A serene outdoor space is a luxury many homeowners hope to have. Fortunately, homeowners can easily pick up plenty of high-quality decking products.
Whether you DIY or have it professionally done, a well-designed deck can transform your backyard into an inviting oasis.
Not only does this provide a perfect spot for social gatherings and personal relaxation, but it also increases your home's value.
Check out this quick read as we discuss the latest trends in decking materials, planning your deck layout, and the essential decking products to achieve a durable and beautiful deck.
Why Enhance Your Outdoor Space?
Installing a deck in your outdoor space will need time, money, and effort. However, it will all be worth it in the end!
The following sections outline a few good reasons to enhance your backyard.
Increased Home Value
Many potential buyers find a well-constructed deck a good feature for a home.
A deck is primarily functional, adding usable square footage. It is also versatile and aesthetically pleasing, increasing your home’s market value.
Outdoor Entertainment
A deck can be an extension of your indoor living space and the perfect setting for outdoor entertainment. They are great for hosting barbecues, family gatherings, or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars.
Connection with Nature
Creating a tranquil outdoor space has numerous health benefits. By spending time outdoors and with nature, you can reduce your stress, improve your mood, and even feel more creative without leaving the comforts of your home.
Planning Your Deck Layout
When working on your deck project, make sure to conduct the following initial steps.
- Assess Your Space: The first step in planning your deck is to assess your available space to determine its optimal size and shape.
- Measure the area where you intend to build the deck and consider factors such as sunlight, wind direction, and view.
- Define Your Purpose: Will your deck be primarily for dining, lounging, or entertaining? Settling on a primary purpose for your deck will help you decide on designs and allocate the available space effectively.
- Choose the Right Design: After taking measurements and defining the purpose of your deck, picking the right design is next. There are various deck designs to choose from, including multi-level decks, wraparound decks, and freestanding decks.
- When deciding, consider the architectural style of your home for cohesion. You can also incorporate features like built-in seating, planters, and lighting to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your deck.
Latest Trends in Decking Materials
Using high-quality materials and having durable deck support is crucial to ensure your outdoor space remains functional and beautiful for many years.
If you’re undecided yet on what materials to use for your deck, consider the following trends.
- Composite Decking - Made from wood fibers and recycled plastic, composite decking offers a wood finish without regular staining or sealing.
- It is resistant to rot, insects, and fading, durable, easy to maintain, and eco-friendly.
- PVC Decking - PVC decking is made entirely of plastic, which makes it resistant to moisture and mold.
- They are low maintenance, durable, and available in many colors and textures.
- Hardwood Decking - While hardwood decking requires regular maintenance, its rich color and unique grain patterns will add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
- They are usually made from Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood, known for their strength, density, and resistance to decay.
- Aluminum Decking - Aluminum is lightweight, non-slip, fire-resistant, and rust-proof, making it ideal for areas with harsh weather conditions.
Importance of Using High-Quality Products
High-quality deck products are a must to enjoy your deck for longer. Here are more reasons to put good money into building your deck:
- Durability - Quality materials withstand the elements, resist wear and tear, and maintain their appearance over time. These also reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, saving you money in the long run.
- Safety - Sturdy materials and well-engineered components provide a solid foundation, preventing accidents and ensuring the structural integrity of your deck.
- Aesthetics - Premium materials offer a polished look and feel, enhancing the visual appeal of your outdoor space, whether you prefer the natural beauty of wood or the sleek finish of composite or aluminum decking.
Essential Decking Products from Fence Armor
To ensure your decking project is a success, consider purchasing the following products from Fence Armor's Titan Decking collection.
Fence Toppers - Snap'n Lock
Fence toppers not only provide privacy but also add an attractive finishing touch. With the Snap'n Lock system, installing these toppers is a breeze!
Additionally, Fence Armor allows you to customize your fence toppers to match your deck's design. You can upgrade your deck’s fence without dismantling the whole structure.
Titan Shadow Rail Connector
The Titan Shadow Rail Connector is a sleek and modern solution for attaching railings to your deck. Its innovative design gives it a clean finish while providing a secure connection.
This connector is compatible with various railing materials, including wood, composite, and aluminum.
Titan Aluminum Baluster Connectors
Titan Aluminum Baluster Connectors are great at securing connections between balusters and railings. They are easy to install and bear a sleek appearance.
Titan Aluminum Baluster Kits
Aluminum balusters are durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to rust. They will look great for many years!
The Titan Aluminum Baluster Kits come in various styles and colors, so you can install railings that complement your deck's design.
Post Anchor Kit – Titan
Decks need to be sturdy to be safe. The Titan Post Anchor Kit provides a reliable solution for securing your deck posts, ensuring a solid foundation. They prevent posts from shifting or leaning over time.
Center Guide
Uneven gaps can disrupt the stability of your deck. With the Center Guide, you can reduce the risk of gaps as thishandy tool helps you achieve precise and consistent spacing when installing your deck boards.
Titan Metal Post Skirts
Titan Metal Post Skirts cover gaps and provide a polished finishing touch to your deck posts. These post skirts are available in various sizes and colors, allowing you to match them to your deck's design.
Hole Saws for Post Anchors
Fence Armor Hole Saws create clean and perfect-sized holes for your anchors, ensuring a secure fit and reducing the risk of damage to your deck posts.
Installation Tips for a Durable and Visually Appealing Deck
Once you’re all prepared and ready to install your deck, consider the following tips.
Prepare the Site
First and foremost, prepare your yard by clearing your building area of debris, vegetation, and obstacles. Ensure the ground is level and stable to provide a solid foundation for your deck.
Lay the Foundation
A strong foundation is crucial for the stability and longevity of your deck. Using high-quality concrete footings and post anchors helps secure your deck posts in place.
Furthermore, to support the deck's weight, ensure the posts are level and evenly spaced.
Install the Deck Frame
The deck frame is the structural backbone of your deck, so it is crucial to use durable materials for strength and resistance to rotting. Pressure-treated lumber or metal framing are good options.
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and local building codes to ensure the frame is properly constructed and secured.
Attach the Deck Boards
When attaching deck boards, use corrosion-resistant screws to prevent rust and maintain a clean appearance.
Leave a small gap between each board to allow for expansion and drainage. Use your center guide to get a uniform look.
Add the Railing
The railing is an essential safety feature for your deck. Aluminum or composite railings are preferred for their durability and low maintenance.
Install the railing securely using connectors like the Titan Shadow Rail Connector and Titan Aluminum Baluster Connectors to ensure a sturdy railing system.
Finishing Touches
Accessories like post skirts, fence toppers, and lighting add character to your deck and provide additional functionality.
Add seating, planters, or a pergola to create a more inviting outdoor space.
Regular Maintenance
To keep your deck looking its best, perform regular maintenance such as cleaning, sealing, and inspecting it for damage.
Remove debris, dirt, or mold from the surface, and reapply sealant or stain as needed to protect the wood or composite material. Regularly check for loose or damaged components and make repairs promptly.
Conclusion
Planning home improvement projects can be tedious. Yet more often than not, the results are satisfying. Enhancing your outdoor space with a deck is one of those investments you will not regret!
With a quality deck, you can increase the market value of your home and have a space for relaxation and entertainment
By choosing the right materials, planning your layout carefully, and using high-quality products, you can create a durable, visually appealing, and functional deck that will last you years!