Planning Your Deck

The Ultimate Guide to Deck Design and Planning

A well-designed deck is more than just an outdoor space—it’s an extension of your home, a place for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoying the great outdoors. It is important to have your deck integrated with your home, as though it was built at the same time. Whether you're planning a small cozy retreat or a large entertainment hub, careful planning is key to building a functional and beautiful deck.

1. Define Your Purpose

Before jumping into materials and layouts, consider how you'll use your deck. Will it be a quiet place for morning coffee? A space for summer barbecues? A multi-level area for different activities? Defining its purpose will guide your design choices.

2. Choose the Right Location & Size

Factors in planning your deck include sun exposure, privacy, access to your home and well placed stairs. A deck should feel like a natural extension of your living space while maximizing usability. Decks should not take up most of the back yard.

3. Select Materials Wisely

Decking materials play a big role in durability, maintenance, and aesthetics. Popular options include:

Pressure-Treated Wood – Affordable but requires regular maintenance. $
Cedar & Redwood – Naturally resistant to rot and insects, offering a premium look. $$
Composite Decking – Low maintenance and long-lasting but comes at a higher price. $$$
PVC - Even longer lasting and great for pool-side.$$$$
Exotic Woods - Extreme beauty and lasting. $$$$

4. Plan for Safety & Durability

Ensure your deck meets local building codes and safety standards. This includes proper railings, structural supports, and slip-resistant surfaces. Also, think about weather conditions in your area and choose materials that can withstand them.

5. Incorporate Functional Features

Built-in seating for convenience
Pergolas or shade structures for comfort
Outdoor lighting for ambiance and safety
Storage solutions like under-deck compartments

6. Think About Maintenance

Consider how much time you’re willing to spend on upkeep. Wood decks require staining and sealing, while composite and exotic woods decks need occasional cleaning but little else. Choosing the right material can save you time and effort.

7. Set a Realistic Budget

A deck can range from a simple platform to an elaborate multi-level masterpiece. Plan your budget carefully, considering costs for materials, labor, permits, and accessories like furniture and decor.

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Designing Your Deck

1. The Vision

Design is where your vision meets reality. You know what you want but the vision comes together when space, functionality and affordability are integrated. Very importantly, Design incorporates the building codes and regulations for your project.

Utility - what will the deck be used for? (Dining, relaxing, entertaining, etc.)
Space - How much do I need? (A small, intimate setting or a large, multi-level deck?)
Finishes - Do I want a wood finish or do I want upgrades such as composite, PVC or exotic wood (Ipe)

2. Choose the Right Shape & Layout

The shape and structure of your deck should complement your home’s architecture and yard space. Common deck layouts include:

Single-Level Deck – A straightforward design, great for small yards and easy accessibility.
Multi-Level Deck – Perfect for larger spaces, over walkouts, distinct areas.
Wraparound Deck – Extends around multiple sides of the house, offering ample space.
Floating/Detached Deck – A freestanding deck, maybe for Gazebo or covered separate retreat.

Consider how traffic will flow across the deck and ensure a logical connection to your home’s entry points including the deck stairs if needed.

3. Choose the Best Materials for Style & Durability

The decking surface materials you choose impact not just the look of your deck but also its longevity and maintenance.

Pressure-Treated Wood – A classic, affordable choice that requires regular staining and sealing.
Composite Decking – Made from wood fibers and plastic, it’s low-maintenance, durable, and comes in various colors.
Cedar & Redwood – Naturally resistant to insects and rot, offering a warm, high-end appearance.
PVC & Aluminum – Ultra-durable, weather-resistant options with minimal upkeep.

Your choice should balance aesthetics, maintenance, and budget while complementing your home’s overall design.

4. Integrate Functional & Stylish Features

Design Features:

Built-In Seating & Planters – Optimize space while adding comfort and greenery.
Shade Structures – Pergolas, awnings, or umbrellas help control sun exposure.
Outdoor Lighting – Incorporate recessed deck lights, string lights, or post lights for evening ambiance.
Railings & Balustrades – Choose from wood, metal, glass, or cable railings to enhance safety and style.
Outdoor Kitchen or Fire Pit – Ideal for entertaining and adding warmth to the space.

