Now is time to plan deck-building projects
A rising trend in home improvement focuses on bringing the inside to the great outdoors.
Deck-building is one way of expanding entertainment and relaxation options at the home.
“People are calling it the fifth room of the house,” said Alex Magill, store manager of Dambach Lumber & Supply in Harmony. “They take their indoor living to outdoor living — a great space outside to enjoy family, dinner, drinks, that sort of stuff. It adds value to a home.”
Certain deck trends have emerged as industry experts' top picks for the upcoming remodeling and renovation season.
Recent trends, Magill said, have indicated that people are moving away from “traditional wood decks” and in the direction of “contemporary, modern and simple” styles.
Homeowners might be inspired by commercial eateries, breweries and urban markets in their exterior design choices, making a mix of materials more popular.
“People are laying toward composites, PVC ... cable rail, aluminum railing,” he said. “With technology advancing, all sorts of options are becoming available for people to get what they want out of a deck.”
Decks featuring composite materials and aluminum railings blend sophistication, urban appeal and comfort.
In addition to customizing materials, choosing different features — from pools and firepits to flowerpots and more — has risen in popularity over typical decks.
“There are a lot of people doing built-in kitchens on the outside or two tiers,” Magill said of some customization options. “People want to do that — or something over top of existing outdoor space. If you have a second-floor deck, people who have a patio basement with walkout doors like that sort of thing.”
Homeowners also can customize their decks with smaller personal touches. It's not unheard of to wrap columns in stone or glass tiles for more impact — and a vast array of decking colors now enables fun interpretations for outdoor areas.
Typically, Dambach acts as a supplier for people to build their decks, but Magill said it also offers advice for people who have chosen to do it themselves, rather than hire a contractor.
Magill said he sees “a fair amount of walk-ins.”
“Usually, we help them out a little bit, give them more direction,” he said. “We also see a lot of contractors and builders send people to us to make their selections. It's hard for everyone to know what's available, so we're definitely here to lend a helping hand.”
Magill added that most people who desire many customizations hire professional help.
“A lot of these manufacturers' websites have customization tools online, or they usually have a lot of pictures and ideas,” Magill said. “Typically, a lot of customization is done with a contractor.”
Decks are reimagined in many different ways with continually evolving trends — but one thing that remains consistent is the spring being a great time to start a new project.
Magill said it's a good idea to contact contractors now before their schedules get booked, if you are choosing not to do the project by yourself.
“And obviously the weather,” Magill joked. “You can't build a deck in winter.”
