Deck Construction & Design

Deck Construction

Materials, Design, and Methods for Success

The size of your deck and how you plan to use it will determine some of the other aspects of your deck design.

curved composite deck

Deck Lighting

Low voltage and energy efficient. Both Trex and Timbertech offer outdoor lighting options.

Materials

Lighting Fixtures

  • Metal (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass)
  • Plastic (Polycarbonate or Acrylic)
  • Glass or Tempered Glass

Mounting Hardware

  • Screws and Bolts
  • Brackets and Mounting Plates
  • Weatherproof Anchors

Electrical Wiring and Connectors

  • Low-Voltage Wiring (12V or 24V)
  • Waterproof Wire Connectors
  • Cable Staples or Clips

Power Source Components

  • Transformers
  • Solar Panels
  • Batteries (for Solar Lights)

Protective Covers and Seals

  • Weatherproof Gaskets
  • Silicone or Rubber Seals
  • Heat Shrink Tubin

Mounting Bases or Casings

  • Wood or Composite Bases
  • Metal or Plastic Housing

Lighting Control Systems

  • Timers
  • Dimmers or Smart Controls
  • Motion Sensors

Conduit and Cable Protection

    • PVC or Metal Conduit
    • Cable Raceway or Trunking

Features

Enhanced Safety

  • Illuminated Pathways
  • Stair and Step Lights

Extended Outdoor Living

  • Usable Nighttime Space
  • Weather-Resistant Fixtures

Ambient Lighting Options

  • Soft Glow for Atmosphere
  • Accent Lighting

Energy Efficiency

  • LED Bulbs
  • Solar-Powered Lights

Adjustable and Customizable Lighting

  • Dimmable Lights
  • Color-Changing LEDs
  • Directional Lighting

Integrated Smart Controls

  • Remote Control or App Integration
  • Timers and Automation
  • Motion Sensors

Decorative and Architectural Appeal

  • Post Cap Lights
  • Recessed and In-Floor Lights
  • Pendant and Sconce Lights

Minimal Maintenance

  • Durable Materials
  • LED and Solar Options

Enhanced Property Value and Curb Appeal

  • Sophisticated Look
  • Attractive Outdoor Feature

Sizes

TimberTech Deck Lighting Sizes

  • Accent and Riser Lights:
    • Sizes: Approximately 1.5″ – 2″ in diameter
  • Post Cap Lights:
    • Sizes: Fit 4” and 5.5” TimberTech posts.
  • Under-Rail Lighting:
    • Sizes: Strips are around 0.5″ – 1″ wide and can be cut to custom lengths for railings.
  • Recessed Deck Lights:
    • Sizes: Around 1″ in diameter

Trex Deck Lighting Sizes

  • Stair Riser Lights:
    • Sizes: Approximately 4″ – 5″ wide, 1″ tall.
  • Post Cap Lights:
    • Sizes: Designed for Trex post sizes, typically fitting both 4” and 6” posts.
  • Deck Rail Lights:
    • Sizes: About 0.5″ – 1″ wide strips or puck sizes for individual lights.
  • Recessed Deck Lights:
    • Sizes: Around 1″ in diameter.
outdoor kitchen

Gazebos & Pergolas

Enjoy the beauty of natural wood with a gazebo or pergola. They are the perfect addition to your deck construction project if you want shade.

Materials

Gazebo Frame Materials

  • Wood
  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Composite

Roofing Materials

  • Wood Shingles or Cedar Shakes
  • Metal (Steel, Aluminum, Copper)
  • Polycarbonate Panels
  • Glass

Flooring Materials

  • Wood , Composite or PVC Decking
  • Concrete or Stone Pavers
  • Tile or Porcelain Pavers
  • Gravel or Crushed Stone

Sidewall and Enclosure Materials

  • Mesh or Screen Panels
  • Glass or Polycarbonate Panels
  • Curtains or Outdoor Fabric Panels

Decorative and Structural Add-Ons

  • Wrought Iron or Steel Railings
  • Wood or Vinyl Lattice Panels

Features

Structure and Design

  • Variety of Styles
  • Customizable Sizes
  • Open vs. Enclosed

Roof Options

  • Pitched or Gabled Roofs
  • Curved or Dome Roofs
  • Fabric Canopy
  • Skylights or Ventilation

