Cool Decks

Let's face it.  We Minnesotan's live for summer.  Even if we love playing in the snow and all that winter brings, we still yearn for those long sultry days where we can linger outside.  Which is why you will see a deck or patio on almost every house in Minnesota.  There's no better place to enjoy the outdoors than your own back yard.

And yet, many decks are small and unimaginative.  We thought we'd show you some great decks to give you inspiration for building your own or replacing/enhancing the one you already have.

Swirls of light from fiber optic cables, attached below the decking and inserted into small drilled holes, add galaxies underfoot. LED string lights can work similar magic, are cost-effective alternatives to fiber optic cables, and can be battery- or solar-powered. LED strings cost about $1 to $2 per lineal foot.

Credit: Mark Wallinger Landscapes



Put the space underneath your raised deck to good use. A few pieces of painted plywood and siding materials turn not-so-pretty structural posts and supports into a kid-friendly play shelter. A 10-ft. polyethylene play slide costs about $300 and ensures a happy landing for your youngsters.

Credit: Judy White/GardenPhotos.com

Tropical hardwoods, such as ipe, cumaru, and the tigerwood shown here, are increasingly popular decking materials. Besides being beautiful, they’re resistant to moisture, disease, and insect attack. Make sure the wood decking you buy has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as harvested from sustainable forests.



Credit: Birdsmouth Construction, Portland OR


Built-in planters and benches add personality and can substitute for railings (check your local building codes). You’ll spend $150 to $250 per lineal foot for a custom-built redwood or cedar planter that’s 2 ft. high and 2 ft. wide. Wood decking and planters require regular maintenance to retain their natural good looks.

Credit: Kim Katwijk/Deck Builders Inc.

In backyard locations, decks are often open to view from neighbors. Tastefully designed screens can provide privacy with an artistic touch. These tempered glass panels have been etched with sandblasting to create a dreamy mural that blocks views but admits light. This project cost about $2,500.



Credit: ArtDeckCo


Add a shelter or enclosure to enjoy the elements no matter what the weather may bring.  This deck has a protective roof over the hot tub and a privacy screen on one side.

We'd love to hear some of your ideas!  What do you think is a 'must have' on any deck?