Your deck should be an expansion of your living space- not just an empty porch that is rarely used. Before you decide to update your new deck it’s important to consider the uses it will serve – will you use it for outdoor dining? A cocktail party on a breezy summer evening? Or just your own private refuge for rest and relaxation? You also want to maximize your backyard view from the deck especially if you’re lucky enough to have a direct line of sight to the local mountains or Smith Mountain Lake.
The railing options are endless. You can get great vinyl rails that will be low maintenance and give you a clean look. You can do custom decorative wrought iron balusters, composite balusters… and the railings can be standard curved, flat cocktail rail or even an iron custom rail. Take a risk and make a statement or keep it standard and still look great.
We all love the natural look of a wood deck but who wants to pressure wash, paint, stain, or seal it every spring? Upkeep can be exhausting. If this is you- consider composite products like TREX. These high-performance products withstand years and years of sun and weather while maintaining their color (and did we mention the color choices are extensive). And if you’re eco-minded, you’ll love the TREX commitment to never cutting a single tree for use in their product.
To give your space a completely finished look go ahead and finish the underside of the deck. Not only does this give you even more ‘dry’ space for outdoor living but it also looks fabulous. You’ll have another cozy spot to add some rocking chairs and watch the sunset.
If you’ve got that cherished spot on Smith Mountain Lake and don’t want to miss an inch of that view- add glass rails! They look modern and sophisticated while also opening up that view from top to bottom.
When updating a deck with new railings – why not light up the night? This is a simple way to light walkways for safety at night- especially if you have a walkway leading to a garage or dock. But aside from the safety- they look amazing!
If you’re not sure where to start- call a Class A General Contractor that can build your deck according to local building codes but also give it that wow-factor you’re looking for!
