Deck Information

Check out the Deck Information below to help you decide which deck, material, and style is best for you.

Building A Deck

A well-built deck is a thing of beauty for any homeowner. The process of building a deck for the first time or having an existing one rebuilt is a very exciting process but can be daunting. After all, a deck is an investment and will showcase the style of your house. Not only deck perfect for entertaining guests but it also increased the appeal and value of your home.

Since a deck is generally less expensive than other significant building an addition, it allows for homeowners to experiment a bit and get more involved in the deck design process. A deck may seem like a very straightforward project, and it very well could be if it’s simplicity you desire, but there is a whole world of different deck materials, pattern designs, and construction styles.

Since a deck is generally less expensive than other significant renovations, such as building an addition, it allows for homeowners to experiment a bit and get more involved in the deck design process. A deck may seem like a very straightforward project, and it very well could be if it’s simplicity you desire, but there is a whole world of different deck materials, pattern designs, and construction styles.

Deck Patterns

Once you’ve decided on the material, you’d like your deck to be made out of you can look into some different decking patterns. Even a basic pressure-treated wooden deck can give your home a more upscale feel simply by using a unique pattern. This is an easy way of further increasing value with relatively low additional costs.

1. Parallel or Perpendicular

The most basic you can get with a deck pattern is running the boards either parallel or perpendicular to the house. Typically deck boards run parallel with the face wall of the house. It is possible to instead run boards perpendicular, though it may require changes in the construction of the joints and ledger. Parallel boards give the deck a longer appearance as the lines draw the eyes out along the length of the deck. On the other hand, perpendicular boards will make a deck seem wider. Both options look nice, but one may be a better choice if you’re trying to fool the eye.

2. Diagonal

A diagonal pattern doesn’t seem like that much of a difference, but it completely changes the look of a deck. Typically, the boards will run at 45-degree angles diagonally. Looks aside, diagonal decks are also sturdier and don’t need sway braces. Diagonal beck boards are limited to full-length boards all the way across. You can also do framed diagonally which looks quite beautiful and still maintains the strength of a classic diagonal deck.

3. Parquet or Basketweave

Parquet or basketweave are patterns whose names are often used interchangeably. Parquet deck patterns are those that have different patterns, within the same square size, within the deck. For example, you may have different squares of the deck, some with boards running parallel while others run perpendicular. Basketweave is the correct name for the specific example given, while modular decks can be anything else or consist of framed modules.

4. Chevron and Herringbone

The chevron pattern is nice and tends to work well with larger decks. Chevron deck creates a V-shaped pattern and can be done in a couple of ways. You may have the boards run straight across the whole deck or instead have chevron with straight transition boards in the middle. Herringbone, another beautiful design, is often confused with chevron but is slightly different. Herringbone looks complicated but it’s not that difficult to assemble.

5. Custom

There really is no limit to deck board patterns, and really it comes down to the skill of the contractor. Custom deck designs include more elaborate patterns like the nested square or decks with a cross, diamonds, or other shapes set within. Another option for some homes that have an Asian landscaping look to them includes laying decking boards on their sides rather than on their face like you normally would. This gives a unique “East meets West” feel to the deck.