Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Whether you are in the thick of raising your kids or enjoying being a grandparent, backyard fun is a major part of your life. Designing that outdoor space for maximum enjoyment and safety takes careful consideration and these top Virginia deck ideas are the ideal place to start.

Deck Designs For Young Families

With babies and toddlers moving around out on the deck, texture and safety become the two most important issues in design. Think about composite materials that eliminate splinters and require very little maintenance. And be sure that railings are made from durable materials as well, such as aluminum or tempered glass. Building codes specify the spacing and height required for optimum safety, but don’t forget to include railing gates at the stairs to keep your little ones from falling.

Design your deck to have one level only and be sure it is installed just below the patio door sill. This flat, open space provides plenty of area for your kids to play safely. Avoiding a big step down also makes it easy for short legs to move in and out of the house.

Deck Designs For Multi-Generation Families

Family gatherings that include all of the generations create priceless memories. Design your Virginia deck to allow for maximum comfort when the whole family is over and these events will be better than ever. Include an open area for the dining table, at least 14 feet square and close to the patio doors. Then consider designing supplemental seating areas around that main deck, perhaps on upper or lower levels.

Plan your deck like your interior living space. Arrange various seating areas where smaller groups can gather and place the largest area close to the food. An outdoor kitchen provides the perfect spot for grilling and serving drinks, while a grouping of comfy lounge chairs will attract everyone at one time or another. Be sure to include a few private nooks as well, spots where couples can snuggle under a shady canopy or kids can grab a short nap in the breeze.

Deck Designs For Small Yards

Many suburban family homes have limited backyards. In most cases a bit of grass and a garden leaves very little space for a deck. But family homes need an area for outdoor eating, grilling and relaxing. Patios work for ground level homes and those houses with a walkout design need to install a deck. Maximize your space by designing a single-level deck with glass railings for a clear view and open atmosphere.

Leave off the stairs if possible, or design them with a landing to avoid taking up too much room in the yard. Ask a decking contractor to come over and take a look. At that time you can go over a few different ways to make the most of your limited backyard space.

Families need to have an outdoor area at home, the ideal place for play and making memories. These Virginia deck ideas will give you direction on how to design space that provides the area and function that your family needs. Creating a comfortable outdoor room is important and allows your family to spend valuable time together.

Landscape design is a specialized field that involves various skills. Knowledge in horticulture is an asset, as is an understanding of how drainage, soil conditions and plantings come together to form a beautiful, functional landscape. Your Virginia deck will fit into a well planned yard. And using software and other high tech tools will help you develop a seamless design.

What Type of Deck Design Software Is Best?

Many of the deck designing programs on the market are limited in their function. Look for software that will provide the most flexibility, allowing you to sketch out and plan for a deck that includes unique shapes and custom features.

Have a look at reviews online to get a better idea of how the program functions. Getting feedback from those who have actually designed their deck or patio using the program is invaluable. Unbiased opinions will help you to see which software developers are delivering systems that work well and which programs are a waste of time.

The ideal deck design software will provide multiple views of the finished design – including a bird’s eye view (from the top) and side view (usually from ground level). You may also find it useful to have close ups of the railing systems, framing and stairs. These closer views will provide the detail needed to assemble the structure as required. Taking a look at the deck from a broader scope will help determine the best size and shape for your yard.

Information That Should Be Inputted

In order to design the ideal Virginia deck you will need to input various pieces of essential information. The dimensions of your yard are important, as are any local building code limitations. Perhaps you must keep the deck a certain distance away from the property line. Or there may be railing height requirements and limits placed on the width or number of rises in the stairs.

Look for a software program that will ask for this information before your design begins. Then you can be assured that the final design falls within the local building codes and will fit well on your property. A bird’s eye view helps to assess this scenario.

High end software and landscape design programs will also allow you to place furniture and accessories onto your deck drawing. This lets you virtually decorate your outdoor living space – it’s also handy when you are shopping for patio furniture.

Devices That Help

Tablets and smartphones are especially helpful when designing your yard. These portable devices can be carried out into the space, allowing you to get a physical view at the same time as you’re designing on the screen.

