A Guide to the Most Common Types of Decks

What Is Metal Decking and Where Is It Used? It’s easy to get option paralysis when weighing the pros and cons of each one. While wood remains a popular choice, alternatives such as composite and plastic decking have become a top pick for homeowners due to their longevity and easy maintenance. Below, we explore the pros and cons of popular decking materials so you can see which may be best for your outdoor project. Typically square, rectangle, L-shape, or U-shape, attached decks are built directly off your home. They may extend an existing room, like a kitchen or dining room.

Designing Your Deck: Platform Vs. Multi-Level

Detached decks are particularly advantageous for creating usable areas in parts of your property with poor drainage. The size of the detached platform can be customized to suit your specific needs and budget. Aluminum decking is one of the smallest subsets for deck material, but it is a great option for some people. Because it is synthetic, it will not need constant maintenance like wood decking. It is not subject to rot and decay, nor does it attract insects. Low maintenance composite decking materials are a great option when thinking long-term. Discover the best composite decking material options for your home. Discover how to make the crucial choice of decking material for your deck. Explore composite and wood decking options, each with unique aesthetics and maintenance needs. Deck materials are the easiest way to classify the different types of decks. The material you choose will directly affect the durability, maintenance requirements, and budget needed to build it. For example, polyethylene plastic and wood fiber deck boards contain wood fibers, such as sawdust. Thanks to technology, composite boards feature unique and realistic wood grain and patterns to match almost every wood look. Plus, we’ll provide helpful resources to ensure you’re making the best choice for your project.

Different Styles of Decks

Third, composite decking is made from recycled materials, so it's an eco-friendly choice. And fourth, it comes in a variety of colors and styles to suit your home. When choosing decking, the three factors I consider first are appearance, durability and cost, and any other builder likely does the same. Other choices, such as PVC or aluminum, are in the mix, but these three are the ones builders and homeowners most commonly choose. You can build a deck around in-ground or above-ground pools to create a more cohesive look. Make sure you meet local safety codes for swimming pools, such as ensuring there's a fence or gate around the pool. This comprehensive evaluation will help you narrow down the material that best suits your project’s specific requirements. For homeowners with spacious backyards, a detached deck can be an excellent choice. These decks are not directly attached to the home but instead built as a floating deck level accessible via a path or walkway.

Styles of decks, such as wraparound, multi-tier, attached, detached, and entryway decks, can be tailored to fit your home’s architectural style and your specific needs.For example, polyethylene plastic and wood fiber deck boards contain wood fibers, such as sawdust.One major benefit is that side decks also offer seclusion, perfect for a hot tub, sauna, or private reading area.Plastic and wood composite decking work well for some people, but there are also reasons why it doesn’t work for everyone.

In the next section, we will explore different methods for keeping moisture at bay while enjoying your outdoor living space all year round. No matter which option you choose, adding shade to your deck is sure to enhance its usability and comfort. But before you start building any new structures, it’s important to understand the decking codes and regulations in your area. Luckily, there are many types of deck lighting options available that can accomplish both goals. Some popular types of deck lighting include post cap lights, rail lights, and stair lights. These fixtures not only provide necessary illumination but also add an element of style to your deck design. Now that you’ve learned about some of the ways to incorporate built-in features into your deck design, it’s time to think about choosing the right railing system. The railing system not only adds safety measures but also plays a key role in defining the overall style of your deck. The installation process for aluminum decking can also be more complex than with other materials, as special clips or fasteners are often required during assembly. But once installed, homeowners have access to a wide range of design options thanks to the versatility of the material.