When trying to determine the proper design for their new deck homeowners often develop tunnel vision. That is, they lose sight of how the new deck will work visually alongside the house and landscaping. But these considerations are crucial if you’re to avoid winding up with a deck that looks like it was dropped into your Toronto yard from another planet. Experienced, professional deck designers will have all the tools necessary to create a deck for you that will wow your guests and look like it has always been a part of your house.
Custom Decks Don’t Exist in a Vacuum
A deck is nothing less than a home addition and like any other addition the design must begin by taking into account what’s already there. If you don’t you’ll end up with something weird instead of something wonderful. Here are some things to keep in mind when designing custom decks.
- Materials – If you have a sleek contemporary home you’ll want to look into non-traditional materials like concrete, steel and glass and avoid the hardwoods. At the same time if your home is a lovely old Victorian you’ll want to avoid those stainless steel cable railings and stick to natural materials. If the deck is going on a house by the water consider composites or other materials that will withstand the salt spray.
- Style – If that sleek contemporary home of yours completely eschews the use of trim you’ll want to keep any such elements to an absolute minimum on your deck as well. If there is lots of plate glass you may want to consider using glass railings instead of wood or a combination glass and stainless steel. For more traditional homes with ornate trim you’ll want to make sure any custom decks match the existing design cues.
- Color – If your lakeside home is painted in muted tones you’ll want to avoid using deck finishes like mahogany that will clash with both the color scheme of the house and the bleached colors of the surroundings. If your home’s window frames and trim are white the trim on your deck should be white as well. If your home is painted gray you may want decking with an aged or weathered finish.
- Proportion – Too small a deck on a large house with a generous backyard may look out of place. At the same time if your house occupies a smallish lot in the city center you’ll want to make sure the deck is not so large that it overwhelms the yard. The same goes for an enormous deck on a small house. Proportional balance is key in making sure the new deck looks like it belongs on your house.
- Surroundings – The surrounding topography, flora, established landscaping elements and neighboring structures all need to be taken into consideration when designing custom decks. If your home occupies a rocky slope you may want to integrate stone work into the design. If your home is in the city surrounded by other triple deckers of similar design an ultra-modern deck design could stick out, and not in a good way.
Toronto Deck and Fence Company has been building stunning backyard decks for clients in the GTA for more than 10 years. We have an extensive portfolio to show you that amply demonstrates our designer’s skill at creating custom decks that work with our clients homes rather than competing against them for attention. The deck we create for you will elevate your home’s resale value, enhance your ability to entertain for business or pleasure, and seem a natural extension of your house and the surrounding landscape. Call us today on 416-238-2589 to learn more.