Deck Design Patterns

Incorporating Deck Design Patterns into your deck design really help to create an attractive, individual and distinctive deck to be proud of.

The straight forward basic deck requires less materials and less time spent on the project and produces quality deck and patios so that you can enjoy outdoor living.

However, since a properly constructed deck made of quality lumber like Redwood or Cedar or pressure treated Pine will last for years to come - many deck builders are now stepping up to the challenge of the options of the different deck design patterns.

It's an exciting time when those with a basic understanding of deck design decide to build a deck that will visually stand out above the rest - and the extra wood and time invested needed to accomplish outstanding results is really worthwhile.

Wood is a wonderful material to work with and many designs and patterns can be accomplished - the golden rule is that the base of your decking should be adapted so that every piece of decking board - however big or small has a joist or beam to rest on at the ends where you can screw it down.

A wonderful example of a deck design pattern working with an adapted frame is given here at Diamond Weave Deck Design Patterns

And here are the other top deck design patterns to help you choose a deck design idea that will be esthetically suitable for your home and a match (or challenge) to your deck building skills.

The Straight Deck Pattern

This is the basic of the deck design patterns and is the best one to build as a first deck - this design runs perpendicular to the Ledger.

The advantages are the speed of the build in comparison with other deck design patterns and that less lumber and connection hardware is required.

The finish is all important in a straight forward deck - in the workmanship and in the treatments and staining that you apply - which can really individualize a standard deck design for your home.

The following are all deck design patterns options to the basic design.

This is the easiest of the options to accomplish as the only difference is with this plan as opposed to the basic straight pattern is that you will need to incorporate more joists - i.e. spaced closer together.

You are also advised to use power tools such as a good power mitre box to help you quickly and easily cut the deck boards lengths at the right angle when creating your Single Diagonal Deck Design Pattern.

The Double Diagonal Decking Board Pattern

Again a simple design but it gives a great effect, the double diagonal is like a single herringbone and really shows off the tones of wood as they go off at angles from the center of the deck.

The main difference with this and the single diagonal is that you will need to place a double joist in the center of your decking frame and work out on both sides from there.

And like the more intricate herringbome deck design, you are going to have to dedicate more time carefully laying the decking boards with equally and with adequate drainage space between each board.

It's not as difficult as it looks, but it does require patience as you will have to cut each piece of decking board to size and treat all the cut ends with a good wood sealer - each and every time.

A Power Mitre Box will be invaluable in cutting the deck boards accurately for this design, buying one is a great investment otherwise you should be able to find one to hire.

Similar to the double diagonal which required one extra double joist - this deck design pattern requires numerous double joists depending on the size of decking lumber you intend to use and the number of herringbone "V's" you want to incorporate.

It's a time consuming design - but it is extremely effective.

The Basket Weave Pattern Deck Design Pattern

If you love this pattern you will want to spend that extra time cutting and laying the boards, or all the different deck design patterns, I have to admit that I find this design to be so fussy that it detracts from the beauty of the wood, the decision is of course yours but remember...

This Deck Design Pattern will require numerous double joists and blocking (noggins) to provide a supporting structure sufficient so that each butted end can be screwed down.

A great advantage of this design as opposed to other slanted and patterned designs is that you don't have to cut boards at any angles and as all the pieces are of the same length - they can be pre-cut and pre-sealed which will greatly help speed up this special deck design construction.

Other Patterns to Consider

• If you followed our link to the article and illustrations on the diamond weave pattern - you will have seen that that plan called for one big diamond design, another option would be to do many smaller diamonds of only 3 boards out - creating a parquet pattern.

• You could give any of these design a straight decking board boarder on all sides of 2 or 3 boards deep - which gives the effect of framing your deck design patterns.

• You could design your decking pattern around a specific fixed object - by building your frame around the base of the tree and using blocking to omit that area from decking boards and then lay your individual deck design patterns from there.

• Please don't try to create a sunray effect for a decking surface - you will have to cut the boards to quite a narrow point on one end and likely the wood will split when you screw this end down.

  Really Narrow boards are weak boards and they just won't stand wear and tear, I would save this as a design idea for Deck Railing Designs

More Deck Design Information

• Indepth Free Deck Plan Information
  
• Digging Post Holes
  
• Deck Building Footings Options
  
• Deck Design Tips
  
• Decking Timber Options
  
• Deck Design Software Review
  
• Deck Design Book Review
  
• Deck Design Idea
  
• Deck Dictionary