Look for deck design programs that work on your preferred device. You may even come across decent online applications that utilize the features of your device, such as touch screen capabilities and file sharing. Send your latest design to the decking contractor for a quotation. Or bring the device with you to the lumber yard to help field questions and create an accurate material list.

Consider how a computer program can help you to design the ideal Virginia deck. Planned out to meet the specifications of your property and the needs of your family, decks designed using the latest technology are on the cutting edge of this industry.

The beauty and comfort of your backyard will depend on many factors. Size, shape, features and design all come together to create an outdoor living space that allows you to relax and shed the stresses of the day. Your Virginia deck design should be woven together with beautiful landscaping to create the framework and structure for this space. But there are tricks to weaving these backyard elements together properly.

Take Stock of Your Grade

The design of your backyard will greatly depend on the grade of your property. On a walkout lot a deck needs to be at least 8 feet off of the ground and include stairs to the grade. At the foot of those stairs welcoming and seamless landscaping including stone pathways, gardens and soft turf will encourage traffic on and off the deck. But the landscaping and deck surface on a walkout lot do not come together in the same way that they will with ground level homes.

If your rear entrance comes out at ground level you have a little more flexibility in terms of deck and landscaping design. A wooden deck can be easily combined with stone to create a multi-layered area including a variety of outdoor rooms. Those patios could be surrounded by lush gardens and bordered with wood or stone retaining walls to create stability and visual interest.

Ground level grading certainly provides more options, but walkout decks and landscaping can also be incredibly beautiful and comfortable.

Get a Bird’s Eye View

Think of your backyard from a different perspective. Although you will be living on the ground, it helps to make sketches of your space from above. Use these sketches to plan for the location of specific features like ponds, sheds, fountains and that all important Virginia deck. You can even make this drawing part of the overall plan for your yard, only tackling certain stages as they are possible but keeping the end goal in view.

It’s best to draw out this plan on graph paper, since that will allow you to maintain balance and the proper scale. Try not to build a massive desk or a sprawling patio without having decent sized flower beds and other landscaping features to balance the area. Draw in the trees, turf and flower gardens, as well as all of the structures in the yard and both the wood and stone patio areas. Label everything carefully, but don’t be afraid to play around with the design as well. That’s why you have a plan, to experiment.

Consider the Contractor

It helps to use the same contractor for the construction of your deck, patio and any fencing. Find a reputable and experienced pro who can do all of this for you - that will save you time and streamline the installation process. Many decking contractors will be able to handle the hardscaping projects, but they may need to recommend a landscaping firm for the sod, gardening and soft landscaping elements. Be sure that you are hiring the best contractor for every stage of this project .

Your Virginia deck can combine with strikingly beautiful landscaping to provide an outdoor space that is attractive, comfortable and built to last. You’ll want to spend much more time outside when this atmosphere is waiting for you in the backyard.

Residential properties comes in a variety of layouts and designs. Some homes are bungalows or ranch style, while others are two or three-story designs. Your house may be built on a concrete slab or feature a walkout basement. Split foyer homes also allow for plenty of exterior design and landscaping options. Whatever the configuration of your home, it is essential to come up with a Virginia deck design that takes full advantage of it. On walkout lots there are a variety of options that can turn your deck into a truly luxurious outdoor living space.

Stairs or No Stairs?

It’s always a good idea to install stairs on your walkout decking, if only to provide a fire escape. However, this pathway will provide access to another entrance and some homeowners prefer not to allow that. Find out whether stairs are required by building code and consider all of the options if you are undecided.

Stairs are convenient and can be built in various configurations to make the most of your backyard space. Leaving the stairway off creates more an intimate, balcony feeling, but it may almost limit the use of your deck in the long run.
If you do decide to include a flight of stairs, be sure they are wide enough and that the rise and run (height and depth of each step) are comfortable and safe.

Keep the View

The height of a walkout deck often creates an attractive view. Make sure your deck design will not detract from that view by installing tempered glass railings or other styles that provide the safety required without blocking your line of sight.

