Custom Deck Design

Looking for deck design ideas?

The first step in choosing the best deck style is to understand how a deck is built.

Deck installation involves building a foundation and frame with posts, beams and joists. Decking and railing are attached to this sturdy frame. Vertical boards called “fascia” are often added around the deck perimeter to give a trimmed look.

The shape of your deck design should conform with space limitations, safety requirements, local building code, and most importantly…your preferred style and your uses for the deck. The best decks are tied in visually with your house and landscape, while giving you the space you need to enjoy your property and the great outdoors.

Online Resources for Deck Ideas

Trex, TimberTech, and even Lowe’s provide free deck design resources, including 3D/AR visualizers. Companies like Trex showcase different deck and railing combinations, and of course Pinterest and Instagram are always easy ways to build a personal look-book.

Our experienced designers can help take your initial deck ideas and translate them into what’s possible, safe, well-engineered and affordable for your home.

Custom Features

Foundation, frame and decking alone make for a beautiful and functional deck. Custom features add distinctiveness and special character. Our skilled deck builders can easily include custom deck design elements like:

• deck lighting
• custom, coordinated benches
• planter boxes
• storage containers

Homeowners often have unique deck ideas to fit their specific needs. Some homeowners use their decks primarily for entertaining, while others imagine a private space to relax in a hot tub, or a safe place for a child to play.

We can include any custom deck design features for you, such as:

• gates for child or pet safety
• ADA compliant railing and insuring wheelchair accessibility
• privacy fencing
• a gazebo or pergola

Here are some deck ideas that help us design the perfect style and shape for you:

• What look are you going for? Think about harmonizing the look of the deck with your existing architecture and landscape.
• Make a list of the ways you want to use your deck. We can help make sure the visual design elements you love maximize your intended uses for the space.
• Plan for a good flow of traffic, especially for cooking, entertaining, and accessing the yard. Our deck designers can really help with this, especially when it comes to stair placement and safety issues.
• Measure existing patio furniture, grill, planters or other items you want on your deck. Let’s make sure they fit and can be arranged how you want them.
• Consider different custom deck shapes: square/rectangular, octagonal overlook, or beveled corners. We can give you different options based on our experience and your vision.
• Decide between a one-level deck (to maximize usable space) or a multi-level deck (to separate uses, for instance, a hot tub area from an eating area, or an eating area from a cooking area).
• What about mixing decking finishes (colors) and grain types when making color choices?

You may be surprised to know exactly which custom features impact budget the most, and which have little to no impact. Our transparent estimating process will help you to stay on budget while getting the most out of this important home improvement. Our experienced deck designers will help you to choose the options to:

• maximize deck space
• ease the flow of traffic
• fit your personal style
• accommodate all your uses
• fit with the character of your house and yard
• and meet your budget.

View our portfolio for design inspiration, or explore decking types.