You can find a variety of outdoor living ideas, including simple deck designs built for eating and entertaining small crowds or larger, more elaborate plans extending your kitchens and living rooms outside. Not only are our photo galleries the best source of inspiration for diy homeowners at a loss for ideas, but we also offer free deck plans and designs to further aid in your renovation project.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, consider using composite plastic wood lumber to build your deck. For those wondering what is a composite deck material, it is an alternative option to typical lumber that consists of a combination of wood and plastics. This unique blend of materials makes composite wood very durable and moisture resistant. Composite is both easy to install and maintain, and a great option for decking material for homeowners on a budget. In addition, composite wood is a great option for accessories such as deck railings and balusters because it is strong and durable, providing excellent support for these structures. Composite materials are also great to use for wooden pool decks. The material used to build a pool deck must be durable enough to withstand the exposure to water splashes and moisture that is inevitable with this type of structure. The best materials for an above ground swimming pool with deck are composite and tropical hardwoods because they are the most water resistant. You can find information on both these types of woods on our site to help you choose the best material for your needs.

One of the first things to consider in your home deck construction plans is the material that you will be using. The most popular material used for outdoor construction is wood because of its natural durability against the elements. Wood for decking comes in many different types including timber, composite, and tropical woods that differ based on their strength and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Timber is one of the most popular outdoor deck materials because there are a variety of different brands, it is widely available, and is less expensive than other types of wood. Timber includes both hard and soft woods that can be used for any type of construction project. The best timber decking plans make use of durable softwoods such as redwood and cedar, chemically treated lumber such as fir and pine, or tropical hardwoods such as IPE and teak wood. Tropical woods will be more expensive than the American woods because they are harder to come by, however their strength and durability are worth the price.

After determining the type of decking material you would like to use, the next step in the remodeling process is determining your design plan and layout. If you are looking for a source of inspiration, our online photo gallery of free pictures of decks is a great place to find layouts, floor plans and decorating ideas to use in your project. Once you have a general idea of the layout you would like to use, consider using deck designing software to further help you create a plan for construction. Our free online 3D deck designer tool allows you to generate digital floor plans and blue prints to help you devise the best deck for your home. Once you have virtually constructed your deck, you can view images of what it will look like next to your house. This allows you to see which design plan looks best with the overall style of your home. For additional creative inspiration, you can view our top 2022 deck design plans to build a deck on a house that have been created based on the most popular design trends for the upcoming year.

Patio and deck covers are becoming very popular in home remodeling because they add a nice decorative element while extending the time frame you can utilize your outdoor living space. In addition, roofs and covers also lengthen the lifespan of your deck by providing extra protection from harsh weather conditions. The most popular covered deck roof ideas include stationary and retractable awnings, arbors, pergolas, and verandas. The most common type of roof for a deck is an awning, which is a canvas covering that is stretched over a metal frame attached to the exterior of the house. Awnings can be made of woven acrylic, polyester or vinyl to provide the most resistance to rain. A pergola is another popular roofing option that creates a shaded area made from wood or lattice. Although these structures are most commonly used for gardens or walkways, you can find out how to build a pergola for deck designs using information and blueprint plans provided on our site. Other popular decorative additions for your deck include screening and light fixtures.

Simple backyard ideas for a deck can really help to enhance your outside experience and turn a drab space into your own personal sanctuary. Installing light fixtures is a great way to improve the look of your deck. You can choose from many different deck lighting ideas including mounted sconces, hanging light fixtures, string lighting, and post lights. The right light fixtures can add to the visual appeal to your deck as well as extend the hours that you are able to enjoy your outdoor living area. A screen is a great addition for homeowners who want to enjoy an insect and animal free space outside. Screens can be installed to prevent unwanted pests from invading your deck or porch. This not only provides a more relaxing environment, but keeps the area cleaner as well. You can find many different screened in porch and deck plans in our online galleries that offer inspiration and ideas to help you create the perfect outdoor oasis. Keep in mind that picking the right layout is not the only feature to creating the perfect exterior living space.