Glass railings can get quite expensive when installed down the stairs, but thankfully thin, black aluminum pickets will create an almost invisible look down the stairs as well. This matches perfectly with the tempered glass railing on the main deck. Choose the same style of frame for the entire railing and you will achieve a seamless look.

What’s Underneath?

Make good use of the space underneath your Virginia deck. Some homeowners close off the sides and create a built in storage shed. Others install a vinyl matting underneath the deck boards to provide weather resistant roofing that creates a well protected space underneath. (Remember to slope the deck slightly away from the house and account for drainage, otherwise you can end up with water problems near the house and in the space underneath.)

Maybe you could build a play area for the kids or design a small, shaded dog run for your pets. In any case, it is wise to use this space as much as possible and design the upper deck to accommodate that use. Think about adding some lighting as well, to help make this area comfortable and safe.

If your home was built as a walkout or you are planning to build a deck off of your second story, take the time to design the space well. From the stairs to the railing and even underneath, this area will be much more comfortable and usable when you take the time to design it right. Browse through the latest home and garden magazines and contact your expert Virginia deck contractor for ideas, options and innovations. Make the most of your investment with a walkout deck that truly shines.

Homeowners love their outdoor living space to look just as stylish as their indoor living space. That requires comfortable furnishings, high quality materials and installation techniques that will provide the smoothest finish even when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Specialty fasteners are available to make the surface of your Virginia deck look sleek and feel comfortable no matter what the weather throws at it. There are also design ideas for the railing and stairs that will help create a more luxurious space that truly feels like an extension of your home.

Common Construction Techniques

Pressure treated wood deck boards are most often nailed or screwed through the top of the board - commonly two fasteners per joist, resulting in multiple nail or screw heads on the surface of your deck. You can opt for colored screw heads, which hide the fasteners a little, but this type of finish is not nearly enough for some homeowners. They are looking for a more permanent and fool proof solution.

Solutions Available

Many composite deck boards on the market are installed using a clip system. Clips are attached to the joist and deck boards are held in place thanks to a groove carved down the bull nose on each side. This tongue and groove design allows for solid construction and provides a fastener-free finish on the top of the deck boards.

Unfortunately the same system will not work for a wood deck board, unless the groove has been routed in. Some cedar products include this option, but that product isn’t commonly found in Virginia. For wood decks (either cedar, pressure treated or another type of timber) the contractors must rely on a different system in order to ensure the deck boards are secured and the fasteners hidden.

There are certain products on the market that allow wood deck boards (and solid composite decking without the groove) to be fastened from the bottom, which provides a smooth surface for walking. Most often these are attached directly to the joists and present a lip that can then be nailed or screwed in from the bottom - through the plastic or metal strip and into the deck board. It is a difficult process to do for ground level decks, but if you have the space and inclination these products can provide a beautiful finish on your Virginia deck.

Added Expense

Be prepared for a fastener-free system to increase the cost of your deck project. Not only will you need to buy this product, but the use of clips or strips will require more fasteners as well. Labor is another factor to consider.
Installing your deck boards in this way is very time consuming, so you can expect that your professional decking contractor will charge more for their services. If a smooth deck surface is important to you, the added cost is certainly worth it.

Railing and Stairs

To make your deck look more like a luxurious indoor living space choose maintenance free materials for your railing. Aluminum, composite and vinyl deck railing will provide attractive textures and color without the need for staining or painting. They can also be cleaned up with a hose and will last for years.

Stairs should be wide and inviting where possible. This helps them to look more like a stylish entranceway or hall than an utilitarian pathway onto the deck. Close off the faces (space between the treads) with wood or composite to hide any unattractive framing underneath. And small details like trim and rounded corners allow your stairs to look finished and sleek.

If you are looking for a Virginia deck that creates a true extension of your well designed and comfortable indoor living space, consider adding hidden fastener systems and low maintenance railing solutions. Ask your contractor which options are available and look forward to a smooth, luxurious finish on your new deck.

