July in Minnesota is a season to be savored. It’s a time for family BBQs, relaxing after a long day, and enjoying every moment of warm weather. While nearly any deck gives you a place to put a grill, is your backyard living up to its full potential? A thoughtfully planned deck can be so much more than a simple platform—it can be a true extension of your home.
At Authority Fence & Deck, we specialize in custom deck design that transforms your backyard into a functional and beautiful outdoor living space. Let’s explore how.
Create Zones for Better Flow
Think about your deck like you would any room inside your house. Instead of one large, undefined space, consider creating “zones” for different activities. A well-designed deck can have:
- A Grilling Zone: A dedicated area for the grill master with convenient access to the kitchen.
- A Dining Zone: A space large enough for a table and chairs to enjoy meals outdoors.
- A Lounge Zone: A comfortable conversation area with couches or Adirondack chairs, perfect for relaxing.
Using different levels, unique railing sections, or even built-in planters can help define these spaces. For visual inspiration on how zoning works, major publications like Better Homes & Gardens often showcase stunning outdoor living areas.
Choose Materials for Your Lifestyle
The foundation of any great outdoor living space is the material it’s built from. To create a truly low-stress, high-performance oasis, you need a decking material that looks incredible without demanding constant upkeep. That’s why at Authority Fence & Deck, we proudly construct our customers’ decks with AZEK by TimberTech.
Unlike wood or traditional composites, AZEK is a 100% polymer material designed to solve the problems that plague other decks. For our clients, this means a better, safer, and more beautiful outdoor experience.
- Lasting Beauty, No Maintenance: AZEK decking has the intricate, natural look of expensive hardwood but is completely resistant to fading, weathering, and moisture. It will never need to be stained or sealed, giving you a beautiful deck year after year with just simple cleaning.
- Unmatched Comfort & Safety: In the peak of a Minnesota summer, AZEK stays up to 30% cooler to the touch than rival composite decking. Its exceptional slip resistance also provides a safer surface for you and your family, especially around pools.
- A Flawless, High-End Finish: With the innovative hidden fastener system, there are zero exposed screws on the surface of an AZEK deck. This provides a clean, seamless, and truly high-end look that is simply unmatched.
The Details: Built-In Features
What truly elevates a deck is custom-built features. Adding built-in benches can provide permanent seating and define a space, while integrated planters can bring greenery onto the deck itself. A “drink rail”—a wide, flat top railing—is perfect for placing beverages during a party. These details make the space feel intentional and luxurious.
According to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), it’s also vital that any deck is built with safety as the top priority, ensuring railings and stairs are secure for you and your guests.
Ready to Build Your Outdoor Oasis?
Your backyard holds incredible potential. At Authority Fence & Deck, we’re ready to help you unlock it with a custom deck design that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your vision.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let’s start planning the outdoor living space you’ll enjoy for years to come.