diy or don't

The first phase in planning your deck is to decide whether to DIY it or bring in a professional.

be honest with your skillset

Do you really have the skills it takes to do a great job? You want a deck built to last, so don't talk yourself in to diy-ing if you're new to construction.

Outsourcing to a pro might sound more expensive, but it can save you from costly mistakes that can drain your time and budget.

downside of DIY

Decks also have legal requirements — they must follow local building and safety standards and a professional can help you navigate these seamlessly.

You want to make sure you follow manufacturer installation guidelines carefully which will help you not only build a safe structure but also maintain your warranty.

p.s. If you're looking for a qualified contractor, TimberTech has a contractor locator here.

fabulously functional

Planning the perfect deck means designing it to fit your lifestyle. For a functional design, consider what activities you will do in the space.

Make a list of activities you & you family enjoy and think about how to best incorporate these into your design.

pro tip:

Plan ahead so it's built to last — plan for the future not just your immediate needs. Is a hot tub something you want down the road? Build your deck with space to make the addition later.

Along with activities, there are a few other things to consider to design a deck that functions well. You'll need to plan around the size of your lot, where you get sun & shade, and your view.

Make sure your deck is positioned to take advantage of the natural perks your yard has like sunset views, afternoon shade, or other unique elements.

When possible, make sure posts & beams are placed so that they don't block traffic or a great view. Think about traffic flow and how your deck design might affect your furniture groupings or how easily people can enter & exit the deck into the house or yard.

leave it to the pros

Making a list of these elements is a great place to start. A good contractor will be able to take these into consideration for design & construction.

choosing materials

The right decking & materials are key to creating a deck that will not only last, but still look great after spending time out in the elements.

Different materials probably perform better in your area, and there are plenty to consider when designing a deck that feels cohesive with the surrounding landscape.

When it comes to decking materials, you want something that is durable and low-maintenance. A high-quality material is worth the investment to keep your deck looking amazing for years to come.

options are essential

Don't limit your design by choosing decking with limited options.

A material that comes in only 5 colors is going to give your design serious limitations and means you might not be able to design a deck that perfectly fits your style.

I'm a huge fan of brands like TimberTech that offer limitless style options.

Their decking comes in over 35 colors and their vintage collection is available 3 widths which means you can completely customize your design and create a deck that both functions well and is absolutely your style.

visual variety

A sprawling deck in all one color doesn't have to be your go-to. Leverage variety in color & board width to create a deck that has visual interest.

You can use color to add interest by framing your deck with an accent color.

If you like a more monochrome look, opt for boards in different widths to make a statement.

For a more rustic or boho vibe, vary both color and board width like the photo above for a more free & organic vibe.

design + details

When it comes to the color scheme and deciding on details for your deck, samples are your best friend for creating an outdoor space that feels cohesive and polished.

Brands like Timber Tech offer free samples of decking and railing so that you can experiment with different combos and visualize all the different options in the space before you commit.

Color planning should start with the decking material you choose: a large deck is going to contribute a lot of one hue.

When you're selecting your decking color, you're choosing the canvas that serves as the background for all the other elements of your space.

pro tip:

When designing a space, flatlay some of the elements out on a table or tray. This gives you an at-a-glance view of how the colors & textures work together and can draw attention to what your design might be missing.

You can opt for a simple single color for an understated backdrop or choose a color combo that will make a stand alone statement.