For homeowners planning to upgrade their wood deck or build a new one there are a variety of design elements worth discussing with the contractor on the job. Especially when looking beyond traditional options Here’s the top three ways homeowners, deck designers, and contractors work together to elevate a humdrum deck into a unique outdoor living space.
Adding a wood deck to your garden area lets you immerse yourself in it instead of just viewing it. Hardwood decks are sturdy, moisture resistant, and pet friendly!
Whether cultivating the space for a specific purpose or integrating an eye-catching element, there are a multitude of concepts that contractors, deck designers and homeowners can collaborate on in order to bring a unique vision to life.
The common factors that drove homeowners planning to renovate their outdoor spaces including upgrading worn-out deck surfaces, finishes, and materials (30%), adding features and improving livability (20%), and simply wanting a change (16%), according to the NAR’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report. If this sounds like your project, there are 3 unique ideas to make your deck design more upscale.
Get The Most Out of Your Decking Material
If you are replacing an old deck, or building a new deck and want to add more features, better materials can lead the way. We have heard from our customers that homeowners want to know their decking will:
- Have low maintenance and need for repairs
- Last longer than common decking materials
- Give a higher return on investment
- Be beautiful and stay attractive longer
The best options to meet this criteria are the several premium species of Mataverde sustainable hardwood decking. Hardwood species are durable, strong, require low upkeep, upscale looks, and meet a variety of project budgets.
Hardwood species include: Ipe, Jatoba, FSC Machiche, Garapa.
All these species have a naturally occurring high fiber density. A high fiber density equals a low-porosity, very hard decking materials. These woods are all significantly more durable, resilient, and long lasting than common decking materials such as Pine and Cedar.
You can rely on high density hardwoods being naturally insect, decay resistant and resilient. Hardwood decking is significantly less susceptible to scratching, gouging, splitting, and cracking.
See Compare Decking Materials here for detailed species information
There is a wide range of natural colors in hardwood decking, above,
ideal for a gorgeous, real wood deck. Or take it a step further using two or more for a beautiful contrast.
Looking for more information on selecting the right decking? We wrote the ultimate guide for you. Click below to download a copy.
Plus, these hardwood species have a high bending strength and can last 25 years or more with minimum maintenance. To give you an idea of the strength and hardness of these species: Rich brown Ipe is the highest rated hardness ranking, and the wood all other hardwood ratings are compared to. Golden blonde Garapa has the lowest fiber density of the exotic hardwood species, and it is still rated as 25% harder than Red Oak.
All these hardwoods are responsibly and sustainably harvested. Learn more about Mataverde’s commitment to environmentally responsible sourcing of our premium wood decking lumber on our Environmental page here.
Let’s explore how these options can help you upgrade your “Plain Jane” wood deck to an outdoor living space you love and want to spend time in.
Hardwood deck with step down level and sunken planting areas
“When adding any new features to your deck space (like built-in storage boxes or seating), try avoiding man-made materials. … Rot-resistant wood like Ipe [is] much more timeless and will age beautifully . “
– Rosario Maninno, Principal architect, R.S. Mannino, as quoted in @MarthaStewart.com
1. Creating a Functional Outdoor Space
Designating a specific purpose to a deck might sound rather traditional, though there are plenty of options that can allow the concept to flourish in ways that are unique to a homeowner's interests. One Martha Stewart post highlights several examples that homeowners and their contractors can draw inspiration from, whether the goal is to designate a deck as a relaxing zone or one that caters to family time.
A wood pergola can act as a separate space and create shade
While homeowners may add the finishing touches after the contracting work is completed, contractors can suggest the implementation of functional design elements. For example, those wishing to create a space that is tailored to hosting friends and family may consider the creation of a dining area. Adding an element like a wood pergola using the same wood decking material defines and separates the dining area without interrupting the overall flow of the space.
A pergola acts as a transition from the doorway to the pool steps, adding shade and an area for dining or adding a few chairs out of the sun
RELATED: Visit the Wood Pergola and Overhead Design Element Project Photo Gallery
2. Integrating natural materials in multiple ways
FSC Machiche wood with chocolate-brown colors and exotic grain is a design element that elevates this otherwise simple backyard deck design
Incorporating natural materials into the deck’s design itself is an innovative way to integrate nature while creating a space that embraces the outdoors. For example, a wooden pergola will not only work to keep the sun off the deck but can present a striking visual element that brings more nature into the space. This can be particularly appealing to homeowners who wish to integrate naturally attractive areas for sitting, relaxing, or hosting.
