provide some initial inspiration:
- Platform Decks – Platform decks are single story decks that are installed directly on top of the ground. These decks often do not require permits or railings. Though, to ensure a safe area, the borders of the deck should be highlighted with planters or lighting. Platform decks are most commonly found on flat lots with single-story homes, though many two-story residential properties utilize platform-decking systems.
- Raised Decks – Raised decks are required when the first floor of a home backs out onto an above grade level. Raised decks incorporate large foundation posts to build the system upon and these can be covered with different forms of the lattice.
- Two-Story Decks – These decks offer outdoor access in the upper levels of your home. Though, similar to a raised, deck the large support beams can create design challenges. Consider paints, beam locations and more to ensure your highly functional deck does not sacrifice its aesthetics.
- Multi Level Decks – Multilevel decks often blend raised and platform decking styles into a single and unique deck design. Multilevel decks are ideal for uneven lots, as the decks can follow the contour of the land. Staircases and channels often connect the different decking sections.
- Free Standing Decks – Freestanding decks do not attach to the house. These structures can be made more eye-catching with gazebos and are ideal for large yards or yards with impressive gardens and greenery.
Custom Deck vs. Stock Deck
Custom decks are designed to suit the preferences and needs of a homeowner, while stock decks aim to provide a cost-effective and functional decking system that can easily be replicated. Stock decks are commonly found in large residential areas that were mass-constructed by community builders and developers. A single material choice, with no unique appliances, is used in each home. Though a custom deck can use several materials, in the railing, deck areas and in the stairs, stock decks are usually a single material throughout. Custom decks can take up as much or as little of the yards as the homeowner desires. Custom decks can also utilize gas lines and electrical wiring for BBQ’s, heating units and exterior lighting.
Custom Deck Materials
There are three common types of material used in custom decks construction projects.
- Pressure Treated Wood – Pressure treated decks use pressure treated wood that is low in cost and has been chemically treated to install various preservatives in the wood. Without staining and painting, this material can rot somewhat quickly and can cause splinters.
- Vinyl Decking – Vinyl decking is a durable material that can offer a wood-like appearance. Vinyl decking also requires no sanding upon installation, which leads to increased installation efficiency.
- Composite Decking – Composite decking is made of a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic. Standard composite decking and capped composite decking are available. Capped composite utilizes an added layer of coverage to increase the durability of the decking material.
Custom Deck Design Process
Deck styles and materials will dictate the tasks associated with a deck design process. Though, these are the general steps required to design your perfect decking system.
- Consultation – Consult with a professional to understand how your deck ideas can be implemented as well as the estimated cost of your dream deck. This is an ideal time to decide on the decking style for your home, and go over potential materials.
- Material Selection – Select the ideal material. Different materials can offer benefits in regards to costs, durability, maintenance, and safety.
- Design Layout – Consider how you want your deck to flow and how much of your backyard you are willing to take up.
- Features or Appliances – What custom lighting will be implemented? What style of heating units, cooking appliances or fireplaces would you like? Appliances can help your deck feel luxurious and multifaceted.
- Permitting – Make sure you abide by all Alberta bylaws and permit requirements before undergoing the deck construction process. Raised decks, decks with utility lines and decks built on sloped land will require various build permits.
After you deck has been designed and the build plans have been permitted, you construction processes are ready to begin. Contact Mountain View Sun Decks for custom decks and custom deck design in Calgary and surrounding areas.
