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Yes. Yes. Yes you can! And oftentimes you should!
As the demand for outdoor living spaces increases, so do the options for design and decor. And it’s easier-than-ever for homeowners to switch-things-up when it comes to customized deck design and building materials.
For example, a natural wood or a low maintenance deck is often combined with wooden, vinyl, glass or metal rails… or a combination thereof!
Cedar Deck, Cedar Deck Rails, Metal Balusters, Project by Archadeck of West County
Maybe you prefer to subtly match product and color, or instead, you could choose a look with a very stark color contrast.
Cedar Deck and Black Rails by Archadeck of West County
With the right guidance and planning, your outdoor space will perfectly suit your individual style and the character of your home — inside and out!
But the proof-is-in-the-project… so take a look at finished designs by Archadeck. Then ask yourself, “Which ones do I really like?” And, simple as that, you have a starting point!
The options are endless…
Wondering where to begin when it comes to planning a deck or other outdoor space? Well, wonder no longer.
Archadeck’s new design guide is here. And best of all, it’s still free and even better than before!
Spacious Multilevel Composite Decks by Archadeck – Design Guide Download
With an improved online experience, you can easily flip through the design guide in its magazine format, watch a 4-part video series, zoom-in-or-out, download it, email it, link to it, share it, and then take advantage of a special offer too.
Crucial for project planning, the guide will take-you-through a series of pertinent questions to help define exactly what you want in an outdoor space. In the end you’ll have your answers! For instance…
In our last three articles we wrote about deck stairs, deck rails and deck balusters. Today let’s address those oh-so-important finishing touches for a deck using post covers (sometimes called sleeves) and post caps.
Two Story Deck with Post Covers and Post Cap Lights, St. Louis Mo, by Archadeck
What exactly IS a post cover?
Other than a platform deck built at ground-level, a deck will need to be supported with structural posts. And these posts are (typically) built with pressure treated lumber. So depending on the location and height of your deck, you may want to cover the bare posts.
For example if your deck is just slightly raised, simple landscaping will hide its posts and, in this case, skipping the post cover is common. Read the rest of this entry »
Whether your deck design requires a step-or-two or a long staircase with a landing, building your stairs requires forethought, planning and oftentimes tricky construction calculations to get-it-right.
Deck Stair Designs by Archadeck, St. Louis Mo
In short, deck stairs must be built precisely to meet local building codes for safety. And they need to look great too!
- Your stairs shouldn’t be too tall or shallow and there’s no room for error.
- With plenty of style options, building deck stairs can be complex so consider talking with a contractor.
Deck Steps with Guard Rail and Hand Rail, St. Louis Mo, by Archadeck
Let’s begin by defining the three primary deck stair components:
- Risers — what you walk on
- Treads — the enclosed space between the steps
- Stringers — the sloped boards that provide support under the stairs
Ok. We’re almost done with the series of deeper-dive posts for The 5 Most Popular Deck Designs Explained. Two-story decks are #4.
So, what ARE the benefits of a two-story design? First and foremost, a two-story deck will complement any two-story home, regardless of your yard layout.
Two-Story Cedar Deck, Chesterfield Mo, by Archadeck in St. Louis
If your lot has a steep slope, your terrain challenge is solved.
And if your property is level, well you’ve just doubled your outdoor space in the footprint of one.
Two-Story Deck by Archadeck
Second, a two-story deck ties your home’s interior spaces — from each-and-every level — to the outdoors. Read the rest of this entry »
Ok so you’ve chosen your deck design and decking materials but now what? Well, it’s time to stylize your rails.
Stop here and spend some time examining your options.
Decks with no railing
Did you know that deck rails might be optional? If your deck is low-to-the-ground you can often skip the rails altogether. Local building codes and your personal circumstances will be the deciding factors.
Low Deck without Rails by Archadeck
When a deck is used by young children or elderly folks, railing — even if not dictated by local building codes — might be a real necessity.
Low Deck with Rails, St. Louis Mo, by Archadeck
And no matter the height of your deck, a rail with a gate is a must-have feature for many parents and pet owners, especially if their backyard isn’t fenced.
Benches as deck rails
If your deck is low or grade-level and railing isn’t required by local ordinances, built-in perimeter benches can be used to define and polish-off the edges while providing extra seating too. Benches as a rail substitute are particularly functional for small deck designs.
Low Deck without Railing and Corner Bench by Archadeck
Partial deck railing
Partial deck railings are often needed for safety; however, they can be used simply for style too. Safety-wise, even if your deck is just slightly raised, it’s best to install a handrail on one or both sides of the steps. Deck step rails will clearly mark an entrance/exit from a deck to the backyard and/or provide a grasping surface to eliminate falls.
Deck with Partial Rails for Safety, by Archadeck
Platform Deck with Partial Rails for Style, by Archadeck
Low Deck with Step Handrail for Safety, by Archadeck
Next, let’s assume your deck does require railing. Oh-boy-oh-boy. More (and more!) options…
Deck and rails that match Read the rest of this entry »
