A deck should be a welcoming and inviting place. It is likely to be the most used area of both the front or back yard. In the front yard, decks are a place to greet visitors, or wave to your neighbors as they pass by, or just enjoy a great view, breeze, or have a nice visit with a friend. In the back yard, a deck is a place to relax, cook, dine outside, sit amongst the flowers and watch the hummingbirds and butterflies, watch the kids play, view the yard and other features, and entertain small and large gatherings. Maybe there’s a secluded spot for a quiet conversation or a retreat with a connected hot tub.
Shades of Green Landscaping designs and builds custom decks of all sizes and styles. During the initial client interview, the type of deck the client wants and the type of furniture, grill, dining area and places for other items such as flower pots are discussed. Other considerations are height off the ground, views, need for more sun or shade, need for railing and its design, solid cover area, privacy, types of entertaining, connection to the ground level and room(s) in the house, and if there will be any other places in yard with paving or to gather.
More frequently, clients want a deck large enough for comfortable outdoor living. They appreciate plenty of room, and the various spaces on a deck designed for specific uses. With fireplaces, fire pits, heaters, and more urban living, our cooler nights still allow for comfortable outdoor use well into summer evenings and much of the year. A south-facing deck is a haven during the day.
Type of decking material to be used is a definite consideration. While most of today’s decks are done in composite decking for many good reasons – they last ‘forever’, simple maintenance, no splinters, splits, cupping, and easy to repair, wood decking is still done for reasons such as cost concerns, to match or expand an existing deck, the more rustic appearance of wood is preferred, or it complements the architecture of the home better. In addition to the traditional fir, cedar, or sequoia decking used in the Pacific Northwest, Ipe, a very dense and gorgeous tropical hardwood has become quite popular.
Shades of Green Landscaping would love to design and build a deck for you! Let us create a great place for you to create wonderful memories of birthday parties, gatherings, crafting with the kids, neighborhood barbecues, and other times to celebrate or get together. Or just a place where the family enjoys being outdoors as much as possible during our lovely summer days and evenings.
We hope the pictures of some of Shades of Green Landscaping decks below will help you envision the possibilities of a wonderful deck
Custom deck was designed to be in sunny areas as well as give a great view of the Green River. A bridge on the left side and a few steps takes people down to the shore.
A narrow side yard, once a mossy sidewalk/wood steps at back door, gets an elevated deck at finished floor level with a trellis above…very inviting compared to sidewalk and weeds on each side.
This deck has 2 main areas to provide function, great views, interest, and to work well with the sloping topography.
Building a deck over the ‘too-steep’ slope was a great way to get some usable area in the back yard of this sloped property.
Large upper deck off of the house provides a viewing overlook of a waterfall and pond, lower patio, dock, golf green and Mt. Ranier at this Lake Taps property.
Extra-wide deck steps connect the lower deck to the pergola area at top.
Mature wisteria and other plantings gives tranquility and privacy to this lounging deck. You’d never know how close the neighbors are!
2- Level Deck extends outward at the edge of the upper Green River Valley, providing great views. It is north facing, so wide steps to a large patio that provides more sun in morning was installed.
This shady deck is built along a ravine, giving a tree house feeling. It connects the driveway, front door and back door, all at the same level – very convenient.
Once a space for a hot tub, the area was raised for better view of the Green River. It can be used for lawn chairs, or a small table and chairs quite comfortably.
A small deck to overview Redondo Beach. A great, elevated open spot to watch the people passing by and sunsets on a warm summer day/evening. Plantings will help with privacy and aesthetics.
This deck provides an upper lounging area and a small, covered kitchen at the same level as the house. Below is a dining patio.
Enlarged deck with new steps connecting to the lower patio area. White grid lattice will grow star jasmine on the south-facing trellis.
Composite deck with thin rails allows views from the new deck …. designed to view the adjacent waterfall from the half-hexagon area for dining.
South-facing sunny deck on Steel Lake has glass-panel railing to not block any views of the lake.
2-Level deck was designed for the table area to extend outwards, adding a lot of interest.
This ‘Mezzanine’ Deck connects the Master Bedroom (on far right) to the main Patio with a series of step down decks.