Design Ideas for Stunning Composite Decks in Calgary
Adding a deck to your home in Calgary is an excellent way to increase property value, create an inviting outdoor space, and bring modernity and style to your home. A composite deck from a reputable Calgary builder provides many advantages over wooden decks, such as lower maintenance requirements, cost over time, and greater longevity.
And while it may seem overwhelming to think of all the design possibilities for a composite deck, it’s easier than you think! Modern composite materials come in various colours, textures, and styles that can be used to create stunning custom decks.
Plus, many composite decking systems are designed for quick and easy installation so that you can enjoy your new outdoor oasis immediately.
Whether you prefer classic wooden-style designs or something modern and unique, there’s a deck for you. Let’s take a look at composite decks – what they are, why they are growing in popularity across Calgary and some unique and creative design ideas.
What Is A Composite Deck?
First, let’s define what a composite deck is.
Composite decks are made from two or more materials fused together to form a strong and durable structure. The base layers typically consist of recycled wood fibers or sawdust mixed with a plastic binder.
On top of this, manufacturers add an additional layer of PVC or a protective polymer that shields the material from the elements and keeps it looking new for years. Depending on the manufacturer, these decks can also have various features, such as anti-slip surfaces and built-in drainage systems.
The Benefits of Composite Decks in Calgary
Across Calgary, you’ve likely seen composite decks popping up everywhere. There’s a good reason (a few reasons, actually) why. You can go in-depth on composite deck benefits by reading our dedicated blog post on the topic, but here are 3 quick ones for you:
- Durability: Composite decks are more resistant to rot, mildew, and insects than traditional wood decks. This makes them a great long-term investment for Calgary homeowners who want a maintenance-free outdoor living space.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike wood decks, composite decks don’t require regular staining or sealing and don’t need to be power washed yearly. This means less time spent maintaining your deck and more time enjoying it.
- Eco-Friendly: Composite decks are made from recycled materials, which helps reduce environmental impact.
10 Composite Deck Design Ideas
Now that you know the benefits of composite decks, let’s look at some design ideas!
1) Attached Decks
One of the most commonly found deck styles is designed to be located behind or beside a house and is accessed through a backdoor.
The easy access makes them ideal for hosting parties and cookouts, and when constructed from a composite board like those offered by Trex, they can last for decades before needing replacement. Throw on some deck furniture, put up an awning, and you have all you need to relax outdoors!
2) Detached (or island) Decks
If you have rocky, swampy, or uneven terrain in your yard, you might consider a detached deck put up on screw piles.
Island decks, or detached decks, are constructed away from buildings and accessed through stairs or walkways to avoid hazards.
They are typically smaller and more exposed than other decks but offer more opportunities for adding flowerbeds, landscaping, or supporting natural plant and animal life.
3) Multi-Level Decks
Like a detached deck, multi-level (or multi-tier) decks have multiple floor levels often used to avoid uneven terrain or rocks.
The difference? These decks are usually much bigger and more ornate.
If you have the budget, you can create staircases, walkways, railings and banisters, flower gardens, tree beds, and anything else you can imagine. If you live on an acreage or a large lot, this is one of the best ways to maximize the use of your outdoor space.
4) Wraparound Decks
Who doesn’t love a Southern-style wraparound porch? This is one of the deck styles that takes that concept to a new level, with larger spaces, higher elevations, irregular shapes, and more open air to enjoy.
Plus, you get a great view of your surroundings – making this deck style excellent for mountainous or oceanside regions. Another bonus? You get all the space on the deck and the space below it – making great use of every square foot of your property.
5) Rooftop or Over-Garage Decks
Many people aren’t able to build out into their yards if they have small properties – so they build over their houses instead.
If you have a flat-top garage, you might be able to develop a rooftop deck up there (just make sure you get the right experts in to test the structural strength first). With the potential for great views and fun, while being close to home and private, more and more people are choosing rooftop decks in Calgary and elsewhere.
6) Balcony Decks
Balcony decks are different from other types in that they are only accessible from a door inside your house and generally on the second floor or higher.
This makes them ideal for upper-floor walkouts, where they can extend the available space for bedrooms or living rooms – just make sure to have an inspection done to ensure enough support.
The lack of external stairs helps you maintain a secure and private area if you prefer not to leave furniture or other items on the ground level.
7) Patio Decks
Often confused with regular wooden decks, the word patio actually refers to an area covered with paving stones (or similar constructs) that is situated directly on the ground and not above it.
These can be built attached to ground-floor homes or offset in a detached style to work around natural or landscaped features. A patio is usually a cheaper alternative than fully-built decks if you have ample, flat space directly outside your back door.
8) Side-Yard Decks
Often overlooked as walkways, dog runs, or unclaimable space, small and narrow side yards can turn into prime deck areas with the right design.
Consider size, appearance, accessibility, and purpose when designing the deck space. With careful consideration, unused areas can become private gardens, storage, bedroom balconies, or cozy spots to relax.
9) Swimming Pool Decks
So you’ve installed a swimming pool – but if you want to avoid unnecessary dirt and debris accumulating from the low-lying ground around it, you’ll want to follow up with a specialized swimming pool deck.
Slightly raised, water-resistant, and designed to reflect heat as much as possible, a fresh-looking pool deck not only helps keep your pool clean but also keeps swimmers safe and free from slips. If you need inspiration, here’s an excellent summary of common poolside deck materials.
10) Entryway Decks
Not quite as elaborate or specialized as a full deck, entryway decks offer walking areas incorporated into the landscaping and natural features of your home’s entry points.
Usually uncovered and consisting of a few basic squares of wood, brick, stone, or other materials leading up to a porch or courtyard, they are just a highlight that doesn’t draw too much attention from the surrounding area.
Build The Right Composite Deck with Maritime West Construction
Now that you know more about the deck styles, all that’s left is to choose materials, designers, colours, products, stains, protective coatings, and all the other parts that make sure you get the best possible deck-building experience.
And one of the best ways to do that is to call in the experts like Maritime West Construction. With years of experience and a team of skilled, dedicated professionals ready to help you make your dream project a reality, MWC is the perfect partner for any deck-building endeavour.
Our designers are skilled at building composite decks based on customized ideas and designs, while our builders are experts at finding the right materials to ensure your deck is safe, sturdy, and beautiful. Before we build, we will create personalized 3D renderings to showcase your ideas and help you understand what the finished product will look like.
Let us make your composite deck dreams come true! Contact Maritime West Construction today to get started.
