Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Bringing features of indoor living out onto the patio is a hot design trend. And homeowners in our neck of the woods wonder whether or not a Northern Virginia deck can include an outdoor fireplace. Does a four-season climate make this deck design impossible or unwise? Find out how to create an outdoor living space that echoes the warmth and charm of your interior with the right support and features.

Specs of an Outdoor Fireplace

Fireplaces built for use outdoors differ in design from those used inside your home. While the models may look similar when finished, outdoor fireplaces must be built with durable materials and include features that withstand the rigors of the local Northern Virginia climate.

Good quality outdoor fireplaces come with an insulated firebox, designed to keep the interior of the unit hot and facilitate a clean burn. Gas logs sets are generally made from fiberglass, and outdoor fireplace sets tend to be more durable and larger, for easier set up inside the unit. Your gas burner should also be designed for use in all types of weather.

Of course, wood-burning fireplaces are also ideal for outdoor use. Simply build or purchase a woodburning firepit and create a stone mantle around it. This area will become a magnet for gatherings, although it will be difficult to incorporate into a wood deck. Think about installing a stone patio if this style suits your tastes.

Specs of a Northern Virginia Deck with Fireplace

You need to be sure your deck is designed to support an outdoor gas fireplace, both for safety and aesthetics. Add extra blocking under the fireplace unit to reduce the risk of sagging and think about incorporating stone decking in the immediate area to protect against damage from high heat. Good quality stone floor tiles can also be installed onto a plywood subfloor. Use attractive trim for transitions between the deck boards and tile.

Will you use the fireplace as a railing as well, or have it installed against the house? Some units float in the middle or work as a dual-sided fireplace, while others can be incorporated into the deck railing or mounted in the corner to finish off the outdoor room.

Keep the stairs away from the fireplace and ensure there is adequate room for furniture around the unit. Generally a 100 square foot space is required (10 foot x 10 foot), although a smaller space may work with a smaller fireplace.

Where is your gas valve located? Hide any conduit running from that shut off to the unit and place the outdoor fireplace close by to enhance efficiency. If your fireplace will run from a propane tank, consider building a storage unit to hide the tank. Many homeowners incorporate the tank storage into an end table or other patio furniture.

A Northern Virginia deck that includes an outdoor fireplace provides the ideal place for a cozy get together. Be sure that your deck builder has designed the structure to support a fireplace and incorporate all of the necessary safety features. Then look forward to long summer nights outdoors, enjoying the warmth and comfort of your new outdoor living space.

Building a deck or patio is like adding an outdoor room to your home, and that living space should have the same conveniences and features as your interior rooms. Adding modern deck features to set your Virginia deck apart helps to capture your unique style and makes this space feel more like home.

Check out these top five features that hit the mark for contemporary styling and modern conveniences:

# 1 – Tempered Glass Railing

Modern ground level decks are often designed without a railing, preserving a feeling of openness. But decks more than 24 inches off the ground require a railing for safety purposes. Tempered glass railings provide the ideal solution, maintaining the view while keeping your family and guests safe.

Pair tempered glass panels with wood railings for a rugged look, or opt for aluminum posts, top and bottom rail. This material is maintenance-free and available in a wide range of colors. Some glass railing manufacturers also offer a frameless system, which optimizes your view. Consider tinted or etched glass for a dramatic appearance.

# 2 – Built In Bar or Kitchen

A fabulous addition for those who love to entertain on the deck, outdoor bars and kitchens can be designed to suit your lifestyle. Think about an upscale grill and prep station if backyard barbecues are a common event on your summer schedule. Or opt for an inlaid rock bar with built in sink and bar fridge for cocktails under the stars. The options for this Virginia deck feature are almost endless.

Be sure to plan out the ideal location for your built in bar or kitchen, paying close attention to traffic patterns and access to the main kitchen. Also consider building codes and heat protection for deck board and any vinyl siding nearby.

# 3 – Sleek Shade Structure

Adding shade to the deck extends your enjoyment of the space and provides a comfortable place to rest from the sun’s heat. Modern decks boast sleek shade structures in striking shapes, such as a triangular sun sail for that casual look or a high, heavy-beamed pergola for more traditional appeal.

Incorporate the framing, posts and structure into the deck, carrying on similar themes and shapes throughout the railing and trim.

# 4 – Deck Board Border

Choose your favorite color of composite deck board for the deck surface. Popular tones include browns, grays, tans and reddish hues, available in a range of shades from the biggest brands in the decking industry. But don’t limit your design options there—dress up the space with a contrasting border color. Use stain to achieve the same look in wood.

This deck design works especially well with larger layouts and multilevel decks, where each area is created to standalone as a room in your home would. Using a contrasting color deck board gives that room visual definition, without detracting from the overall design or creating any physical obstructions.

# 5 – Inlaid Patterns

Inlaid patterns provide another option for deck board details. Put a little dramatic splash into any area of your deck by installing the floorboards in a unique manner. Either with different colors or by shifting the direction of the decking, you can easily add spice and character to this space.

Your contractor may need to include extra framing for this option, or charge you more for the labor-intensive installation. But the final effect is well worth the investment, making this outdoor living space truly one of a kind.

Set your Virginia deck apart with any of these five modern deck features. From glass railing to built in bars, shade structures and deck board patterns, these details dress up your deck and help to display your tastes and character.

