How To
Design
Deck Design Styles

How To
Design
Deck Design Styles

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How to Design a Deck

Deck Design Styles

It is important to use a style that matches your house and your personal taste. Here are a few popular deck styles for creative outdoor living.

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Contemporary - Less is more. Use sleek, modern design features, basic shapes and clean lines. Low-maintenance materials, such as composite, PVC, metal and even stone.

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Colonial - Use elements of classical architecture. Symmetrical design. Consider using white moulded railings with decorative posts caps. Built-in planter boxes, benches and pergolas can be used as accent features.

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Traditional - Consider a cottage style that embraces decoration. Octagons and chamfered corners help soften sharp corners. Trim moldings and routered rail caps offer a timeless charm. Cedar and redwood are beautiful warm materials for traditional style decks.

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Mountain - The perfect style for a log cabin in the woods. A mountain design features heavy timber framing with rustic log railings. Mountain style decks look more massive and stronger than most other deck styles. Use nature for inspiration and highlight scenic views with lookout areas.

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Coastal - Whether you live in Cape Cod or Florida, a coastal deck style is a good choice for a deck overlooking the sea. Use gray composite decking or cedar with white railings to blend into the landscape. Glass and cable rails can work wonders for opening up views. Low-maintenance materials can withstand the extreme weathering of storms for years to come.

10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck

This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.

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How to Design a Deck

Space Planning

Learn how to design a deck to provide enough space for your furniture and different uses.

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How to Design a Deck

Leftover Deck Board Ideas

Have leftover deck boards after building your deck and don’t know what to do with them? Get inspired with 10 ideas for leftover decking from Decks.com.

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Next Step: Planning Articles

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Building Permits

IRC Code Requirements For Decks

Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!

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Building Permits

Building A Deck Over A Septic Tank

Building a deck on or near a septic tank is not the best idea and can result in a damaged or punctured tank. Learn more about building near a septic tank at Decks.com.

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Building Permits

Permits for Building a Deck: Why You Need One and How to Get It

Many homeowners are surprised when they are told they need to get a permit in order to build a deck. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s well worth the small investment of time and money to ensure your deck is built to code standards and in compliance with local regulations

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Explore Articles by Topic

Footings

Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing

Learn structural framing methods

Decking

Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs

An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings

How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features

An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design

The basics of deck design

Planning

Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios

Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger

Proper attachment techniques

Care

Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials

An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

How To
Design
Deck Design Styles

How To
Design
Deck Design Styles

How to Design a Deck

Deck Design Styles

It is important to use a style that matches your house and your personal taste. Here are a few popular deck styles for creative outdoor living.

Save
Contemporary - Less is more. Use sleek, modern design features, basic shapes and clean lines. Low-maintenance materials, such as composite, PVC, metal and even stone.

Save

10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck

This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.

Picture6 Deck in Winter frozen-snowy-deck

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How to Design a Deck

5 Ways to Use Your Deck In The Winter

Hoping to get use out of your deck all year long? Discover these helpful deck ideas to keep your deck warm and cozy in cold winter weather at Decks.com.

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How to Design a Deck