A Timeless Renovation, Part Two: Deck Upgrade
Written by Michelle Adams | Photographed by Marta X. Perez and Michelle Adams
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Lonny editor Michelle Adams transformed her deck, and added some much-needed curb appeal.
We finished off our deck with a drink rail that’s great for entertaining. The thin profile also keeps our view from being blocked.
I couldn't be more excited to share Part Two of my renovation series with you all! As a follow up to our backyard transformation in Part One, our team raced to design, build, and capture photos of our new deck before autumn gives way to winter. While I certainly could have waited until spring, our existing deck was, in all honesty, really bumming me out. Visible from most rooms in our home, the chunky (and rotting) wood railing was the first thing we saw when we looked out of our windows, and it blocked the peaceful views of our property. It was also in need of structural repair, and was plagued with nail pops and uneven deck boards. Understandably, my husband and I didn't want to hang out there barefoot, and we were constantly worried about our pups getting splinters. What's more, the unfinished space underneath was open and visible, and encouraged critters to nest there. So, it was time for a change.
What completely sold me on TimberTech was that their deck boards are engineered to look and feel like wood, yet are primarily made from recycled materials. Our deck alone is made from over 110,000 plastic bags that would have otherwise been diverted to a landfill.
Since our deck irked me from the day we moved in, I spent a lot of time doing research, gathering several quotes, and studying a big pile of samples. I had decided early on that I'd like to use a thin cable railing to showcase the incredible views on our property, and while researching cable design options I discovered TimberTech. Initially, I was drawn to the brand since they offer traditional styles of rail posts that help keep the cable railing from feeling too modern or cold. What completely sold me on TimberTech was that their deck boards are engineered to look and feel like wood, yet are primarily made from recycled materials. Our deck alone is made from over 110,000 plastic bags that would have otherwise been diverted to a landfill. 110,000! The deck is also incredibly low maintenance, and will look just as good twenty years from now as it does today. Our decision was made. We worked with the talented teams at TimberTech and Custom Deck Creations to build a deck that will last.
Before
Before, thick deck railing dominated the view of our yard and cheapened the look of our home, while nail pops, splinters, and loose deck boards created an unsafe environment for bare feet and our pups.
After
How’s that for an upgrade?! The new deck and railing modernize our home and add to its future resale value.
I love to entertain so it’s been thrilling to finally have a comfortable and beautiful spot for gatherings. We cut hydrangeas from the front yard and bring out our green splatterware dishes and favorite table linens to create a look that’s earthy and inviting.
Michelle’s Deck Design Tips
Choose the Right Materials
Select materials that suit your climate and maintenance preferences. Here in Michigan, we get a lot of rain and snow which can quickly wear down a wood deck. We love that we'll never have to sand, stain, or seal our TimberTech deck and that it will look just as great twenty years from now.
Consider Your Interiors
If your deck is visible from your windows, ideally, its design should complement the interior of your home. Given our dark wood floors and abundant walnut furniture indoors, we opted for a rich mocha-colored deck to extend this aesthetic outdoors. Additionally, we selected deck railing posts with classic trim detailing, mirroring the traditional millwork found inside our home.
Soften The Edges with Greenery
Whether real or faux, nothing brings a deck to life quite like greenery. I’m in love with the boxwood ball planters by NDI. They’re as low maintenance as the deck itself!
Light it Up
Create a bit of magic and extend the usability of your deck into the evening with well-designed lighting. Candles, string lights, lanterns, and built-in deck lights add ambiance and function.
Consider Your View
When selecting a deck railing, you have the option to maximize your view with cable or glass insert railings, which essentially disappear, or you can choose to add character with a fun pattern like a classic Chippendale geometric rail.
Our richly-hued deck will look just as good for decades to come, thanks to a protective capping that resists UV rays and staining.
The Legacy Collection deck boards have a hand-scraped finish which ensures that no two boards are exactly alike.
Outdoor greenery from NDI helps liven up our deck and makes each seating area feel a bit more cozy.
For a polished look we chose to close off the bottom of our deck. We then added a planter with a row of boxwoods that help it blend in with the surrounding greenery.
We can now enjoy the view of our property, thanks to our new cable railing.
Accent lights and a lighted island cap automatically kick on when the sun goes down, artfully illuminating our posts, transition points, and stairs.
Get The Look
