Providing Shade for Northern Virginia Summer Outdoor Living

Northern Virginia’s beautiful climate allows for outdoor living and recreation throughout the summer months. During the day, however, overexposure to the sun can make uncovered outdoor spaces like decks and patios uncomfortably hot and bright, putting you and your guests at risk for sunburn, eye strain, and skin damage. Thankfully, various options for covered patio and deck construction can keep your outdoor living spaces comfortable all day long.

Pavilions and Other Types of Covered Patios

Pavilion as a shade structure on a deckFor outdoor spaces not attached to the home, pavilions provide excellent shelter from the sun and rain, allowing the space to feel open and connected to the rest of the yard. Pavilions usually provide Continue reading →

Three Key Benefits of Trex® Composite Decking

Trex Transcend Deck in Tree House and Vintage Lantern

Installing a deck at your home is a wonderful way to create a space for entertaining guests and enjoying long summer evenings. However, deciding what material to use can be a challenge. While there are advantages and disadvantages with any material, Trex® composite decking is a great choice for homeowners in Fairfax, VA. The following benefits highlight some of the advantages of choosing Trex® composite decking.

1: Fade Resistant

Trex® high-performance composites utilize protective shell technology to resist Continue reading →

Ultimate Northern Virginia Deck & Railing Design Guide

When driving through the neighborhood, it’s always fun to look around to see what your neighbors are doing for their landscaping – especially when it comes to deck design. If you’re gathering inspiration for having a deck built for your home, it’s important that you pay close attention to the railing. This component is more than just a safety feature; the type of deck railing you choose can reflect your personality and style. Here is the ultimate deck railing design guide you’ve been looking for, put together by our Northern Virginia deck builders.

A Simple Guide to Deck Components

Before investing in a deck, it’s important to have a general understanding of all the deck pieces. Your deck contractor will ask you many questions to help you establish your ideal finished look, and knowing the terminology can help you make educated decisions. Continue reading →

4 Ways to Accommodate Large Gatherings in Outdoor Spaces

For many social butterflies, having guests over is an exciting time. You love the hustle and bustle of entertaining, preparing food in large quantities, and spending quality time with all your favorite people simultaneously. Many homes in the Northern Virginia area have large yards, but no sense of organization to the outdoor spaces. That is where Distinctive Deck Designs can help. We are master carpenters of decks, patios, underdeck spaces, and other outdoor living elements.

If you find yourself pinched for space or feel like you can’t invite more than a handful of people over to your home, you might want to explore how to capitalize on your outdoor areas. Creating a great flow from the front door to the back of house can help your guests find a space that they are most comfortable in and prevent congestion within the home during gatherings. Here are four ways to accommodate large gatherings in outdoor spaces. Continue reading →