Composite decking has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners over the past decade. Made from recycled wood fibers and plastic materials, composite deck boards are praised for their durability, low maintenance requirements, and natural wood-like appearance. As more styles and color options become available, composite decks are now seen as both beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces.
However, building the perfect composite deck takes careful planning and consideration. Proper deck construction is key not only for aesthetics but also for safety and longevity. This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to designing and building your dream composite deck from start to finish.
Understanding Your Needs and Lifestyle
The first step to designing your perfect composite deck is identifying how you want to use the space and the features that are most important to your lifestyle. Before drawing up plans, take time to think about the following:
Use Considerations – How do you plan to primarily use your deck? Entertaining large groups frequently? Relaxing with family? Outdoor dining? Understanding the main activities and functions planned for the deck will inform size, shape, and amenity decisions.
Lifestyle Factors – Do you plan to use the deck year-round or mainly in summer? Consider how weather conditions may impact the deck’s utility. If hosting many guests, ensure adequate seating and dining areas.
Budget Planning – Composite decking has a wide range of price points. Determine your overall budget to help narrow down material choices. Factor in that added amenities like lighting, kitchens, and fire pits will increase costs.
Maintenance Tolerance – While low-maintenance, composite decking still require some upkeep. Decide how much time you reasonably have to devote to tasks like cleaning, repairs, and snow removal in winter climates. This also impacts additions like planters that require watering.
Carefully evaluating your family’s needs, habits, timing, costs, and maintenance preferences at the start of the design process results in a better tailored and usable deck. Compromising on key lifestyle factors usually leads to unnecessary frustrations down the road.
Researching and Choosing Composite Decking Materials
Once you decide on a composite deck, an essential early step is researching the main composite decking brands and materials available. While composites share certain base traits, there are some key differences across manufacturers to consider:
Materials – Main base materials usually involve recycled wood fiber, plastics or polyethylenes, polymers, and binders to fuse into deck boards. Research the composition and manufacturing process for quality and sustainability.
Durability – Longevity ranges across composite brands and product lines. Compare warranties and intended usage levels. Durability also depends on supporting structure, installation, and climate conditions.
Color Variety – Composite manufacturers offer diverse color families and patterns for maximum customization of your aesthetic. Identifying general color preferences first is helpful for narrowing choices.
Eco-Friendliness – Many composites utilize substantial recycled or reclaimed materials in production. Check certifications and manufacturing sustainability practices as environmental impact may differ.
Once you compare factors above across promising brands, select 3-4 deck board types for final side-by-side analysis. Consult manufacturer guides carefully on specifications before committing. This due diligence ensures you get quality, well-suited composite materials for your perfect deck.
Determining Deck Size and Layout
When daydreaming your ideal composite deck, it’s tempting to imagine expansive spaces and amenities. But real-world yard layouts and zoning regulations may limit potential deck dimensions and footprints. Carefully assessing your practical space parameters first is key:
Available Area – Survey your backyard space allotted for deck building. Account for setback regulations from property lines or other buildings onsite. Consider sun exposure patterns when positioning.
Use Functionality – Intended usage patterns inform layout and flow. For dining focus, integrate table space with easy kitchen access. Lounging-based designs warrant room for chairs, chaises, and ideal views.
Traffic Flow – Minimize choke points for smoother guest circulation, especially for entertainment hosting. Stairs location impacts movement and safety. Entryways invite natural congregating.
Shape Inspiration – Classic rectilinear frames maximize square footage but curved and multi-level decks add aesthetic interest. Discover the array of composite deck shapes to spark layout ideas tailored to your property.
Starting with a clear understanding of buildable area for the deck prevents overscoping and having to downsize plans later. Reflect frequently on planned functionalities as you sketch layout options.
Creating a Design Concept
With preliminary planning and research completed, now is the exciting part – envisioning your deck’s actual look and features. As you consider overall design and personality, sketch out concepts addressing:
Shape and Levels – Refine deck shape and dimensions based on space available. Note multi-level areas for added visual interest and functional zones. Remember to accommodate stairs.
Railing Styles – Railing types range from sleek cable to traditional baluster. The style should complement your home but more importantly meet safety standards for height and spacing based on deck height.
Special Features – What special amenities allow the deck to fulfill your vision? Common additions include planters, benches, under deck waterproof storage, lighting, kitchens, and built-in seating around a fire feature.
Furnishings – Don’t overlook movable furnishing needs for relaxing, dining and playing that allow everyone to enjoy the new space.
Starting to storyboard overall decorative vision and must-have functional elements will help convey your concept to the design team. They can then produce formal schematics integrating all structural and building code factors.
