The deck is the foundation for functionality and style when designing your ideal outdoor space. Whether you envision a custom-built retreat, a low-maintenance composite deck, or a multi-level entertainment area, your chosen materials and design will shape how you experience your outdoor environment. Every deck offers unique advantages, but the key to selecting the perfect one lies in understanding the technical details, long-term benefits, and how each design can enhance your home’s overall appeal.
In this guide, we’ll dive into 9 distinct deck designs, breaking down their construction, materials, and ideal uses—so you can make the best decision for your space, lifestyle, and budget. Let’s explore the possibilities and start bringing your vision to life.
1. Custom Deck | Deck Builder & Deck Installation in Colorado
A custom deck transforms outdoor spaces with personalized layouts, materials, and features. Whether you want a multi-tiered deck, built-in seating, or a unique railing system, a deck builder in Colorado ensures quality construction that suits your home and climate.
Homeowners can choose from composite, PVC, or natural wood decking, each offering different levels of durability and maintenance. A deck installation expert will help homeowners navigate zoning regulations and recommend the best materials for Colorado’s weather conditions.
Technical Insights:
- Structural Engineering: Custom decks require specialized load distribution to ensure safety and longevity. The joist system, posts, and beam sizes must be tailored to support the deck’s weight, factoring in live loads (e.g., furniture people) and dead loads (e.g., the deck’s weight).
- Material Selection: For durability, materials like composite decking or treated wood can be chosen, while PVC offers low maintenance and high weather resistance.
Pros:
- Tailored Design: Custom-built to fit your specific space and needs, allowing for unique features like built-in seating and multi-level layouts.
- Maximized Functionality: Include outdoor kitchens, entertainment spaces, or elements that suit your lifestyle.
- Long-Term Value: Adds significant value to your property by enhancing its outdoor living space.
Cons:
- Higher Costs: Custom designs require specialized materials, skilled labor, and extended construction time, increasing costs.
- Longer Build Time: The design and approval process takes time, and custom construction takes longer than pre-built options.
- Potential for Design Limitations: Some designs may not be suitable for all property layouts or require additional engineering.
Tip: Hybrid Decks that combine wood and composite materials can lower costs while still offering the benefits of both materials. For example, composite decking is used for the main surface, and wood is used for the railings.
2. Pool/Spa Decks
A pool deck enhances outdoor spaces by providing a moisture-resistant, slip-safe surface around pools and spas. A pool deck builder in Colorado ensures the use of durable, waterproof decking materials like composite, stone pavers, or textured concrete.
Designed for constant water exposure and heavy foot traffic, pool decks in Colorado must handle chlorine, weather changes, and sun exposure without warping or deteriorating.
Technical Insights:
- Slip Resistance: A high coefficient of friction (COF) is crucial for safety, especially when the deck gets wet. Materials such as textured concrete or grooved composite decking offer superior grip to prevent slips.
- Waterproofing: Composite decking or stone pavers ensure that the deck resists the water damage and mildew typically associated with wet environments.
Pros:
- Moisture Resistance: Built to handle constant exposure to water and chemicals, preventing damage like mold, rot, and mildew.
- Safety Features: Slip-resistant surfaces help minimize accidents, making them safer around pools or spas.
- Aesthetic Appeal: It is designed to complement the pool or spa area, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the outdoor space.
Cons:
- Higher Maintenance: Regular cleaning is required to prevent algae buildup and keep the surface in good condition.
- Specialized Materials: Slip-resistant and moisture-resistant materials are needed to increase the overall cost of the deck.
- Exposure to Pool Chemicals: Pool chemicals can still cause wear on the surface over time, requiring occasional resurfacing or replacement.
Did you know? Installing an in-ground pool averages $42,480 and adds roughly $21,483 to a home’s value, recouping about 51% of the investment. However, the costs and maintenance may outweigh the potential ROI. Consult a real estate agent to assess if adding a pool is worthwhile.
3. Covered Decks
A covered deck protects outdoor living spaces from Colorado’s sun, snow, and rain. Whether adding a solid-roof deck, retractable canopy, or pergola, working with a covered deck builder in Colorado ensures a long-lasting, weather-resistant structure.
Pairing a covered deck with a patio extension creates a versatile space for entertaining, dining, or relaxing year-round.
Technical Insights:
- Roof Support: Covered decks require structural support beams that can handle heavy snow, wind, or rain loads, especially in areas prone to harsh weather.
- Waterproofing: Proper rainwater management systems, such as gutters and flashing, prevent water damage and direct rainwater from the deck.
Pros:
- All-Weather Usability: Provides shelter from rain, snow, and sun, making your deck usable year-round.