Sound systems create a relaxing atmosphere in any area of your home, and there’s no better place to kick back and listen to tunes than in the backyard. Adding a quality, durable sound system to your Northern Virginia deck requires a few essential components and an eye (or is it ear?) for detail. Find out how you can enjoy music while lounging in your outdoor living space this season.

Material List for Outdoor Sound Systems

This type of entertainment center requires a few easy to find components, including:

• Outdoor Speakers – invest in quality speakers specifically designed for outdoor use. They often come with rubber grommets protecting the wire entrance point and sealed compartments at connection points. Casing is waterproof and superior brands provide added corrosion protection with gold-plated binding posts.
• Wire – unless you opt for wireless speakers, outdoor sound systems require speaker wire running from the receiver to each speaker. Direct burial or DB wire is recommended for use with outdoor systems, and standard speaker wire cannot withstand the exposure to sun and moisture.
• Conduit – may be required for systems running on 120-volt wire, although other system designs do not require conduit.

Placement and Overall Deck Design Considerations

Outdoor speakers come in a few different styles or designs. The most popular are wall-mount, post-mount and planter styles. Other outdoor speakers come disguised in an outdoor accessory, such as a resin rock, garden sculpture or tree stump.

Speaker design and placement play major roles in reliability and sound quality. Well made speakers produce excellent sound in any weather, season after season. Proper placement ensures your family and guests will enjoy the tunes from any corner of your Northern Virginia deck.

Wall-mount speakers point slightly down, toward the deck surface, and project sound to the entire yard. This type of placement may disturb your neighbor, since the echo tends to be louder just outside the perimeter of your property. Wall-mount outdoor sound systems are the most economical and simple to install, since they require less wire than alternative placements.

Post-mount speakers contain the sound within the deck area. Installed around the perimeter of your deck, these speakers point back toward the house. Post-mount applications require more wire and installation time, driving costs higher and demanding the skills of a professional.

Accessory styles can be placed at various locations to provide spot sound, most often near patio furniture or lounging areas. They tend to be low to the ground, and project less sound than the other two styles. Speakers disguised as outdoor accessories are often wireless, but require batteries to operate.

Contractor Considerations

Talk to your Virginia deck builder about incorporating an outdoor sound system into your deck design. They can run speaker wire through conduit mounted to the joists and leave space grommets and other connection components in the ledger board. An experienced deck builder can help to pinpoint deck designs that may facilitate better sound and furniture placement, optimizing your outdoor experience and making the most of your outdoor sound system investment.

Add a sound system to your Northern Virginia deck for parties, socializing and everyday relaxation. With these tips and the help of your deck builder, creating an entertainment center in the backyard is easier than ever.

Not all backyards are alike. In fact most present a few unique challenges when designing the ideal outdoor living space. Check out these top four Northern Virginia deck designs to see if any of them can be adapted to suit your unique property. From extreme grades to swampy soil and waterfront lots, these deck plans make the most of the situation.

Deck Designs for Extreme Grades (Down)

With the help of a professional contractor decks can be built on nearly any property, even if your house is built into a steep hill, or the grade drops off naturally towards the rear of your property. In many cases a well-built deck allows for better use of the yard, creating a flat space for patio furniture, BBQs and other backyard living features.

Footings are the most important aspect of decks built on extreme grades. These concrete piers need to firmly support the deck frame. Be sure your contractor digs a deep hole that’s wide enough to allow for a stable footing. Think about the effects of erosion and consult your municipal building department to ensure that your footings meet local building codes for safety and stability.

Railings are another essential element, protecting those on the deck from falls and injuries. All railing posts should be spaced fairly close together (around 4 feet apart is a good measure) and made from materials that have been tested for strength and durability.

Deck Designs for Extreme Grades (Up)

When your home sits at the base of a steep hill the design challenges are vastly different from other situations. You don’t need to worry as much about footings, but may have to design your deck to suit the natural layout of the hill. Plan for curved edges and smaller platforms incorporated together into a large deck design.

Excavation is another option when your yard grades up to the rear. Move the soil away to create a flat space and install heavy-duty retaining walls around your deck or patio area. This creates a private oasis, often quiet and shady. But those retaining walls must be built correctly or the natural power of gravity will have that space looking run down in just a few seasons.

Deck Designs for Swampy Yards

Perhaps you live in a low-lying area, or have experienced several issues with drainage. Assess the water problems before installing your Northern Virginia deck, to be sure those concrete footings will not heave or sink. In swampy or wet areas, the concrete footings need to be installed deep into the ground, providing solid support. Building codes may have standards regarding minimum footing depth on swampy lots.

Be sure to use treated lumber for this deck design as well, since moisture takes a toll on cedar and other wood species in a short period of time. Even treated lumber will rot over the years, but you can opt for composite or vinyl deck boards to reduce maintenance and increase longevity.

Deck Designs for Waterfront Properties

Waterfront homes generally provide fantastic views and direct sun. That means your deck design needs to incorporate shade without blocking the views and creating a fishbowl effect void of privacy. Deck designs for waterfront cottages and homes often hug the side of the building, stretching around the corners for a wrap-around look. Overhang a roof for easy shade or build a gazebo into the corner for seclusion and shade.

Railings need to be sturdy and safe, unless the deck is close to the ground. In that case, consider incorporating wrap-around stairs as well, allowing traffic to flow off of the deck at any point and adding impromptu seating for larger gatherings.

These Northern Virginia deck designs address the specific problems of unique properties. Call your local deck contractor to discuss your own needs and keep dreaming of that ideal outdoor living space.