Selecting Colors and Finishes
The array of rich color and pattern options is one of the top advantages drawing homeowners to composite decking. When finalizing aesthetic choices, consider how color impacts overall spatial and decorative perceptions.
Design Cohesion – Pull 1-2 complementary accent colors from your home’s exterior into the deck’s rails, benches or planter boxes to visually integrate old and new spaces.
Perceived Size – Darker colors may make smaller decks feel more intimate, while soft neutrals give the illusion of expanded square footage. Ensure tones align with desired atmosphere.
Style Statement – Coordinate hues and patterns to your aspirations – whether a coastal white-washed look, modern slate gray, or an organic natural woodgrain. This defines overall personality.
Finishes & Textures – Many composite lines now integrate subtle textural patterns. Pair surfaces like embossed woodgrain or grooved for traction with sleek aluminum accent finishes on railings.
Don’t rush color selection or become overwhelmed by the options. View in different lighting. Large sample boards portray true tone and scale. Once installed, the colors will set the backdrop for outdoor memories for years to come!
Integrating Smart Technology
Today’s composite deck boards serve as true outdoor living rooms, complete with technology for added comfort, convenience and security. If enhanced functionality appeals to you, consider incorporating smart elements like:
Automation – Programmable landscape lighting casts the perfect party ambiance or creates relaxing evening spaces. Automated watering keeps deck plants thriving with little effort.
Audio Immersion – Stream your favorite playlists or television shows through unobtrusive outdoor rated speaker systems. Select all-weather components for longevity.
Metering – Electricity-generating tiles harness footsteps to power accent lighting. Water and solar panels quantify sustainability efforts.
Safety & Security – Motion sensor lighting deters intruders and illuminates stair hazards. Integrated video cameras monitor activity and can prompt homeowners of deliveries or guests.
Before adopting the latest tech fixtures, reflect on everyday aims for the space. An outdoor kitchen warrants different amenities than a family play zone. Know your priorities first before investing to boost lasting functionality.
Budgeting and Cost Considerations
Constructing a custom composite deck is an exciting investment that increases quality outdoor living space. While budgeting, account for three primary cost components:
Composite Materials – The main decking boards based on chosen brand, along with complementing railings, benches, planter edges, and trim. Cost scales with quality level and size.
Labor Fees – Whether hiring a deck builder or landscape architect and construction crew, specialized labor is needed for best results. Factor regional rates.
Secondary Additions – Supplemental installations like lighting, kitchen, pergola, and fireplace amenities influence budget totals quickly. Prioritize must-haves first when establishing budget caps.
Don’t underestimate expenses for secondary finishes, permitting and fees. Prepare for the possibility of unanticipated issues driving up costs through each phase from demolition and site prep to enhanced landscaping post-build. Savvy planning gets your ultimate dream deck completed on budget.
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY
Installing a custom composite deck requires extensive construction aptitude. Before committing to a DIY project, weigh your skills against variables like:
Project Scale & Complexity – Composing a complete deck system demands proficiency at structural support, layout calculations, manipulating various building materials, and finishing. If lacking experience, consider consultation.
Special Equipment Needs – Proper safety equipment for demolition through finishing may exceed typical homeowner inventory – are you ready to invest in purchasing, transporting, maintaining tools?
Time Investment – Deck installations demand intensive labor which protracts over weeks or months. Determining realistic windows for stages from permits to inspection is key before adopting a DIY timeline.
Alternatively, seasoned deck building contractors assure correct code specifications, source premium materials at discounted pricing, provide certified water sealing and restoration services, and typically offer long-term structural warranties. Investing in their expertise often offsets costly repairs and ensures enjoyment for years ahead.
Read More: 6 Ways a Professional Deck Builder Can Transform Your Outdoor Space
Obtaining Necessary Permits and Approvals
Before demolition or building, confirm your composite deck plan complies with zoning limitations and requisite permits are secured. Requirements vary by county and municipality but often include:
Property Survey – An updated land survey illustrating setbacks prevents trespassing on easements during build. This verifies permissible parameters for deck footprint.
Municipal Zoning Approval – Special rulings may exist restricting deck size based on overall home square footage or lot coverage as a percent. Early confirmation prevents redesign.
Building & Safety Permits – Core structural plans must pass regional codes for aspects like railing height, stair riser dimensions, post diameters, and span allowances between supports.
HOA Approval – If located in a homeowner’s association community, you’ll likely need ARC permission prior to construction commencement.
Securing necessary permits and aligning to coding results in a quality, compliant finished deck product. It also prevents notices to repair or dismantle aspects after the build if found non-conforming to standards.
