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Sizzling Summer Decks

Planning on installing a new deck or sprucing-up an existing one this season? If so, you're not alone. Decks are still among the most popular home improvements. So, what's hot in decks this summer? Here are some of the top deck trends right now:

Railings – Once merely a functional safety element, railings are now doing double duty as design statements. Railings are often the first thing one notices about a deck, so manufacturers are offering more aesthetically pleasing, architecturally interesting options. Hot railing trends include decorative balusters of aluminum, iron or even cable, glass panels and railing systems that combine materials for durability, as well as visual effect.

Multiple Levels – Designers are using multiple levels to create virtual rooms for outdoor use.   A main deck might function as living and dining space, while a smaller, lower level addition serves as a kitchen area, and another level might host a hot tub. Multi-level decks facilitate multiple uses and add visual interest to the overall deck structure.

Indoor Luxuries, Outdoors – Homeowners want to bring the same luxuries they enjoy indoors outside onto their decks. In response, builders are adding touches like built-in fire pits and fireplaces, full kitchens with professional grade gas grills, spas, built-in benches and cabinets, shade structures and lighting to deck designs.

New Shapes – Piano-shaped, arrowhead and even oval shapes are appearing in back yards across the country. Modern materials, improved building methods and the creativity of designers and homeowners have permanently changed the shape and size of the great American deck. For added pizzazz, you can incorporate a pattern, such as herringbone or checkerboard, into the deck surface.

Composite Materials – While some homeowners prefer wood, composite materials continue to gain popularity. Not only are they durable and often eco-friendly (as many of them are made from recycled materials), composites can now mimic the much-loved look of wood.

About the Author

Mike Blank, CGR CAPS is the owner of MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC based in Lancaster County, PA. With over 30 years of Carpentry experience, Mike is past Chairman of the Lancaster BIA Remodelers' Council and a multiple BIA Design Winner. You can follow his blog here.

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This entry was posted on Friday, April 2nd, 2010 at 10:27 am and is filed under decks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.