Maryland Deck Design

by | Jul 5, 2016 | Uncategorized

Dreaming of a new deck this season? We have some tools and information that can help get you started.

Where to Begin

Fire Pit DeckA deck is an investment in your home – both in the cost to build and the value it can add – so you want to do it right the first time. When considering what type of deck to add to your home, a great place to begin is the web. Type ‘deck design’ into your search bar, then click images and you will see hundreds of photos. If that is too overwhelming, narrow your search based on the type of deck you need, such as ‘square deck design’ or ‘octagonal deck design’. When you see photos that pique your interest, right click on the image and save it to a folder on your computer for future reference. If you are a fan of the social media site Pinterest, searching ‘deck design’ or your specific search will also turn up a wide range of beautiful deck designs. Check out our Pinterest page to see deck ideas from TimmberTech and Trex, and for some other cool deck ideas.

Researching Deck Products

Once you have an idea of the style of deck you want, the next step is to find the material that is right for you. If you are on a tight budget, a standard pressure-treated wood deck may be the best fit. Wood decking is the most affordable option, however you should be aware that it does require regular maintenance such as staining and sealing. If well-maintained, a wood deck can last 15-20 years. If maintenance is not done, however, its lifespan can be significantly shorter, depending on the weather conditions in your area. Composite decks, which do not require sealing or staining, can last a lifetime. Many composite decks even offer 25+ year warranties against staining or fading. Most composite deck manufacturers offer similar styles, colors and warranties. When determining what product to choose, it is best to research reviews on the products to see if there are any red flags.

Designing Your Deck

Now that you know what style and type of deck you want, the fun begins – deck design. You can do it the old fashioned way with pencil and paper, or you can utilize online tools that will render a 3-D drawing complete with the deck and rail colors you choose. Try the Deck Designer desktop or mobile app from Trex available at: http://www.trex.com/build-your-deck/envision-your-deck/   This tool is easy to use, and allows you to not only visualize different color and layout options, but you can download your design when done so that you can review it with your deck builder.

If designing your own deck is not in your wheelhouse, work with a deck professional who is well-versed in building decks in your area. Each county has different permitting requirements, so choosing a licensed professional is your best option for a deck done right and up to code.

Want to Learn More?

Tri County Fence & Decks is a professional deck builder in Maryland serving Montgomery County, Howard County, Frederick County and portions of Carroll County and Washington County. Contact us today at 301-916-2205 to learn more about deck design and build options. Whether it is a wood deck or a composite deck, you can trust that Tri County Fence & Decks will build it right.

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