Devise a Lounge Area
One of the essentials of a deck design is the layout. You may want to keep a lot of open space free to use how you wish, but you'll also find it helpful to sketch out some ideas for how you plan on using different spaces so you can design them accordingly.
What's more beach-inspired than the idea of lounging in view of the water? Devise a specific area for lounging. You could plan a space that can accommodate sun chairs, or you may decide to have an actual beach bed installed in the area. It's even better if the area is quiet and boasts gorgeous views.
Construct a Pergola
You need shade over at least part of your deck so you can enjoy the outdoors at any time of day. However, you may not want a full roof because that defeats the purpose of an outdoor deck. Designers often recommend a pergola with a lattice top. That way, you get some shade without being fully covered.
If your goal is to create that beach vibe, you could hang weatherproof curtain panels from rods around the pergola. The curtain panels will give your pergola the feel of a beach cabana. More importantly, they'll provide a little more shade and even some privacy.
Install Slatted Screens
Along those same lines, consider privacy screens for certain areas of your deck. You often see wooden plantain shuttersincorporated into beach-inspired designs, especially for porches overlooking the water. You could add such shutters as part of your pergola design. You can also get the look with lattice screens.
Lattice screens come in different configurations, including those with slats. While they're not movable like plantation shutters, lattice screens can stand alone. You can use them for privacy, say, to keep your lounge or hot tub space private. You could also have them incorporated as part of the aesthetic design to simulate that look of plantation shutters on a porch.
Look Into Glass Railings
When you have a deck constructed, one of the big decisions you'll make is in the railing style and material. Homeowners often opt for standard wood or wood-like railings. However, glass deck railings are both practical and attractive.
Decks can be windy, especially if you actually are near a body of water or if your deck is elevated. Glass panels can function as a windbreak to make your deck more usable. What's more, glass is transparent, so the railing doesn't obstruct your views in any way. Because of those two qualities, you see glass railings on beachside properties, making them ideal for your beach-inspired deck.
Add beach-inspired touches to your new deck to give it the ambience of a waterfront getaway. Contact JO Contractors for your home remodel project.