Building and Construction
With eyes set on the final design, the physical deck installation process remains. Those less experienced with advanced builds should retain a professional contractor at this phase. But determined DIYers can reference a general sequence:
- Demolition – Clear space by removing old structures, overgrowth and debris.
- Foundation & Framing – Dig holes for concrete piers and posts to meet frost line depth. Level and frame substructure to support eventual weight.
- Board Installation – With robust joists and beams erected, fasten composite decking pieces per manufacturer instructions. Allow slight spacing for expansion.
- Railing and Stairs – Adhere posts, balusters, cables and horizontal rails with hidden fasteners to prevent snagging. Stairs require meticulous measuring.
- Finishing Touches – Attach any final trims or molding. Seal seams. Install lighting, ceiling fans and technology if desired.
During each building stage, confirm compliance to building codes, manufacturer guidelines and zoning permissions. Thoroughly inspect for stability and levelness before heavy furnishing. Patience and care yields safe, sustainable enjoyment for years ahead!
Adding Finishing Touches
As construction completes, it’s time to accessorize and style your outdoor oasis! Design magazines offer abundant deck decorating inspiration spanning:
Furnishings – Select comfortable, weather-resistant seating, dining sets, and chaise lounges tailored to your routines. Durable fabrics like woven wicker, teak wood, and aluminum withstand elements.
Lighting – Ambient overhead lights, festive string bulbs, corner lamps, and creative pathways illuminate new evening personas. Consider remote controls.
Planters & Greenery – Potted herbs, flowering plants, and trailing ivy inject organic vibrancy and scent. Integrate self-watering containers for low maintenance.
Personalization – Infuse your unique personality through art, varying texture and patterns via rugs, throw pillows and umbrellas. Change motifs by season for refreshed perspectives.
Keep existing deck flooring clear of furnishings to prevent surface damage over time. Check ratings for outdoor safety. While embellishing, recall intended functional zones from original plans. With final accessorizing flairs, your personalized composite escape beckons!
Maintenance Tips and Longevity
One of the chief motivators for selecting composite deck materials is the promise of low maintenance. However, proper care and upkeep is still required for durability over decades. To keep your deck looking its best, build care routines around:
Routine Cleaning – Yearly deep cleaning with composite cleaners prevents buildup of pollen, debris and weathering stains from accumulating across the textured surface.
Snow and Ice Removal – Avoid excessive rock salt and aggressively scraping ice which may damage protective caps. Invest in a dedicated composite-safe snow broom.
Furniture Precautions – Lifts don’t drag moveable items across the deck to prevent scuffing. Install furniture pads under legs for elevation and distribute weight.
Spot Treating – For smudges or stubborn marks between deep cleanings, use mild soap and water with a soft cloth, gently rubbing in the direction of grain.
Installing and caring for your picturesque composite deck properly results in an enduring backyard asset to delight for generations. Catching minor issues promptly also circumvents costly repairs or part replacements down the road.
Conclusion
Creating your dream composite deck requires thoughtful planning, savvy design decisions, diligent construction, and proper care. But the rewards manifest each time you relax surrounded by nature, host friends and family in expanded space, and increase home functionality and memories.
Through this post, we covered major steps spanning initial assessments of lifestyle needs, mapping layouts, choosing colors, weighing smart features, budgeting for elements beyond deck boards, understanding regional restrictions, navigating safe installation, accessorizing, and maintaining aesthetic durability.
While the process entails an array of considerations, be confident that smart choices result in a tailor-made entertaining outlet for years ahead. Dream big and flaunt your new favorite space! Please share images of your completed composite oasis with details on your favorite features and lessons learned. Happy designing and constructing!
FAQs
Q. What is the best quality composite decking brand?
A. Top brands known for quality and durability include Trex, TimberTech, CertainTeed and Fiberon. Compare warranties when making final product selections.
Q. How long do composite decks last?
A. With proper installation and care, a composite deck can last 25-30 years depending on climate and use factors. Quality decking boards are formulated to resist rotting, splintering and insect damage better than natural wood.
Q. Should I stain or seal my composite deck?
A. Unlike wood decks, composites should never be stained or sealed. Their color and treatments are integrated throughout deck boards during manufacturing. Sealants can cause damage over time.
Q. Is a permit needed to build a deck?
A. In most regions, building permits and approval are required for deck construction based on parameters like size and height. Permits ensure your new deck meets zoning codes and safety regulations during inspection.
Q. What is the best time of year to build a deck?
A. Ideally build a deck during late spring through summer when weather is mildest in your region. This prevents delays from inclement conditions. Scheduling before extreme heat is also best for worker productivity