- Furniture Protection: Keeps your outdoor furniture safe from the elements, prolonging its lifespan.
- Extended Living Space: Adds usable space for dining, lounging, or entertaining, no matter the weather.
Cons:
- Increased Costs: Adding a roof or cover raises the overall construction costs due to the need for additional materials and labor.
- Limited Sunlight: A roof may block natural light, making the space more enclosed or darker.
- Maintenance Requirements: The roof and drainage systems require regular upkeep to prevent leaks and remain functional.
Tip: Translucent roofing materials like polycarbonate can provide protection and allow natural light to filter through, keeping the space bright while still being weatherproof.
4. Rooftop Decks
A rooftop deck uses underutilized roof space, offering panoramic views and a modern outdoor retreat. A rooftop deck builder in Colorado ensures proper structural reinforcement, waterproofing, and code compliance.
Materials like composite decking and aluminum railings help withstand states’ extreme weather conditions, ensuring a low-maintenance, high-performance outdoor space.
Technical Insights:
- Structural Reinforcement: To handle the added weight, a rooftop deck requires reinforced support structures, and weight distribution analysis is necessary for safety.
- Waterproofing Systems: Since rooftop decks are exposed to the elements, waterproofing membranes, and drainage systems must be installed to protect the roof and prevent leaks.
Pros:
- Stunning Views: Offers panoramic views that cannot be achieved with traditional ground-level decks.
- Space Optimization: Ideal for homes with limited yard space, using the roof as additional outdoor living space.
- Unique Design Element: Adding a modern, stylish feature to your home creates a desirable outdoor area.
Cons:
- Complex Engineering: Requires structural reinforcement to support the deck’s weight, leading to higher costs and more time for planning and construction.
- Weather Exposure: Fully exposed to the elements, requiring more maintenance and weatherproofing.
- Limited Feasibility: Not all homes are suited for rooftop decks, as flat roofs or structural modifications may be needed.
Did you know? According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, the demand for rooftop decks has increased by 25% in the last five years, particularly in urban areas with limited ground-level yard space.
5. Multilevel Decks| Multi-Tier Deck Builder in Colorado
A multilevel deck maximizes sloped yards and large outdoor spaces, creating distinct zones for dining, lounging, and entertaining. A multi-tier deck builder in Colorado ensures proper structural support and seamless transitions between levels.
Designed for functionality and style, a multi-tier deck installation connects patios, pergolas, or pool decks, enhancing home value and outdoor usability.
Technical Insights:
- Post and Beam System: Multilevel decks require additional posts, beams, and joists to handle each level’s weight. Each level must be independently designed and supported.
- Water Management: Effective gutter systems and sloping prevent water buildup on each level, maintaining the integrity of the deck’s structure.
Pros:
- Zoning Flexibility: Multiple levels allow for distinct zones for dining, lounging, or entertainment, improving the functionality of your outdoor space.
- Adaptable to Sloped Yards: This product is perfect for uneven terrain, utilizing the natural landscape to create usable outdoor space.
- Increased Space: Going vertical can improve your deck’s total usable area.
Cons:
- Higher Costs: More materials and labor are required, making multilevel decks significantly more expensive than single-level designs.
- Complex Construction: The need for separate supports, beams, and joists for each level increases the construction time and complexity.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Each level requires independent maintenance, increasing the upkeep needed.
6. Curved Decks
A curved deck softens landscape lines, blending naturally with gardens, patios, and outdoor features. A custom deck builder in Colorado Springs ensures precision in curved layouts, composite decking installation, and durable railings.
Curved designs work well with multi-level decks, pool decks, or covered patios, creating aesthetic flow and maximizing space.
Technical Insights:
- Bending Materials: Curved decks require flexible materials like laminated wood or engineered composite decking, which can bend without compromising strength.
- Structural Reinforcement: The curves require reinforced beams and precise construction to maintain the deck’s integrity.
Pros:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Curved designs offer a unique, flowing look that adds sophistication and blends with natural landscapes.
- Maximized Use of Space: Curves fit into irregular areas more efficiently, allowing you to utilize every inch of your yard.
- Integration with Nature: Curved decks seamlessly transition between your deck and surrounding landscaping or features.
Cons:
- Higher Costs: To create smooth, functional curves, custom materials, and advanced carpentry are required, increasing material and labor costs.
- Time-Consuming Construction: Curved designs are complex, and precise measurements and structural reinforcements are required to prolong the build time.
- Limited Flexibility: Once built, altering or modifying a curved deck is difficult and expensive, requiring specialized adjustments.
