Spending ample time outdoors is a way of life in Southern California. With mostly mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine to fill our days, being able to enjoy a home’s outdoor space is as important as entertaining indoors. As the days get longer, it’s natural to want to spend more time outside, so now may be the perfect time to build a deck.
There are many interesting options, from outdoor building materials, to stain colors and outdoor decor, all which can make a deck uniquely your own. You can easily transform a currently unused area into an inviting outdoor living room to enhance the value of your home. Here’s a quick overview to help you visualize how a deck can instantly spruce up your backyard.
Choose Your Outdoor Building Materials
Building a deck starts with choosing the outdoor building materials that best suit your aesthetic and design ideas. Hardwoods, especially bamboo, have once again become a popular choice. Many homeowners seek more sustainable lumber options, and MOSO Bamboo X-treme is the answer. Its durability and high-quality performance ensure the stability you want in a deck in an eco-friendly way. Other premium hardwood options include IPE, Red Balau, Garapa, and Borneo Mahogany.
- IPE – A long-lasting, tropical hardwood elevates your outdoor space with its stunning, rich tone
- Red Balau – The deep reddish-brown color creates a warm, textured look to your deck
- Garapa – Highly durable and sustainable, this hardwood has a warm, golden tone to achieve a natural, classic feel
- Borneo Mahogany – One of the more affordable hardwoods known for its high performance and luxury appeal
If you are looking to achieve that classic, warm, and natural wood deck feel a Redwood or Western Red Cedar option are excellent softwood choices.
Alternatively, if you prefer composite options, Trex decking has just released its newest product tiers, Trex Signature and Trex Transcend Lineage, which are now available in store. As an exclusive Trex decking partner, we have their full lineup of products and are among the first to carry their latest outdoor building materials. TimberTech composite and TimberTech Azek PVC decking also offer an excellent option in the low-maintenance popular decking space.
Regardless of whether you decide on hardwood, softwood, or composite decking, with such an array of options, you’re sure to find one to fit your desired look and budget.
Once you’ve decided on material type, consider different decking patterns, such as a geometric design or placing boards diagonally. Then, apply a long-lasting stain and add personality through lighting, railing, or stairs to give your deck the final touch.
Preserve Your Deck with a Stain
Once you’ve built your deck, you want to preserve your hard work by protecting the boards. With plenty of pigment-rich colors available, you can maintain deck quality while allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Deck stains help bring your project to life while simultaneously preventing it from mildew, mold, and sun damage.
Read More: A Beginner’s Guide to Deck Stains.
Personalize Your Project with Outdoor Decor
Though a beautifully built deck can make a statement on its own, personalizing it opens up a whole other level of design opportunity. Add stairs and recessed lighting for dimension and ambiance perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining. Or, consider lining the deck perimeter with colored railing to enhance the space even further. There are several design directions you can take, but prioritize the functionality of your deck first. Then, you can start building.
Read More: Cool Things You Can Do with Composite Deck Railing.
Decking Supplies Always in Stock
Generally speaking, hardwoods are considered the more expensive route, but there are plenty of affordable options to establish a warm and inviting appeal. Our stores always have a huge range of decking options in stock, and our specialists are here to answer any questions regarding other outdoor building materials you may need.
Make the most of your backyard by enhancing it with a deck. Stop by your local J&W Lumber store today.