Decks are becoming more and more popular for that ultimate outdoor living space for homeowners. A well-planned custom built deck can transform your backyard into a sanctuary for relaxation and entertaining that also accentuates your home’s distinct style.

Some of the best innovations and design ideas end up being the simplest. This is no truer than with Durham Decks Inc. design ideas and features for outdoor living. We can transform any backyard with even the most intricate designs.

Professional Deck Planing

At Durham Decks Inc., we have built and installed hundreds of decks & fences in the Durham area and we will advise you on design and material choices as well as come to your home to get a sense of what you want in the context of what is possible for your space.

Composite /PVC Materials

So why choose composite materials for your deck over wood? Ease of maintenance seems to be the primary reason. Composite planks are a uniform color throughout, which is wonderful if your deck gets scratched. There is no need for staining, refinishing or repainting, so if you get quality product maintenance should be minimal. Also, the plastic makes composite planks water resistant and they are easy to clean.

Cedar Decking

Nothing is more relaxing than sitting on a beautiful cedar deck enjoying a barbecue in the middle of summer. Western Red Cedar is a perfect choice for our climate. It has natural oils in it that resist insects and is very resistant to rot and decay. If cedar is left natural it will turn a grey colour, but it still will last decades due to its natural properties.

Pressure Treated Decking

Is typically a Hem-Fir that has been immersed in a liquid preservative and placed in a pressure chamber. The chamber will force the solution deep into the wood fibers giving a greater degree of protection. The name of the chemical used in this process is called alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ). The copper is toxic to various insects and fungi that would damage the wood.

Deck Lighting

A deck can be a wonderful place to spend time, but many homeowners are not able to make full use of this space because they have not installed outdoor lighting. A well-lit deck is an extension of your home where you can relax with family or entertain friends. Whether you want your deck to be party central or a place to get some peace and quiet, let Durham Decks Inc help create the perfect outdoor environment with the variety of deck lighting products available.

The lighting for your deck will depend on how the space is designed. For example, if your deck is enclosed by a railing, you can mount the lighting fixture on top of a post, on the side of the post, or on the underside of the railing. Recessed lights may be a good choice; these lights are flush with the deck, with the fixtures being installed in small holes in the deck. Recessed lights have a very modern appearance, and are a great way to define a boundary for a deck that does not have a railing.

See examples of deck installations →

Pergolas

A pergola is a structure that could very well serve as the roof of a patio, but can also be free standing. It’s open on all sides, and most pergolas also have semi-open or lattice-patterned roofs.
A pergola is essentially an open terrace. If the name didn’t give it away, it is Italian in origin. A pergola adds a nice touch to your backyard as well, and it lets your guests know that the pergola is the main attraction, and that’s where the entertainment is. While a pergola is an odd structure its unique purpose-blending the inside and outside together-makes it remarkably different from an ordinary patio or even a free standing gazebo.
You have options for shade if desired from a motorized louver system with just a push of a button or choose a variety of fabric options. Shade cloth, Canvas and awning fabrics can be fastened to a pergola as a one piece cover or as multiple strips. These can be fixed or retractable and makes for a stylish space.