7. Motorized Pergolas | Pergola Builder & Pergola Installation in Colorado Springs
A motorized pergola provides adjustable shade control, allowing homeowners to adapt to Colorado’s weather conditions. A pergola builder in Colorado installs innovative pergolas with automated louvers, combining modern technology with outdoor comfort.
Pergolas integrates seamlessly with decks, patios, and pool areas, offering a stylish and functional shade solution.
- Electric Motors: The louvers in motorized pergolas are powered by electric motors, often controlled via a smartphone or remote. These systems are designed to be weather-resistant and durable.
- Material Considerations: Aluminum or stainless steel are commonly used for the frame, offering strength and weather resistance.
Pros:
- Adjustable Shade: Louvers open and close at the press of a button, offering customizable shade and sunlight control.
- Modern Aesthetic: Adds a sleek, contemporary design element to your outdoor living space.
- Weather Control: Provides flexibility to adapt to changing weather, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
Cons:
- Higher Costs: The technology and specialized materials make motorized pergolas more expensive than traditional options.
- Maintenance Requirements: The mechanical and electrical components require periodic maintenance to ensure smooth operation.
- Installation Complexity: These systems require professional installation, increasing the cost and complexity compared to standard pergolas.
8. Under Deck Waterproofing | Deck Drainage Systems in Colorado
Under-deck waterproofing maximizes usable space beneath elevated decks, keeping areas dry for storage or additional outdoor living. A deck waterproofing contractor in Colorado installs drainage systems and waterproof membranes to prevent moisture damage.
Ideal for homes with multi-level decks, covered patios, or sloped landscapes, under-deck waterproofing protects the deck’s foundation and extends its lifespan.
Under-deck waterproofing systems allow you to use the space below your deck for storage or additional outdoor living areas. These systems direct rainwater away from the deck, keeping the space beneath dry and protected.
Technical Insights:
- Waterproof Membranes: Waterproof membranes are installed underneath the deck to channel rainwater into gutter systems.
- Sloping: Proper sloping of the deck surface ensures water is directed away from the under-deck area, preventing moisture damage.
Pros:
- Additional Usable Space: Transforms the space beneath your deck into a dry, functional area, perfect for storage or extra living space.
- Protects Deck Structure: Prevents water from seeping into the deck structure, ensuring longevity and minimizing maintenance needs.
- Increases Home Value: Adding functional square footage can boost the overall value of your home.
Cons:
- Installation Complexity: Requires careful planning and installation to ensure the waterproofing system functions appropriately.
- Additional Costs: Adding a waterproofing system increases the deck’s overall cost, including materials and labor.
- Maintenance Needs: The drainage system requires periodic cleaning and maintenance to avoid clogs and ensure adequate water management.
9. Deck Railing & Lighting
Deck railings and lighting improve safety, aesthetics, and nighttime usability. A deck railing installer in Colorado Springs ensures secure installations with aluminum, glass, cable, or composite railings.
Adding LED lighting to deck stairs, posts, or pergolas enhances the ambiance and functionality of outdoor living spaces.
Technical Insights:
- Railing Materials: Common materials include wood, aluminum, stainless steel, and glass. Glass railings provide an unobstructed view, while aluminum offers durability with minimal maintenance.
- Lighting Systems: LED lighting is used for deck lighting due to its energy efficiency and long lifespan. It can be installed along railings, steps, or seating.
Pros:
- Enhanced Safety: Railings add a layer of protection, especially on elevated decks, preventing falls and ensuring stability.
- Atmosphere: Integrated lighting systems create a welcoming ambiance, allowing you to use your deck even after dark.
- Customization: Both railings and lighting can be tailored to suit your deck’s style, from traditional wood to modern glass or metal designs.
Cons:
- Increased Costs: Custom railings and lighting systems increase the cost of your deck, especially when using high-end materials like stainless steel or glass.
- Maintenance: Wooden railings require regular upkeep, such as staining or sealing, while lighting systems may require occasional bulb replacements or electrical maintenance.
- Potential Safety Concerns: While stylish, glass railings can be prone to scratches and cracks, requiring extra care and specialized cleaning.
It’s Time to Choose the Perfect Deck for You
We’ve given you an in-depth look at some of the most popular deck designs and services, from custom creations to low-maintenance composites. Now, it’s your turn to assess which option aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and outdoor goals. Whether you envision a spacious multi-level layout, a functional poolside space, or a simple, durable composite surface, the decision is yours.
Take your time to consider the possibilities. Alta Outdoor Living is here to bring your vision to life when you’re ready. Let’s build the deck you’ve always imagined!
