Deck Design Guide

Building a Deck that Lasts

A Deck Designed for Your Lifestyle

Extend Your Living Space Outside

Your deck is more than just another living space. It’s a room with a perfect sunset view, a place to lounge in the sun, a stage for grilling and entertaining, and a vantage from which to survey your lawn and garden.

A lot of designing and planning precedes deck construction. We will meet with you face-to-face to carefully review your plan, listen to your ideas, and discuss your options and expectations. To learn more about this process, watch this helpful video:

With all the design and feature options, building a deck can be an overwhelming project to plan and complete. Our experienced professionals can guide you through the process from design through construction so that you’ll enjoy your deck for years to come. If you need ideas or inspiration, check out the Trex Decking Inspiration Gallery.

Thinking of building a deck? Here are a few helpful questions to ask yourself in order to get the process started:

Deck Design Guide Building a Deck that Lasts Building a Deck that Lasts Deck Design Guide

Plan Ahead

Here are a few helpful questions to ask yourself in order to get the process started:

Have you decided to build on your own, or hire a professional?
  • Hiring a professional may be quicker and easier, but don’t underestimate the satisfaction that comes from saying you built your deck yourself, nor the potential savings in cost.
Have you checked with your local building codes?
  • Know the rules before you start or you may have a hassle later. Are there any restrictions on construction in your area? How close to your property line are you allowed to build? Do you know exactly where the property line is?
  • What permits do you need to build your deck?
What is your budget for the project?
  • A ballpark estimate will help you choose materials and design.
Have you planned enough space for what will be on the deck?
  • Build your deck to fit what you’ll keep there. It may look like a large space while empty, but be sure to get the measurements of your grill, table and chairs, pergola, canopy, benches, planters, hot tub, or whatever else you imagine – and remember that you need space to walk between these elements.
How does the deck relate to the lay of the land?
  • When you build your deck, will it be in the sun or the shade? Will it cast shade on anything nearby? How much privacy will you have? Where does the breeze usually come from, and what will your view be?
Take Careful Measurements
  • Draw a sketch of the proposed deck’s shape, measurements, and position, as well as those of the house, and windows and doors leading to the deck, any steps leading on or off the deck, and any potential obstructions, like trees and bushes, sidewalks, basement hatchways, and out buildings or storage. You should also include railings, rail posts, and the pool (if one is planned). Note the height measurement from the ground to the deck floor.
Choosing Materials to Build Your Deck
  • There are many new products and applications available to complete your deck. Wood vs. composites? Screws vs. hidden fasteners?
  • The decisions go on and on, but the path becomes more clear after a visit to one of our product showrooms.
  • Your salesperson will explain all your options with experience and clarity. We are experienced in ordering from a wide range of decking materials.
How complex is your deck project? Draw a blueprint before you build. Resurfacing a deck Plan Ahead

Products to Consider

Framing
  • Treated Wood Framing
  • Steel framing
  • Overhead Drainage
Decking
  • Wood
  • Composite
  • Composite Capped
  • PVC
Decking Fasteners
  • Galvanized Screws
  • Stainless Steel Screws
  • Composite Screws
  • Hidden Fasteners
Railing
  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Vinyl
  • Composite
  • Baluster type
Accessories
  • Facia
  • Lighting
  • Lattice
  • Privacy screening
  • Built-in benches
Surface your deck What railing do you want for your deck? Choose the right accessories for a finishing touch. Products to Consider
  • Deck Design Step 1: Preparing the site for framing
December 29, 2016