5. Blend with Landscaping & Natural Elements

A deck should feel like a natural extension of your outdoor space. Integrate landscaping elements such as:

Surrounding Greenery – Use shrubs, flower beds, or vertical gardens to soften the edges.
Natural Materials – Incorporate wood, stone, or pavers to create a cohesive look.
Pathways & Transitions – Use stepping stones or stairs to connect your deck with other areas of the yard.

Blending your deck with the surrounding environment enhances its beauty and creates a seamless transition between home and nature.

6. Plan for Comfort & Maintenance

Your deck should be designed for long-term enjoyment with minimal hassle. Keep in mind:

Weather Resistance: Consider climate-appropriate materials that withstand sun, rain, or snow.
Low-Maintenance Options: Composite and PVC decks reduce upkeep compared to natural wood.
Proper Drainage: Ensure water runoff is managed to prevent pooling and deterioration.

Great deck design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating an outdoor space that fits your lifestyle and enhances your home’s value. By carefully considering layout, materials, and key features, you can design a deck that’s both stylish and functional, providing years of enjoyment.

Request Your Free Consultation

Beautiful picture framing for cedar deck

Staircase for deck in composite and aluminum railings

3D Design And Plans

From idea, to design, to permit, no worries. We offer to work with you to help plan within the building area, and once we are moving forward, a 3d design for better visualization of the final look of your deck. Customer is responsible for costs incurred in the design stage, which we are explained when we meet.

We supply engineered drawings for certain types of projects such as roofs, longer spans between supports, and anything that might require further detailed plans for codes and approvals. We've had projects that required wider spanning beams up to 30 feet to reduce obstructive views.

CABANA ROUGH PLAN

ROOF PLAN SIDE VIEW

Design for Composite, Railings and Lighting

Here's the process for getting to final design

Over the years, we have witnessed significant advances in deck materials, presenting a wide range of options to choose from. Whether it's Pressure Treated, Cedar, Composite, PVCs, Accoya, IPE, or Kebony, we offer a diverse range of surfacing products. Our team has meticulously studied the unique qualities and performance of each material, empowering you to make an informed decision aligning with your preferences and budget.

Our deck design services are comprehensive, inclusive of detailed sketch drawings. During consultations, we will share thoughts about composite and railings regarding style, colours and costs. We will build the final plan and quotation from there.

We believe in transparency throughout the process. That's why we provide samples of recommended materials and facilitate sourcing any other options you've researched. Alternatively, you're welcome to explore materials at a retailer of your choice. With us, there are no hidden surprises—just clear communication and meticulous planning to bring your dream deck to life.

Lighting - Add ambience and practicality.

Finish your deck with strategic lighting. Extend the enjoyment of your new deck with stair risers lit for safety and ambience, or railing post lights. We can install lighting right into the deck to profile railings and furniture. We have every type of lighting you may be looking for.

Pot lights are excellent for lighting under-siding. Lighting is controlled by photo sensitive timers that are easily accessed and can be set for any number of hours after dusk.

Different styles of lighting include Post Top that will always work, no depending on sunlight. We can install lights right on the side of posts as well. Deck lights go into the deck surface and light upwards usually against a post.

Stair riser lights are very popular and again, while the safety factor is very evident, they add so much to overall look and atmosphere f your backyard..

Chai Composite Deck from Fiberon

Stair and Post Lighting

Selecting Deck Materials and the Right Finishes

Now, the fun part, how to create the final look.

Some people know what they want. That's great and speeds up the process but most want to discuss available products and the benefits and downsides of each finish. We are happy to provide samples of surface finishes, railing styles and colours, bracket and hardware trims and so on.

We work with many quality material suppliers and rarely find ourselves in big box stores. With composites, special woods and railing samples on hand, it is no problem to get ideas and make decisions to get started. When budgeting, it is a good idea to compare the products and stay within the price range that has been determined by you.

For railings, please visit our DECK RAILINGS page.