As much as we long for the summer sun, when it finally gets here we find ourselves looking for a shady spot to relax in. For your health, as well as for more enjoyment in your backyard, incorporating a shade structure into your Virginia deck design is a wise plan. Whether you are adding to an existing deck or building from scratch, there are a few simple and affordable ways to make sure your deck can be comfortable even in the hottest days of summer.

The Covered Porch Look

There is something undoubtedly quaint about a covered porch. With a few rocking chairs set up or a porch swing swaying gently in the breeze, this style of deck on the front or the back of your home is functional and attractive. Consider how adding a roof structure over your deck would make it much more useable and cozy.

If you already have an overhang on your home design the deck space to fit underneath. You can certainly extend it past the roof to provide an area for sunbathing, but why not take advantage of the roof area that currently exists. Incorporate the support posts directly into the decking by bolting them to the deck surface. If space permits, use these existing posts as part of the railing system as well.

On homes without a sufficiently sized overhang one must be built. Roof extensions can be tricky depending on the roof line, so it’s best to ask your Virginia deck contractor for recommendations about the placement, size and style of roof before getting your heart set on this particular design.

Pergola Power

A pergola offers dappled shade and an attractive structure to grow vines and other greenery on. Made out of wood or composite, a pergola consists of posts and beams, as well as slats laid across on a perpendicular angle. You can layer the slats to create even more shade and some homeowners choose to cover the top with a solid material - like plexiglass, outdoor quality tarp, etc. This will provide better protection from the rain and more shade.

Pergolas can also be dressed up with scrolls and trim. Hang flower pots from the beams and place benches or patio furniture underneath for a beautiful scene. This shade structure can be as fancy or as plain as you like and a pergola will fit seamlessly into your deck design. If you prefer, pergolas can also be set up in the yard away from the patio. A smaller model works well as an arbor over your walkway or in the garden for climbing vines. The possibilities with this shade structure are nearly endless.

Awnings For Every Occasion

An awning is an excellent option for those homeowners who may want shade some of the time, but still desire occasional access to the full sun. Smaller decks work well with a retractable awning that can be opened and closed as your mood dictates. Be sure to install a model that has heavy duty mechanisms that will stand the test of time and operate efficiently.

Whether it’s a covered porch, pergola, awning or some other structure, adding shade to your Virginia deck design will allow you to enjoy the deck space more this summer. Well worth the investment, these additions will compliment your deck when designed and built by a professional.

More than just a safety feature, the railing on your Virginia deck should be designed as a seamless addition. There are several things to keep in mind when deciding on a railing, including the height off of the ground, maintenance, privacy and the view. All of these factors play a role in the final railing design.

Height Off of the Ground

According to the USBC, ground level decks do not require a railing. But that doesn’t mean you need to leave this feature off. Railings can work to direct traffic and help contain kids and pets on the deck surface, making the area more useable.

Any rail that you do install on your deck needs to follow the state building codes. This is especially true for decks built more than 24” off of the ground. All of the necessary paperwork will need to be presented with the permit application, including specs of the design and possibly an ICC-ES (International Code Council-Evaluation Service).

Maintenance Level

Just like the balance of your decking materials, you will want to choose a railing with low maintenance needs. Pressure treated wood is durable and rot resistant, but does need a coat of stain every few years to keep it looking good. If you don’t stain treated lumber it will end up grey and dingy. Cedar railings also need to be stained or painted for maximum beauty.

Other products like composite or vinyl (PVC) deck railing will retain their color effortlessly. These materials are billed as maintenance free, although they will need an annual wash down to keep the mold and mildew away.

Do You Need Privacy?

Once you’ve considered the structural and maintenance components of your Virginia deck railing, it’s time to think about the appearance and function. Railings go well beyond a simple picket style. They can include tall sections that provide privacy from nosy neighbors and busy traffic, as well as gates and other elements for convenience.

Privacy screens can help create a more relaxing space on the deck, keeping you out of sight and blocking the wind. Posts for taller privacy sections can be used to hang a hammock, as a lamp post or for a shade structure. Play with the design a little and create a screen with decorative panels or a beautiful topper. Remember that this space is ideal for hanging outdoor art as well.

