4 tips for building a dream deck

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how sustainable materials, smart design and innovative tech can transform your outdoor living space. 

What if you could build a deck that was not only low maintenance and beautiful, but also sustainable and environmentally friendly? It might seem like a long checklist, but it is possible to have all of this in one deck! As Steven Miller from Intelligent Living mentioned in their article, “Creating a low-maintenance and sustainable deck is achievable with careful planning, wise material choices and strategic design. Prioritizing designs that promote drainage, using eco-friendly finishes and incorporating smart technology can enhance your experience.”  

Keep reading to hear some of Steven’s tips for building a dream deck.  

1 – Material choice 

Any construction project begins with choosing the right materials. If you are wanting to build a particularly sustainable deck, there are a couple options:  

• Sustainably sourced wood: Look for wood that has been sustainably sourced, which “refers to wood sourced from forests managed in a way that preserves their health and biodiversity for future generations.” 
• Recycled materials: Another great option is composite. There are a lot of composite products made from plastics and wood fibers that offer durability and aesthetics.  

2 – Design for success 

Once you have a sustainable material picked out, you need to start thinking about the design of the deck. One tip Steven shared was using larger deck boards, as “larger deck boards can minimize the number of seams, reducing the area where dirt and moisture can accumulate.” 

When it comes to maintaining the sustainability of the project, you should think about how you can design with the natural shape of the land. By doing this, you reduce the amount of excavation and ecosystem disruption you are causing.  

Another element to consider is the permeability of your deck. Things like gravel or mulch can be used beneath the deck to manage water runoff. Not only does this support the long-term performance of your structure, but it also makes for a healthier ground beneath. 

3 – Incorporating eco-friendly elements 

On the note of eco-friendliness in your deck design, you should make sure to keep sustainability in mind as you continue to plan the rest of the project. For one, make sure you choose stains and sealants that don’t have harmful chemicals. Many of the chemicals used in traditional products can leach into the environment, harming not only the environment but the inhabitants using the deck! Water-based or plant-based alternatives are both great options. 

You should also make sure that you are planting native plants around the deck. By using native plants, you can create a beautiful oasis for the homeowner that requires less maintenance and resources. Steven explained, “Native plants require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides, making them a more environmentally friendly choice than exotic species. When landscaping your deck area, select plants that flourish in your local climate to minimize resource consumption.” 

4 – Consider smart technology  

And finally, you should talk to your client about smart technology options. Not many homeowners know that there are products out there that can streamline maintenance and improve the ambiance of their deck. Here are some examples of what smart technology can do on a deck:  

• Automated cleaning 
• Lighting options 
• Moisture management 
• Heating systems 

As Steven describes, these systems “can transform a traditional deck into a versatile, efficient area for entertainment and relaxation.” 

Want to learn more about building a deck that is eco-friendly, low maintenance and beautiful? Read Steven’s full article.