All Decked Out

As homeowners continue to enhance their outdoor living space with outdoor amenities like kitchens, fireplaces, furnished living rooms and spas, the deck is becoming a major design factor, particularly when building a new home. Since most people spend most of their day at work, school or in their home, they want another place to go and unwind or have fun. That new place is their backyard and what better way to enjoy all the same great amenities you have indoors than to design an outdoor living space on a customized deck.

Here are some of the latest trends in decks that can help you create an exciting backyard retreat:

Larger Decks

The biggest trend in decks right now is the increase in square footage. Homeowners that were once satisfied with a 20 x 10 foot deck for a grill and some patio furniture now want a deck design that rivals their homes square footage. A big trend is towards a multilevel deck for different functions like an outdoor kitchen or sun deck and spa. Many designs use pergolas and walls to add privacy and lots of built-ins for extra seating, storage and planters.

Outdoor Living

With all the latest products available for outdoor lighting, appliances, fireplaces and pits, homeowners are extending their outdoor living well past the spring and summer. Where temperature is not such an issue, people are designing their decks as an addition to their home. Gone are the tiki torches, todays low-voltage lighting is much more sophisticated and can be wired into the steps and posts of your deck to extend the time you spend outdoors and create ambiance.

Outdoor Kitchens

A big trend it creating and outdoor kitchen that has all the amenities of its indoor counterparts like a grill or cooktop surface, cabinets, countertops, refrigerators and sinks. Outdoor furniture has taken on a whole new look with tables and chairs being constructed of weather-resistant material that mirror the look of classic indoor designs. Keep in mind that indoor furniture that is constructed from metal, glass and stone can be used outdoors and will develop a patina over time from being exposed to the elements.

With so many options available, homeowners are literally creating an outdoor home where the deck is the focal point for adding an kitchen, dining room, living room, spa and even an entertainment area. The only limitation with designing your new deck is your imagination and budget.