Don’t Block the View

The most important element to remember when designing your deck railing is to maintain the view. Unless otherwise specified in the building code, keep the height of your railing low (30 to 36” high). This allows you to sit down on the patio furniture and still gaze out at the yard, gardens, etc. Check to make sure that your railing design doesn’t block the view from inside the house either. And watch out for the shadows that privacy screens cast.

Tempered glass railings are an excellent solution that will deliver the view you want and the safety you need. Installed in a frame of wood, composite, vinyl or aluminum, tempered glass railings can be smoked for more privacy, etched for decor purposes or kept clear for maximum viewing pleasure.

The railing design on your Virginia deck creates more than just a safe structure. It will work together with the entire deck design to create a comfortable outdoor living space for your whole family.

As the summer season approaches you’re sure to feel the call to spend more time outdoors in the warmth and sunshine. But life is full of tasks and necessary jobs that keep us tied up inside, unless we can move the workspace outside. That’s the beauty of outdoor kitchens – they allow you to spend time on your Virginia deck whether you’re cooking up dinner for the family or preparing a feast for the neighborhood party.

Essentials for the Patio Kitchen

The benefits of using an outdoor kitchen include more fresh air, the tang of grilled food and a cool breeze you just can’t get while cooped up in the house. But you need the space to be fully equipped to enjoy all of these advantages. Otherwise the experience will be dampened by your need to travel in and out those patio doors.

Invest in a stainless steel built in grill that with provide counter space for easy prep and maybe even cabinetry for storage of charcoal and other BBQ essentials. Think about including a side burner as well, to quickly boil, steam or warm your side dishes. These can be wired in, but a natural gas burner paired with a gas grill is a more popular and efficient set up.

Some people include a small sink for wash downs (fully plumbed in) and a bar fridge to keep things cool. Lighting is another important element that will allow you to use the kitchen space at any time of day or night, whipping up a gourmet grilled meal or snack.

Virginia Deck Designs That Make For Great Kitchens

It’s a wise idea to include multiple levels when designing a patio kitchen. Put the grill and other kitchen elements on the level closest to your sliding doors. Leave plenty of room for traffic over or through this level, as well as room to move around at the grill and the immediate area.

One step down from the grill level, design another for the dining furniture. This space should be at least 144 square feet in size (12 foot x 12 foot) to allow space for a full table of diners, but a little more room is desirable for traffic flow and aesthetics. Consider wrap-around stairs from this level to keep it open or possibly an overhead feature to provide shade and visual interest.

Be sure any steps are low rise so that the risk of stumbling with a full tray of food is minimized. Also be sure that any railings are built to code and installed where necessary for safety.

It’s a nice touch to finish the area around your wood deck with a stone patio and incorporate that same stone into the built in kitchen. A slate countertop will look stunning with composite or cedar decking dressed up with a slate pathway or edging around the lower level. Stone can also be used under and around the grill if a fire resistant surface is needed or desired.

Installing an outdoor kitchen onto your Virginia deck is a fantastic way to enjoy more of the coming season. Get outside and get your work done at the same time. You’ll be saving energy, enjoying freshly grilled meals and likely spending more time with the family. Who could ask for anything more?

Just as we don’t want our houses to look like the creation of a giant cookie cutter, there is no reason for your deck to be dull. Because it is actually an extension of the family’s living space your Virginia deck should be decorated and personalized just as the interior of your home is. Get personal and make this outdoor area truly yours with finishing touches both built in and added afterward.

Built In Flair

There are plenty of areas you can tweak and touch up on a wooden deck. Start with the flooring itself - you can install the decking on an angle or create patterns with deck boards in different colors or placements.

The areas along the decking can also dress up a standard space. Fascia board is the wood installed perpendicular to the deck board along the very edges (on top of the ring joist), designed to cover the ends of the decking and provide a profile to the deck edging. This can be a specific depth or a graduated profile using boards in different widths. These small details can add big class to your deck space.

Railings are another feature that can totally change the look of your deck, personalizing it with something that suits your tastes and style. There are standard wood railings available, but many of the other options are unique and will create a custom look on your Virginia deck.

