For Seattle deck builders, TimberTech is a top choice, thanks mainly to the brand’s commitment to beauty and durability. More importantly, the material versatility and great variety of TimberTech decking mean unlimited design and aesthetic possibilities. Now, if you’re looking to come up with your own TimberTech deck design, here are some ideas and tools to help you get started.
5 TimberTech Deck Design Ideas to Inspire You
Designing a TimberTech deck goes beyond choosing the product that fits your decking needs. It is a creative process where you get to play with patterns, functions, and even architectural styles. There are many ways to approach the task, but you’ll always need to start with an idea.
Here are some you might want to consider if your light bulb’s not quite getting that spark.
Coastal Calm
The PVC Harvest Collection’s Straight Gray or Kona works great with waterfront or beach-themed builds. This design calls for boards in a classic straight lay, with a subtle rug effect in the seating area where the decking changes in direction or uses a lighter shade. To complete the coastal vibe, you can use hemp rope and blue and sandy beige accents. This can be a multilevel, beach house-style deck or, better yet, incorporate a water feature.
Daring Diagonals
Forget straight lays; have your boards arranged in a 45-degree diagonal pattern for this deck build. English Walnut from the Vintage collection or a similar decking with a deep, warm tone does the job. To avoid monotony, create a visual pop by adding contrasting inlays. Take advantage of the diagonal pattern by building angled planters directly on the deck, following the same 45-degree line to create a cohesive space.
Modern Multi-tone
This build takes advantage of the versatility of TimberTech PVC decking. More specifically, it requires Vintage collection boards cut into varying widths to create an asymmetrical pattern. This uses light tones for the main deck, bordered in a picture frame style with darker boards. LED lighting is the cherry on top—use it as under-rail and stair riser lighting, adding an ambient glow and safety to the build.
Nondescript Nordic
Light, muted browns from the Harvest or Terrain collections work best with this Scandinavian-inspired design. Minimalism is key here and will be reflected in the addition of natural wood furniture and minimalist decorative elements. You may use vertical boards to create a privacy screen with varying gaps, allowing efficient airflow. You can also use this feature to integrate advanced features such as smart lighting.
Reclaimed Rustic
TimberTech’s composite boards feature reclaimed wood patterns and earthy colors that are perfect for this build. These boards are laid out in a classic straight lay, with a smaller section—perhaps for dining or seating—in a herringbone or basketweave pattern. You may add an industrial rustic accent to your deck with TimberTech Aluminum Railing. Finish this off with a central fire pit bordered with heat-bent PVC boards, preferably with a dark tone.
Finding Further Deck Design Inspiration
The above ideas are just a small sample of the many deck designs possible with TimberTech decking. If you’re looking for inspiration that will help you come up with an original one, here are a few good sources:
- TimberTech Blog. TimberTech’s official website has a blog that offers various information on building and maintaining your deck. It has an entire category of content offering deck design ideas that take advantage of the versatility and beauty of TimberTech decking.
- Pinterest. Good old Pinterest is a great source of general deck design inspiration. It does not just have images that would inspire you, but also DIY tutorials that you can try out.
- Social media. Social networking platforms like Facebook have communities dedicated to deck design. Joining these niche groups is a great way to check out other people’s deck designs or get tips from your fellow builders.
- Generative AI. It wouldn’t hurt to turn to artificial intelligence for deck design inspiration. ChatGPT, Meta AI, and similar large language models can generate deck images that will help you with the ideation process.
Tools to Visualize Your Idea
Visualization is an important bridge between ideation and the implementation of your deck design. Usually, one can do this through sketching or using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Once you’ve drafted your design, it’s a good time to estimate your composite decking cost based on your chosen materials and deck size.
For those who can’t draw or don’t have access to any CAD program, here are some tools that you should find helpful:
3D Deck Designer
Timbertech’s 3D Deck Designer is the best way to create, save, compare, and share three-dimensional deck designs. It is created with TimberTech solutions in mind, allowing you to come up with a deck design based on existing products and create a detailed list of materials as you go. It also has a mobile version perfect for folks who are always on the go.
Alternative Deck Design Tools
Besides the official TimberTech tool, there are also other online software that you can use to quickly whip out your deck design idea. Here are our top picks:
- Decks.com Deck Designer. Sponsored by TimberTech rival Trex, this tool is a great way to turn your idea into a visual model. It allows for building multilevel decks and stairs, making it a great tool to visualize complex designs.
- Planner 5D. While this tool is primarily a home design software, it has tools that let you model outdoor spaces like decks. Its best feature is a massive library of architectural design assets, including thousands of furniture models and decorative elements, allowing you to accurately interpret your vision.
- Simpson Strong-Tie Deck Planner. Created by fastener and structural connector manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie, this online deck design software lets users create 3D deck designs from scratch or edit existing templates. This tool highlights your deck’s critical connections, ensuring a strong and safe design.
Tips to Create the Best TimberTech Deck Design
Now that you have your inspiration and the means to visualize your concept, it’s time to get to the design process. Before you start playing with your ideas, here are some useful tips:
- Consider your space. Make sure your design works with your available outdoor space. Turn space limitations to your advantage or integrate your deck with the surrounding natural elements.
- Understand your needs. Having a specific purpose for your deck lets you tailor its design and features based on your requirements. A deck designed for relaxation, for instance, is entirely different from one with a dedicated grilling area.
- Define your aesthetic preferences. The final look of your deck hinges on your preferences, so it’s best to establish a coherent style from the outset. Consider how your deck complements the existing home architecture or works with the existing landscape.
- Prioritize ease of installation. Keep things simple and convenient. Avoid complicated designs that may require specialized tools and labor, opting instead for streamlined, straightforward layouts using compatible materials.
In Summary
There are no limits when it comes to TimberTech deck design. Take advantage of readily accessible inspiration sources and tools to conceptualize and visualize your idea. With resourcefulness and thoughtful planning, you should be on your way to creating a beautiful and functional TimberTech deck that perfectly suits your lifestyle.
