Deck Accessories

When building a deck, there are quite a few things to consider. The construction materials for the deck are important, but you’ll also need hardware and fasteners, railings, and you may also want to divide and enhance your space. Fortunately, there are a huge variety of options available to enhance your deck and turn a simple outdoor space into an authentic living area.

Fasteners and Hardware

There are a number of options for deck assembly, including traditional galvanized, stainless steel, or brass nails or screws and fasteners designed to be invisible. Fasteners may be part of the decking material construction if you’re using flooring that snaps together over an existing flooring, or may be specific to the type of flooring you choose.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you get the right type of fasteners for your flooring, taking into consideration the depth of your flooring, the substrate, and the best materials for your climate.

Railings

Adding a deck railing is an important safety consideration, but railings are also an element of design. Railings should complement and enhance the design of the floor, and whether you choose a simple rough-hewn rusticity or a trendy specialty railing with a modern metal and Plexiglas construction, the railing style should complement both the deck and the style of your home.

Post Caps, Trim, and Sleeves

Add style to a plain railing with stylish post caps, trim, and post sleeves to add a finished look to your railing. Lighted post caps are also available, to add security without taking up additional space.

Privacy Walls and Dividers

If you live in a duplex, and apartment, or a zero-lot home, finding privacy can be a challenge. There are a number of ways to create the illusion of privacy on an outdoor deck, including strategically placed plants, walls in the same materials and style as the railing.

Building a privacy wall as a design feature is a great way to add style and beauty to the space while adding function – like adding an attractive barbeque grill inside a functional brick enclosure with hooks for tools or a terraced planter for an herb garden or a strawberry patch. You might also consider recycling items like glass blocks popular in the 1970s or incorporating a movable free-standing screen.

One of the reasons decks have become so popular is the variety of products available on the market, from fire pits to all-weather chaise lounges. You’ll find a huge variety of furniture and functional pieces to enhance your outdoor living space. Building a space to reflect your personal style might include a private refuge to relax in or a rowdy place to entertain friends, an outdoor cooking and dining space, or a garden full of good things to bring to the table. Your deck is yours to design for whatever purpose you can imagine. The possibilities are endless.