Flooring

  • Solid Flooring
  • Raised or Elevated Floors
  • Built-in Seating

Furniture and Layout

  • Dining and Seating Areas
  • Lounge Areas
  • Outdoor Kitchen or Bar Area

Lighting Options

  • Recessed Lighting
  • Hanging Lanterns or Pendant Lights
  • String Lights

Sidewalls and Screens

  • Retractable Screens
  • Solid Panels
  • Lattice or Trellis Panels

Heating and Cooling

  • Fireplace or Fire Pit
  • Portable Heaters
  • Misting Systems or Portable Air Conditioners

Landscaping and Surroundings

  • Planters and Garden Beds
  • Pathways and Decking
  • Outdoor Curtains

Storage Solutions

  • Built-in Cabinets or Shelving
  • Underfloor Storage

Water Features

  • Fountain or Pond
  • Misting System

Decorative Elements

  • Color and Finish Options

Sizes

Small Gazebos

  • Size Range: 6 to 10 feet in diameter (or 4 to 8 feet square).

Medium Gazebos

  • Size Range: 10 to 14 feet in diameter (or 8 to 10 feet square).

Large Gazebos

  • Size Range: 14 to 20 feet in diameter (or 10 to 12 feet square).
  • Best For: Larger backyards and open spaces.

Extra Large Gazebos

  • Size Range: 20 feet or more in diameter (or 12 feet square and larger).
hot tub on deck

MagnaTrack Automated Screen

MagnaTrack screens offer motorized, self-correcting, and durable solutions for outdoor spaces, providing protection from the sun, insects, wind.

Materials

  • Aluminum housing.
  • Kevlar-like fiber.
  • Neodymium magnets.
  • Extruded aluminum tracks:

Features

  • Self-correcting design
  • Durable materials
  • Wind resistance
  • Solar protection
  • Insect protection
  • Privacy and noise reduction.
  • Smart integration.
  • Customizable

Sizes

  • Customizable widths
  • Up to 25 feet wide.
  • Height adjustments.
  • Variable fabric sizes

Curved Decks

Curved deck construction is an excellent choice for adding style and look to your outdoor space.

Materials

  • Wood, Composite, PVC or Vinyl Decking
  • Customized Railing: Curved railings, made from aluminum, stainless steel, or glass.

Sizes

  • Adaptable Design: Curved decks can be small and intimate or expansive.
  • Perfect for Small Spaces: Even in limited spaces, a curved deck can create a cozy and functional outdoor area that feels larger than it is.

Features

  • Unique Design
  • Soft Lines
  • Customizable Shapes
trex deck lighting installation

Outdoor Kitchens

When planning your outdoor kitchen and deck construction, there’s a lot to consider, from adding barbecues to adding refrigerators and more.

Materials

Countertop Materials

  • Granite
  • Concrete
  • Quartzite
  • Stainless Steel

Cabinetry Materials

  • Stainless Steel
  • Marine-Grade Polymer (HDPE)
  • Teak or Cedar Wood
  • Aluminum

Flooring Materials

  • Porcelain Tile
  • Concrete Pavers
  • Natural Stone (Slate, Travertine, or Flagstone)
  • Composite Decking

Backsplash and Wall Materials

  • Natural Stone Veneer
  • Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
  • Brick
  • Stainless Steel or Aluminum Panels

Appliance Materials

  • Stainless Steel
  • Porcelain Coated Cast Iron or Steel

Shelter and Shade Materials

  • Pergolas or Pavilions (Wood or Aluminum
  • Retractable Awnings (Fabric or Vinyl)
  • Polycarbonate Panels

Sink and Plumbing Materials

  • Stainless Steel
  • Granite or Composite Sinks
  • Weatherproof Faucets

Seating and Furniture Materials

  • Powder-Coated Aluminum
  • Teak or Cedar Wood
  • Synthetic Wicker (Resin)
  • Concrete or Stone Benches
  • Composite or wood built in seating
  • Composite or wood sunken seating

Lighting Materials

  • Weatherproof LED Lights
  • Stainless Steel or Aluminum Fixtures
  • Solar-Powered Lights

Fire Pit and Heater Materials

  • Stainless Steel or Powder-Coated Metal
  • Natural Stone or Brick

Features

Cooking Appliances

  • Grill or BBQ Station
  • Pizza Oven
  • Smoker or Pellet Grill
  • Side Burner or Cooktop