Tempered glass railings can be built with wood frames or using aluminum channels and posts. Also, aluminum picket railings are maintenance free and available in a variety of colors. You can even find metal or aluminum pickets that are scrolled, turned or bellied for a more interesting shape on your railing. Check out the local building supply stores or visit your local decking contractor’s showroom for some samples.

PVC (poly vinyl chloride) railings are another no maintenance option and are ideal for the front porch. Remember that a combination of these railings styles can also work on your deck, creating rooms and separate spaces.

Added Pizzazz

Not all of the personalization on your deck comes from built in features like deck board, fascia and railings. The furniture you arrange and the decor items included make a big difference as well. Try to create a themed look (Asian Zen or Santa Fe western, for example) or go for a more eclectic feel. Again, whatever suits your tastes inside the home can be extended onto the deck.

Other elements can be added around your outdoor living space for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Lighting on nearby walls or tucked into the garden - even mounted on the railing - can add ambiance and safety, extending the time on your deck long into the evening.

Or what about a patio fire pit that will keep your family warm and cozy while resting on the decking. These highly functional pieces can also be used as furniture with specially made inserts and can be run with either natural gas or propane.

Have the best deck on the street with personalized touches that help your family relax. Create a Virginia deck that is made just for you and you’re bound to find more enjoyment in this important living space.

Do you long for more room in your Virginia home, but lack the budget for a home addition or major remodel? There is an easy way to create comfortable and affordable living space that the whole family will use and enjoy. Start planning for a Virginia deck and look forward to extra room for relaxing, playing and even preparing meals. You’ll be amazed at how much living happens on the deck.

How Does a Virginia Deck Add More Space?

Deck space is just as valuable as any other floor space in your home. The only thing it cannot offer is protection from the rain, although with a covered roof and screens, your new deck can be transformed into a room for use in any weather.

On the other hand, there are benefits to a roofless design including creating the perfect place to sun tan, watch the clouds race across a blue sky or star gaze with your sweetie.

To create more versatile outdoor living you can include many elements of a home’s interior on the deck. How about a built in patio kitchen or an outdoor fireplace? These features can be designed into your deck and present a layout very similar to your indoor living space. As long you include patio furniture that will withstand the weather and purchase top quality outdoor products, you can count on durable and highly functional living space.

Essential Elements of an Outdoor Kitchen

With an investment in some quality built in BBQ equipment and a little plumbing you can create an area to prepare dinner in the fresh air. Remove the heat and odors from the kitchen and enjoy culinary adventures on the deck. All of the major grill manufacturers carry a line of built in models that include a modern stainless steel finish, side burners and a rotisserie attachment.

With that equipment as your foundation, you can also design and install a stone counter top (granite, ceramic tiles and poured concrete work well), some cabinetry (look for lines that are specially made for outdoor use) and even a small bar fridge and sink.

Think about how convenient it will be to serve dinner on your Virginia deck, just moments after it has been made in your outdoor kitchen. Patio parties will never be same and you won’t ever lament about the lack of space in your home again.

To Create the Most Space on Your Deck

It’s important to find out whether your municipality has any restrictions on the possible location of your deck. Some areas will require a certain amount of space between your property line and the deck, others will not.

Once you have that information you will have an idea of how large your deck can be. Here’s a hint - always build it a little bigger than you think you will need. Too much deck space is rarely a problem, while cramped decks will likely spell regret.

Stick with simple shapes to create the largest areas. Angled corners and rounded edges add style and beauty, but consider those only once you’ve designed for the square footage that you need. Try designing different levels with wide stairs to separate them. This can give your Virginia deck a roomy feeling and those stairs also offer the perfect amount of impromptu seating.

Keep the area open whenever possible. Don’t leave off railing when safety is a concern, but leave the deck edges open or finish with low flower boxes and backless benches where you can. If a railing is necessary, think about clear tempered glass railing for a durable product that will lend an open feeling.

When space inside is an issue homeowners can easily add an affordable Virginia deck to their home, creating the ultimate outdoor living space.