Your Guide to Designing the Ultimate Composite Deck for Entertaining

May 02, 2024

Your Guide to Designing the Ultimate Composite Deck for Entertaining

Designing a deck for your backyard can be an exciting and fun project, but it can also feel overwhelming with all the options available. As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your new composite deck adds value to your property and serves as a functional space for entertaining guests.

Working with experienced composite deck builders in Lehi, UT, can help you bring your vision to life and create the ultimate composite deck for entertaining. The professionals at TC Decks Utah have years of experience designing and building beautiful composite decks. We are ready to put this experience to work for you.

Below are some things to consider when designing a composite deck for entertaining.

Assess Your Space

Before starting your deck project, the first step is to measure your available outdoor space. It's important to know exactly how much room you have. This ensures your deck design fits perfectly in the space without making it too crowded. You want enough room for guests to move around freely.

Consider the shape of your yard. Decks aren't limited to square or rectangular designs. A composite deck builder in Lehi, UT, can create a deck that complements the unique shape of your outdoor space. Whether your yard is large or small, the right design can make the most of it.

In addition to measuring the size of your yard, take note of any obstacles that may impact the design, such as trees or uneven terrain. These factors can affect where and how your deck will be built. A professional composite deck builder in Lehi, UT, can work around these challenges and create a beautiful deck for entertaining.

Define Your Entertainment Zones

When crafting the perfect composite deck for entertaining, planning out distinct areas is essential. Each zone serves a specific purpose, allowing guests to enjoy different activities. Think of your deck as a series of rooms without walls.
Assigning specific functions to each area creates a flow that guides guests from one activity to another, enhancing their overall experience.

Common deck entertainment zones include:

  • Dining Area: A space dedicated to meals should feature a large table and comfortable chairs. It can be positioned to take advantage of views or to catch the evening breeze. Consider adding a pergola or awning for shade.
  • Lounge Area: This zone offers a relaxed setting for conversations and relaxation. Equip it with plush, weather-resistant sofas and chairs. Accent tables for drinks and snacks will make the space more inviting.
  • Activity Zone: Whether it's an area for outdoor games, a fire pit for gatherings, or a spot for a hot tub, an activity zone keeps guests entertained. This space should be adaptable, depending on the type of entertainment you plan to offer.

By designating these entertainment areas, your composite deck can cater to all aspects of hosting, ensuring guests have memorable experiences at your home.

Choose High-Quality Composite Decking

Opting for high-quality composite decking is a wise decision for any homeowner. Unlike natural wood, composite materials are durable and require minimal maintenance. This means they won't splinter, warp, or rot, making them a safer option for areas with heavy foot traffic.

Since these materials mimic the look of natural wood, you can enjoy the beauty of traditional wood decking without the constant upkeep. With various colors and textures available, it's easy to match your deck to your home's exterior or landscape design.

High-quality composite decking is resistant to fading and staining. This ensures that your deck maintains its vibrant color and finish for years, even under the sun's harsh rays or in rainy weather.

You save time and money in the long run because there's no need to re-stain or seal your deck annually. A simple cleaning with soap and water is all it takes to keep your composite deck looking new.

Incorporate Built-In Seating

Incorporating built-in seating into your composite deck design is a great way to maximize space and enhance functionality. Built-in benches and seats provide ample seating for your guests and blend seamlessly with the overall design, creating a cohesive look.

This is especially beneficial in entertaining scenarios, given that over 25% of American homeowners host guests weekly. These built-in options offer a permanent solution to the need for additional chairs. They can be strategically placed around dining areas, fire pits, or along deck perimeters to optimize the available space for mingling and activities.

Opting for built-in seating allows homeowners to personalize their entertainment space further. With the ability to customize the size, shape, and style of the seating, it becomes easier to meet the specific needs of your gatherings. With the help of our deck builders in Lehi, UT, you can create the perfect seating arrangement for your deck.

Select a Striking Color Scheme

Selecting the right colors for your composite deck is essential to create an inviting atmosphere for guests and ensure it complements your home's exterior. You want the colors to blend harmoniously with your house and landscape, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. A smart color choice can also make the deck feel like a natural extension of your home rather than an added afterthought.

When choosing colors for your composite deck, consider the tone and style of your house. A well-chosen palette can elevate your outdoor space, making it welcoming and stylish.

Here are some tips to help pick the perfect color scheme:
  • Match the deck color with your home's siding: This creates a cohesive look.
  • Consider the color of your roof: Select deck colors that harmonize with your roof for a balanced appearance.
  • Use color samples outdoors: Observe how different colors look in outdoor lighting at various times of the day to ensure you're happy with your choice in natural light.
  • Don't be afraid to mix and match: Experiment with different shades of the same color or complementary colors to add depth and interest.
  • Consider contrast: Choose a contrasting color for deck railings and accents to create visual interest.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can select a striking color scheme that enhances your composite deck's overall design.

Install Ambient Lighting

Installing ambient lighting in your composite deck can transform it into a stunning evening retreat. Embed LED lights into the decking, stairs, and rails for safety and to create a cozy atmosphere. LED lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them perfect for outdoor spaces. They provide gentle illumination that enhances visibility, reducing the risk of trips and falls after dark.

These lights can also define entertainment zones and highlight the architectural features of your deck. By strategically placing LEDs under benches or along pathways, you set the mood for evening gatherings and make the space inviting. You have the freedom to choose from a variety of colors and brightness levels to match any occasion or mood.

Integration of LED lighting is straightforward with the expertise of a composite deck builder in Lehi, UT. They can recommend the best placement for these lights to ensure a seamless blend with your deck's design.

Add a Fire Feature

Adding a fire feature, such as a fire pit or fireplace, to your composite deck creates a focal point for evening gatherings. It offers warmth and a cozy ambiance, making it perfect for entertaining guests in cooler temperatures. With a fire feature, your deck becomes a year-round outdoor space where friends and family can gather to share stories and enjoy the night air.

Choosing the right fire feature depends on your space and needs. A fire pit provides a casual setting for guests to circle around and can be either built-in or portable. On the other hand, a fireplace serves as a more formal centerpiece and can be designed to match your deck and home's exterior. Both options add a sense of luxury and comfort to your outdoor living area.

Incorporate Shade Solutions

Incorporating shade solutions like pergolas, canopies, or umbrellas into your composite deck design enhances guest comfort during sunny daytime events. Pergolas offer a stylish way to add shade while allowing for air circulation, which is especially beneficial during warmer months. You can add vines or fabric covers for additional sun protection if needed.

Canopies provide versatile and movable shade, making them perfect for adapting to the day's needs. They can be set up over dining or lounge areas to shield guests from direct sunlight.

On the other hand, Umbrellas are a simple and cost-effective solution for sun protection. They can be placed strategically around seating areas or over tables to provide immediate shade. Umbrellas come in various sizes, colors, and designs, allowing you to find options that perfectly match your deck's aesthetics.

No matter which shade solution you choose, it's important to consider your deck's overall design and function.

It's Time to Consult With Our Composite Deck Builders in Lehi, UT!

Designing the ultimate composite deck for entertaining takes a lot of planning and consideration. By working with our composite deck builders in Lehi, UT, you can have confidence that your project will meet all your needs and preferences. Contact us today!

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