13 World Class Decks and Maintenance Tips

These low-maintenance decks offer something for every lifestyle.

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February 04, 2016

By: Jeff Stafford

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Sun and Shade Balance

This expansive ipe deck from MOSAIC Group offers ample room for both full sun and shade activities. Ipe is a durable and visually striking hardwood increasingly popular among homeowners. Tips for DIY installation: Use pre-grooved boards which will save you time in assembling; Carefully inspect all boards in advance to weed out any that may be slightly bent or warped; Use a face mask when installing to prevent irritation from the sawdust.

Penthouse Showcase

A penthouse deck from Tabor Design Build offers a bird’s eye view of the surroundings in a stylish combination of a ClearVue aluminum and glass railing system, LED rope lights and Azek Tahoe decking. Azek decking is available in a variety of color palettes and is impervious to moisture and insects. Azek decking is also stain resistant and can withstand spilled wine and other liquids and foods that would mar ordinary surfaces.

A Pool Set in Stone

A backyard patio/pool combination from Kane Landscapes features a fountain, entertainment areas and a raised patio of concrete, stone veneer, rectangular Penn and Bluestone. To maintain the natural beauty of your stone surfaces, do not use abrasive cleaners (like tub & tile products), vinegar or other acid cleaners. Instead use a recommended cleaner from the manufacturer. You can also preserve the stone’s color with a stone sealer.

Elevated Viewing

Want a deck with a commanding view of your natural surroundings? This composite deck is ideal for homeowners who want a long-lasting, low maintenance material compared to natural wood. Keep in mind that PVC decks can fade, buckle and harbor mildew after prolonged periods of hot or cold weather. But you can use a manufacturer’s suggested brightener to enhance the appearance and regular cleaning with soap and water will reduce buckling and mildew.

Is it Wood or PVC?

It might look like natural wood but this sleek, handsome backyard deck is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which is resistant to rotting and oxidation. PVC eliminates the need to sand, stain or strip your deck and all you need to maintain one is regular cleaning with soap and water.

Green and White

A dazzling white dual-purpose deck stands out against the lush green lawn and stone fire pit in a design that includes Trex Transcends decking featuring a rain escape system with hidden downspouts, Azek railing posts and Techno-bloc pavers. Trex Transcends decks are easy to maintain with soapy water and soft brushes for cleaning. If removing ice or snow, use a plastic shovel. To remove hard water mineral deposits, use white vinegar or a product recommended by the manufacturer.

The Ultimate Backyard Layout

You can create a private backyard oasis with a design like this one which includes a spa pool, courtyard, built-in chimney/grill area and dual purpose pressure-treated pine deck. PTP decks have a light hue when first installed but will turn gray with weathering and sun exposure over time. To maintain the original color, you can use semi-transparent stains, opaque stains or transparent sealers on PTP.

Pergola in the Corner

A pressure-treated pine (PTP) deck gets a stylish upgrade with a pergola and dining area. PTP structures are economic and practical due to a lifetime warranty against rotting and termites but they are subject to cracking and cupping in prolonged hot weather. To prevent this, hose the deck down occasionally to minimize heat exposure.

The Gardening/Entertaining Design

In this practical dual design you can enjoy both gardening and entertaining on a Trex deck. To help maintain the deck’s attractive, natural appearance, a semi-annual cleaning with a composite deck cleaner is recommended.

Fresh as a Spring Day

This spectacular natural setting is utilized to full advantage in this elegant Sedona Azek Deck with Dekorator balusters. To maintain the warm, earthy tones of an Azek deck, use only cleaning and maintenance products recommended by the manufacturer. You also need to avoid using rubber or vinyl products (welcome mats, planters) on the deck as they may cause discoloration.

Deck Zen Zone

You can commune with nature and enjoy spectacular sightlines in an open deck design like this one made of ipe wood, which is low maintenance (use only soap and water for cleaning). It will need UV protection to prevent it from drying out. A natural finish like teak oil is good for preserving the color of the Ipe (avoid colored finishes) and may need to be applied 2-3 times during the first 18 months of deck usage.

Upstairs, Downstairs

Expand your entertainment options and utilize your underdeck. This underdeck features a screened-in porch and Tigerwood and composite decking for both levels. To maintain the beauty of composite surfaces, never use acetone or other solvents for cleaning. Warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush work best. Tigerwood does not require a sealant unless you want to retain the natural color instead of letting it age naturally.

The Superior Viewpoint

A sweeping view can be yours if you opt for an open deck design like this one made of pressure-treated wood. Tip for DIY installation: If the wood is wet when first purchased, you can install the boards close together and the gaps will not be very wide when natural shrinkage occurs. If the wood is already dry, you need to leave some room between the boards so they can expand naturally over time.