Why a Custom Deck Is the Perfect Addition to Your Nashville Home

Adding a deck to your Nashville home enhances your quality of living in the long run. With a custom-built deck, you will have a space for entertainment and relaxation, an outdoor workstation during fine weather, and an added value to your home. Custom decks create a more engaging, personalized outdoor living experience. They can enhance outdoor living spaces by adding aesthetic appeal and functional value. By offering style and functionality, they make outdoor spaces more versatile, relaxing, and inviting for families, friends, and guests. Here’s what you need to know to create an ideal outdoor environment through a custom-built deck:

1. Design considerations: Size, Materials, and Layout

Designing a deck can be challenging because it can be confusing to keep track of and follow appropriately. To guide you in the intricate deck design process, you need to consider and decide on the following significant items:

a. Size

Custom-built decks are specifically made to suit the exact dimensions of your yard and house. Get a survey plan and measure the yard to estimate the space your deck design will consume. Ensure that there is enough room for your outdoor furniture and enough space to move around.

b. Materials

You can be creative with your deck by choosing the material that matches your desired style. Pressure-treated wood is an affordable and customizable deck material, but a composite deck offers easier maintenance and scratch-resistant properties. Each material has its characteristics to consider in the deck design. Various factors, such as climate and budget, should be weighed to make an informed decision in material selection for your custom deck.

c. Layout

All existing details of your outdoor space should be considered in laying out the deck so as not to waste any space. Consider also local zoning regulations and setbacks in laying out your deck to ensure that your custom-built deck is within property limits and compliant with the local requirements. Make sure that your deck railings are clear of windows and out-swinging doors.

2. Adding Features like Built-in Seating, Lighting, or Storage

One of the best ways to enhance the functionality of your deck while adding a personal touch is to add features like built-in seating, lighting, and storage.

a. Built-in Seating

Built-in seating can be designed to fit perfectly along the edges of your deck. It provides ample seating for guests to relax and have fun while keeping the space open and uncluttered. You can personalize its design to complement your deck’s overall aesthetic.

Fig. 1. Built-in seating in a custom-built deck

b. Lighting

Lighting is an essential feature that can define the mood and ambiance of any space, such as your custom-built deck. By adding a string light, recessed lighting, or decorative lanterns, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere or a neat, modern look. Custom lighting should match your deck’s purpose and personal style.

c. Storage

You can achieve neat storage solutions by adding built-in storage boxes under the benches or along your deck’s perimeter. These boxes can hold cushions, gardening tools, or even toys without sacrificing your deck’s style.

3. Durability and Weather Resistance for Nashville’s Climate

Homeowners can enjoy a durable and beautiful outdoor living space by choosing the best decking materials to withstand high humidity and frequent rainfall without warping or rotting. The following are some of the best decking materials that suit Nashville’s fluctuating weather conditions:

a. Pressure-treated Wood

Its affordability and resistance to rot and insects make this material a popular choice among homeowners. It is easy to install and can be customized to finish with whatever color stain you like. However, the wood treatment process may result in warping, bowing, cupping, or twisting, which makes a pressure-treated wooden deck subject to frequent maintenance.

Fig. 2. A wooden deck custom-built by Modern Handymen in Nashville, TN 

b. Composite Decking

Composite deck combines wood fibers and recycled plastic, making it highly resistant to moisture, mold, and fading. A composite deck offers lesser maintenance and more durability.

c. PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, is known for its excellent durability and low maintenance. It can withstand the extreme temperatures of summer and winter in Nashville without cracking or warping.

d. Weatherproofing Materials

Weatherproofing materials such as deck stain can also help protect your deck from harsh sunlight, UV rays, heavy rain, molds, and mildew, ensuring its longevity and durability.

4. Permitting and Building Codes: What You Need to Know

Following local building codes is essential when planning for a home addition like a custom-built deck. These guidelines are not intended only for local compliance but, most importantly, to ensure that your deck is safe and long-lasting. Before starting your deck design and construction, consider the local building codes, which include the following factors for a custom-built deck:

a. Deck size

b. Clear height

c. Structural design

d. Load capacity

e. Railing specifications

f. Required setback

g. Compliance with zoning laws

Identify the necessary permits for your custom-built deck by consulting your local building department in Nashville. Once you know which permits you need, prepare all the required documents to ensure a continuous and easier permit process. Be prepared to pay permit fees, which usually vary based on the project location and size. The approval time for your permit application ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on the completeness of your submitted requirements and the review process of the local building department. Once approved, you will be required to keep your permit visible at the construction site for ready reference of local building inspectors.

5. Examples of Custom Decks that Elevate Outdoor Spaces

Many homeowners custom-build their decks to elevate their outdoor spaces and complement their home style. They have a variety of options to consider when building a custom deck.

a. Single-level Deck

It provides a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living space as it extends from the main level of the house to its yard.

b. Multi-level Deck

A multi-level deck consists of two or more connected platforms at different elevations. It is well-suited for properties with sloped or uneven terrain to maximize the available space.

c. Elevated Deck

This deck style is a raised outdoor platform or structure attached to your home above ground level. It offers a better view of the surroundings and additional living or storage space underneath.

Fig. 3. An elevated custom-built deck in Nashville, TN

d. Curved Deck

A curved deck is a unique and appealing deck with a rounded design, which adds a softer aesthetic touch to the overall structure.

Imagine stepping into your perfect outdoor oasis—where the fresh air greets you, the gentle sound of nature surrounds you, and the space feels like an extension of your home. A custom-built deck can be your dream outdoor space to unwind, entertain, and make lasting memories. Modern Handymen can help realize that dream through its top-of-the-line deck services. Our team of skilled deck builders offers high-quality deck design and construction services for your Nashville home. With a wide array of deck projects and experiences, your dream deck project is in good hands.

Ready to enjoy that perfect outdoor space? Modernize your outdoor living space with a custom deck from Modern Handymen. Contact us at 615-200-8071 to design and build your custom deck today.