Today’s outdoor spaces are much more than basic decks.
Story by Tracy Dickinson
Featured in Spring 2024
Finding ways to make the most of the Iowa summer has always been a priority for homeowners, and today’s backyard projects take that to a whole new level.
“The trend is definitely toward combination spaces,” says Archadeck’s Harold Cross. “Even the simplest deck project today includes some sort of amenities to get the most out of the space.”
Manufacturers have responded by offering a wider range of products suitable for outdoor use, from lighting to appliances. And central Iowa professionals have helped clients create spaces that offer the best of both indoor and outdoor living.
“There’s no such thing as ‘no maintenance,’” says a Beisser Lumber spokesperson. “But minimal-maintenance products continue to improve in both appearance and durability.”
Keegan Lare of Ted Lare Design + Build says, “Composite deck products look and feel more natural than ever, and manufacturers are offering more colors and finishes, too.”
Composite products have always required less maintenance, but the higher cost can be prohibitive for some homeowners. However, as lumber prices have increased the past several years, the gap between composite products and natural wood has decreased, making the two more competitive.
“Quality composite products generally have a 25-year life expectancy or more,” says Lare, “and that can make the price gap less significant.”
According to Devan Kaufman of Kaufman Construction, “For most homeowners, composite materials represent an upgrade, especially if they’re looking to replace an aging deck. But if it’s just a maintenance issue on a wood deck, they’ll usually stick to wood so they don’t have to replace the entire structure.”
Kaufman says he’s a fan of upgraded wood products, which offer greater durability than standard treated-wood products. “Pricewise, upgraded wood products are comparable to high-end composites, and they offer natural beauty and finish that you can’t get from composites.”
If a homeowner is inclined toward a composite product, more accessory products are available than ever, giving homeowners additional design and finish options. “Manufacturers have more low-maintenance railings and accessories, which have added more design options for homeowners,” says Cross. “There are also various products and materials we often use to wrap or cover beams and posts to make them more of an architectural element in addition to lowering maintenance.”
By far, however, covered decks are the biggest trend for outdoor projects.
“Whether it’s a fully screened room or just a roof over the deck, that is the most popular project we’re seeing,” says the Beisser spokesperson.
Lare says, “We see a wide range of projects, from basic to more complex. But if the client is looking to overhaul outdoor space, a covered deck is often a priority.”
If a homeowner is inclined toward a composite product, more accessory products are available than ever, giving homeowners additional design and finish options.
Creating shade and protection against the elements not only extends the life of the deck itself. It extends the functional possibilities, too.
“Kitchens are trendy,” says Kaufman, “but they’re not always practical in Iowa. We’ve done some outdoor kitchens with everything from running water to outdoor appliances and dining spaces, but most homeowners just want an area for cooking and more space to sit and relax.”
Kaufman encourages homeowners to create transitional spaces rather than strictly indoor or strictly outdoor areas. “You want to think of the outdoor areas the same way you do indoor,” he says. “Rather than one large space to serve every purpose, having transition spaces from inside to out is much more comfortable.”
Cross says, “Part of what we do is help homeowners envision options for their space. It can be hard to see the possibilities.”
Covered decks can be customized to fit the home and the homeowner’s needs.
“One of my favorite new product lines is the louvered pergola systems,” Lare says. “They can be adjusted to provide filtered shade or full shade, depending on the time of day and the weather.”
Kaufman says, “There are so many design options and ways to create a custom space without spending top dollar. We’ve done projects where we used structural materials in unique ways so they become design features such as exposed rafters and painted roof sheeting to finish the underside of the ceiling. It just depends on the individual situation.”
Creating a bit of privacy is also popular, whether it’s a half wall around the deck in place of open railings or enclosing the entire space as a screened room.
The Beisser spokesperson says, “One of our manufacturers offers a rail and screen system for covered decks, which is a really nice system and makes the installation much easier.”
Cross says, “We’re seeing everything from simple screened rooms to fully functioning spaces with kitchens, bars, fireplaces, televisions—and everything in between. We can help design whatever the homeowner wants, but we always want to start by understanding how the homeowner wants to use the space.”
“Each situation is different,” says Kaufman. “Talking with homeowners about their expectations and understanding how they want the space to function is the first step. Once we know that, we can find a way to get there.”
Whether it’s a place to grill and enjoy a meal with friends or a fully equipped space to entertain, today’s outdoor space can be everything you imagine. •
Resources
- Harold Cross Archadeck
- Beisser Lumber
- Devan Kaufman Kaufman Construction
- Keegan Lare Ted Lare Design + Build
