It’s winter and we are just one month into the new year. This means that now is the perfect time to start planning the new deck you are going to build this spring. Planning early is a good idea, because you have the time to make all the necessary decisions without feeling rushed. You probably already thought about the decking materials your want to use, maybe even picked a color scheme. But we would like to bring to your attention these small, yet very important details that can make or break a deck design.
Ornamental Post Caps
Ornamental post caps attach to the top of a deck post to add something extra to the look, function or both. Post caps can be made of the same material as the post if you are going for a unified look. Or you can choose post caps made of metal and even glass to set the tone for the entire deck. Dekorators, one of our deck accessory suppliers at Leisure Specialties, even carries Tiffany-style glass post caps that feature colored glass with geometrical patterns.
Want something more than pretty post caps? Consider installing post caps that double as a light feature. If your deck is in a sunny location, you can go with solar light post caps, or you could choose the brighter wired LEDs. Either way, imagine how these lights will help outline the perimeter of your deck, serving as both ambient light and a safety feature.
Decorative Balusters
Balusters are those vertical bars that connect the top and the bottom of a railing. Visually, they take up almost as much space as the decking itself, which means choosing balusters is a small decision with a huge impact. Of course, you can make everything matchy-matchy, use the same deck and baluster materials and call it a day. But if you have even the slightest concern about style, you should look at the different baluster products available and choose one (or several) that speak to your taste.
Modern balusters can be made of composite materials, wood, glass, but one of the most common types these days are metal balusters made of aluminum or wrought iron. They can be straight or curved, simple or sophisticated, and can even feature tiny solar lights and LEDs.
Trim Boards
Deck trim boards are frequently used to create a “picture frame” effect around your deck. They make for a finished look, but can also be used to protect the plank edges from the elements. Some people choose the trim board in the same color and style as the rest of the deck. Others opt for a contrasting trim to match the railings. Remember that you don’t have to have just one trim board—up to three boards are fairly common.
And since we are talking about trim, also consider adding trim around the base of deck posts. It’s a small touch that will instantly add elegance and style to your new deck.
Want to see these and other deck accessories in person? Stop by the Leisure Specialties showroom in Hampstead, MD. One of our specialists will be happy to help you select the perfect materials for your deck.