Countertops and Prep Space

  • Durable Countertop Materials
  • Ample Prep Area
  • Integrated Cutting Board
  • Sink and Plumbing
  • Outdoor Sink
  • Drainage System
  • Soap Dispenser and Faucet Options

Refrigeration and Storage

  • Mini Fridge or Beverage Cooler
  • Ice Maker
  • Cabinet and Drawer Storage
  • Trash and Recycling Bins

Shelter and Shade

  • Pergola or Roof Cover
  • Retractable Awnings or Canopies
  • Vent Hood or Chimney

Lighting

  • Task Lighting
  • Ambient and Accent Lighting
  • Pathway and Step Lighting

Seating and Dining Area

  • Bar Seating or Island
  • Dining Table and Chairs
  • Built-In Benches or Lounge Seating

Temperature Control

  • Outdoor Heater or Fire Pit
  • Misting System or Fans

Additional Features and Accessories

  • Built-In Wine Cooler or Kegerator
  • Warming Drawer
  • Dishwasher or Drawer Dishwasher
  • Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Speakers
  • Built-In Storage for Firewood or Charcoal

High-Quality, Weather-Resistant Materials

  • Stainless Steel Cabinets and Drawers
  • Weatherproof Flooring
  • Marine-Grade Polymer Cabinets

Sizes

Small Outdoor Kitchens (5-10 feet)

  • Size Range: 5 to 10 linear feet of countertop space.
  • Best For: Compact spaces, patios, balconies, or smaller backyards.
  • Layout Ideas: Straight or “L”-shaped layout to maximize counter space.

Medium Outdoor Kitchens (10-15 feet)

  • Size Range: 10 to 15 linear feet of countertop space.
  • Best For: Moderate-sized yards, larger patios, and small groups of people.
  • Layout Ideas: “L”-shape or “U”-shape to create dedicated zones for cooking, prepping, and serving.

Large Outdoor Kitchens (15+ feet)

  • Size Range: 15 feet or more, with multiple sections or zones.
  • Best For: Large backyards, dedicated outdoor entertaining spaces, and hosting larger gatherings.
  • Layout Ideas: “U”-shape, “G”-shape, or island layout, allowing multiple zones for cooking, dining, and entertaining.

Additional Considerations

  • Clearance: Leave at least 36 inches of clearance around the kitchen for easy movement and safety.
  • Dining Space: For setups including a dining area, allow at least 6-8 feet for a comfortable seating arrangement.
  • Modular Expansion: Outdoor kitchens can be designed to allow for future expansion, adding features like more appliances or a larger seating area.
wooden pergola

Hot Tub Deck

Composite decking looks like real wood but lasts longer, making it a top choice for hot tub decks.

Materials

Wood Decking

  • Pressure-Treated Lumber
  • Cedar
  • Redwood
  • Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)

Composite Decking

  • Composite Materials
  • PVC Decking

Vinyl Decking

  • Vinyl Materials

Concrete Decking

  • Poured Concrete
  • Concrete Pavers

Stone and Tile

  • Natural Stone (e.g., Slate, Flagstone)
  • Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Considerations

  • Weight Capacity
  • Safety
  • Maintenance

Features

Safety Features

  • Slip-Resistant Surface
  • Railings
  • Lighting

Access

  • Stairs or Ramps
  • Storage Solutions
  • Seating Areas

Privacy Enhancements

  • Screens or Lattice
  • Landscaping
  • Curtains or Drapes
  • Pergolas
  • Gazebos

Sizes

Small Decks

  • Size Range: 8×8 feet to 10×10 feet.

Medium Decks

  • Size Range: 10×12 feet to 12×16 feet.

Large Decks

  • Size Range: 12×16 feet to 16×20 feet.

Extra Large Decks

  • Size Range: 20×20 feet and larger.
automated patio screen
Wood Pergola with privacy

DECK CONSTRUCTION DESIGN CHOICES

Deck Lighting

Deck Railings

Deck Stairs

More Design Features

FOR DECK CONSTRUCTION

Curved Deck

Outdoor Fireplace

Built in bench seating

curved composite deck

TALK TO A DECK EXPERT TODAY

Expert Deck Construction for Beautiful, Durable Outdoor Living Spaces.
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604-329-6561

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