Decks
Your Guide to a More Beautiful Outdoor Area
If considering upgrading an existing deck or building trendy new multi-level decks, functional design features influenced by the latest designs and concepts from top deck design professionals can result in spectacular deck designs.
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Decks have come into their own in recent years; incorporating design elements inspired by nature and influenced by the local environment. Heightened awareness of the ecological and environmental impact of exterior construction have resulted in some truly inspired deck designs. Decks located in temperate zones have become de facto social gathering places. In the more cutting-edge and trendy designs, interior rooms of the house have spread to the exterior of the house. It is not unusual to see an entire non-load bearing wall of a kitchen removed and the cooking area shifted outside.
The deck material is one of the early choices required to make for the functionality and practicality of the deck. The distinction between deck and patio or porch is also being blurred and refined by the hot designers. Use of UV-resistant solar glass and ceramic or terracotta tile is making inroads into the traditional wooden deck themes of the past several decades.
Desk designs are also incorporating flora and fauna elements to create a pleasant escape from the inside of the house. Miniature fruit trees, colorful flower beds, practical herb gardens, exotic koi ponds, water gardens with constant circulation waterfalls and fountains are but a few of the concepts to consider.
The outside barbecue craze has spread east from the west. Some kitchen appliances and appliance engineers have adapted to this trend, making cooking-out on the deck the normal venue rather than the exception. Kitchen furniture designers are answering the need to create environmentally-adaptive solutions that compliment the form without impairing functionality. Kitchen sinks built to withstand exposure to the sun and elements make clean-up much easier and faster when co-located with outside ranges. The modern molded composites and stone options compliment the environment and can be selected to match tile or more rustic wooden deck designs.
Multi-level, multi-purpose decks are attractive options for entertainment and social gatherings. They are also pleasing to the eye, especially when a mixture of angles, overhangs, and integral stone foundation effects are considered design elements.
If an ambitious deck design is anticipated – especially those with water, gas and electric requirements – consult an experienced professional contractor. Remember some states and local jurisdictions require a licensed certified installer or inspector for potentially dangerous utility modifications. Exterior wiring and weather-proof appliances may be required in even glassed-in areas.
