A good outdoor deck can make your outdoor life more comfortable. Including composite decking patterns in your deck design can provide a stylish touch. When designing your deck, keep these possibilities in mind. In most circumstances, a nice composite deck design can give you better visual enjoyment.
Decking Diagonal Design
Decking is installed at a 45-degree angle across the joists using this method. Using diagonal decking strengthens the deck frame, preventing racking and eliminating the need for sway bracing. Depending on the decking material, you may need to lower the joist spacing to 12″ on the center to sustain the diagonal span. Some deck builders claim that installing decking diagonally will increase your waste factor by 15%. We feel that with some planning, you can achieve much better. However, more work is required because this technique necessitates more cuts.
Start with the longest board length from a corner and work your way out on both sides. To keep a uniform angle across the surface, the decking must be squared. Allow the ends of the boards to dangle over the frame until the end so that you may get a consistent edge with a single pass with a circular saw. Bigham Associates a Round Rock property management says diagonal decking gives your deck a distinct personality and can emphasize a view or influence how people move through the space. For decks wider than 20′, consider installing your decking diagonally to reduce butt joints.
Decking with Herringbone Design
Decking can be used in a variety of unique and innovative ways. A zipper pattern is formed by the intersection of two opposing diagonal decking patterns that come together in the center of the deck in a staggered configuration to resemble a zipper. A herringbone pattern is comparable to a zipper pattern but does not have the alternating zipper effect. Decking an octagon as an offset pattern that follows the contour of the frame is possible. We’ve even seen parquet deck floors built by alternating the decking orientation with squares.
Any of these patterns will necessitate the addition of blocking to the frame beneath the pattern in order to provide stability and a stable surface to fasten to. Consider using contrasting colors when using composite decking to create an impact. Avoid incorporating little sections of decking into your design. Butt joints and miter cuts can separate with time, allowing small parts to become loose and fall out.
Horizontal Decking Design
Applying to the deck horizontally is usually the simplest way to complete the surface of a deck. Before you begin, you must install sway bracing to keep the deck from racking. The deck boards can then be laid parallel to the house over the joists. Deck boards should be secured at each joist with two nails, two screws, or a hidden fastener system. Check that your fasteners are the correct size and that they are compatible with the decking material you are using.
If your deck is less than 20 feet wide, you should be able to finish it without the use of butt joints or splices. If your deck is longer, you should splice the deck planks over a joist. You may wish to stagger the butt joints in different positions as much as possible to decrease their visibility, or you may want to utilize a division board to control or concentrate them in one logical spot. Wood deck boards are often available in 2′ increments, however, most composite decking materials are only available in 12′, 16′, or 20′ lengths. Depending on the breadth of your deck, this could result in a significant quantity of waste. Plan for efficiency and you’ll save money at the end of the job.
Deck Inlay Design
Installing a decking inlay is a unique way to spice up any deck renovation. To make a statement, combine contrasting colors, angles, and shapes. We’ve seen some lovely octagons, compass roses, and even curved designs. Inlays, on the other hand, are difficult, time-consuming, and wasteful. Plan ahead of time to avoid frustration. Even expert builders struggle to create curved inlays. Find a pattern that is both appealing and easy to make.
Because most decking materials can only overhang 3″ beyond a joist, decking inlays always necessitate a lot of vertical blocking in between joists. Because every cut will be on display, attention to precision is essential. Also, keep in mind that small pieces are more difficult to install and are more prone to loosening, separating, and falling out over time.