A outdoor living space full of flowers and plants is a breath of fresh air in this backyard
Taking a page from popular interior design trends is just one idea that both contractors and homeowners can collaborate on when aiming to incorporate nature in more unique ways — one of the biggest trends that emerged during 2023 was the idea of neutral and natural colors, which work to successfully invoke nature in home design.
An urban oasis with Ipe wood decking, benches and even a privacy wall surrounded by planters full trees, grasses and flowers can make you forget you are above New York City Photo courtesy of @TOG-NYC.com
RELATED: Read 15 Dazzling Deck Ideas for Gardeners for More Greenery Ideas
Using real wood and greenery amongst decor, for example, is one popular concept for invoking nature via interior design and can be extended easily to exterior design as well. For a kitchen garden outside your door, consider raised bed planters. Or built in planters full of flowering greenery to bring nature right to you. This can be especially nice in an urban environment or one without much lawn space.
Natural wood decking in a diagonal pattern surrounded by lush tropical plants makes a rooftop corner made of glass and pavers more inviting, feels more like a room
Wood is Welcoming
Consider the integration of a matching wood coffee table and benches, or the addition of a wood arbor with climbing ivy or flowering vines. This can further work to immerse the area in natural materials.
Real wood decking is welcoming and feels softer and warmer underfoot than composites or stone which can come across hard or cold. Hardwood is a popular choice for outdoor rooms that are meant for relaxing or entertaining for this reason.
All these elements can be included in the deck design with the same or a complementary hardwood decking species. This will also extend the same longevity, low maintenance and good looks in your deck furniture and seating as you the deck.
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Hardwood benches and decking on a backyard deck overlooking the water in Florida
Download your Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking now, a complete reference of decking option features
Ipe multilevel deck with stairs to the water and built in dining area, benches and planters
Consider Adding Levels
Exposure to nature has been linked to a variety of benefits, from improving attention to lowering stress, bettering one’s mood, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
For those looking to integrate greenery into an outdoor decking feature, designers may choose to do so by extending the decking area with a step-down patio. The Spruce highlights an example of this, noting that even a relatively small outdoor space can separate into different areas with this design.
Unique ways to designate a conversational area, relaxing area, or dining area can include multiple levels, separating with built in design elements, or even using two different wood decking species for different colors or grain patterns. By using natural wood throughout, you can keep the inviting feel going in the whole space, and it gives a custom, designer look.
RELATED: See Uplifting Multilevel Deck Design next for more unique ways to extend deck space
Multiple level deck above the pool area extending from the doorway to under the shade and down to poolside
The Value Is In the Details
While designating a purpose for a decking area and integrating concepts that tailor the space to nature are fantastic ideas, the incorporation of small but significant details can further make for a space that’s customized to a homeowner’s vision. Think of these details like the tailoring on a suit.
For example, include a distinctive pattern in the decking with different colored wood for an eye-catching effect, such as a picture frame installation.
Picture framing deck is much like it sounds, adding a line of contrasting wood around the edges of your deck to frame it.
Local HOA or town regulations might require, or a homeowner might request, a privacy fence around the deck. This is a practical solution to block views of, and from, the street or other buildings. But it doesn’t have to be basic. Use a distinctive pattern or contrasting wood color to set it apart.
Ipe wood privacy fence panels and deck planters create a private area away from neighboring eyes
For avid hosts, custom-feel details could include an outdoor kitchen, built-in bar, or a fire table for an added touch of coziness for gatherings. For relaxation, don’t rule out a hot tub with wood deck steps and surround.
RELATED: See More in Building an Outdoor Kitchen: Is FSC Machiche Hardwood For You?
When aiming to elevate the design of outdoor decking features, there are a variety of unique and innovative options that contractors, designers, and homeowners may draw upon when bringing a homeowner’s vision to life. Whether the goal is to designate the space for a specific purpose, amp up the greenery, or focus on eye-catching details, there is no shortage of solutions when creating a deck that is anything but ordinary.
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