Karl Harrison, Trex Pro decking expert and founder of Karl Harrison Design

While homeowners have increasingly invested time and money into their outdoor spaces in recent years, there’s now an even stronger interest in outdoor living, as homeowners everywhere adjust to a new normal by reimagining how to use and enjoy their exterior spaces. And, there are no signs that demand for multi-functional outdoor living spaces and garden upgrades will be slowing any time soon. To help your customers make the most of their outdoor spaces and maximise their return on investment, consider recommending a unique deck design that offers a real wow factor and can be enjoyed for years to come.

The variety of outdoor product offerings available today – along with an ever-increasing pool of competitors – requires that builders be skilled at the art of the sale, as well as the art of design and construction. Simply put, if you’re not upselling your customers, you’re missing out on a critical opportunity to maximize profit, grow your business and better serve the full needs of your clients.

Composite Vs Wood

For the beautiful look of timber without the upkeep and with a longer lifespan, consider Trex composite decking, made from 95% reclaimed materials. Unlike timber, composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mould, and require no sanding, treatment or painting. Just a quick soap and water cleaning is all that’s needed to keep it looking brand new. Plus, the lack of harmful chemicals needed to produce and maintain Trex decking makes it a safer choice for humans, animals and the environment.

Easy add-ons

Lighting and railing are other easy add-ons for enhancing safety and ambiance to any outdoor setting. Given the myriad of options available, this is an area where clients can truly customize their space and let their personality shine. Share images from previous projects as inspiration and to reinforce the important role these components play in creating an ultimate outdoor living space. Ideally, decking and railing decisions should be made simultaneously – as a purposeful pairing early in the design process. Additionally, as the first thing neighbors and guests are likely to notice about an outdoor space, railings have the power to translate into lucrative referrals.

Define deck spaces. Just like the inside of your home, you can establish separate areas for relaxing, cooking, dining and socialising. Pergolas are perfect for designating an “outdoor room,” helping to maximize the function and flow of your space. Pergolas also create an opportunity to grow climbing plants which will soften the hardscape of the decking and offer some much needed shade in the summer months which your customers will thank you for.

Build a curved deck

Gone are the days of simple squared-off decks. Remodelers and landscapers report increased interest from customers in decks with multiple lebels, curves, railings and seating options build into the design. Creating a multi-dimensional interest and defining different functional areas. Consider going for deck railings that double as seats to make the most of the space and entertain more people in comfort at once. Using decking rather than more traditional railings can open up the view beyond the garden and help the deck blend into the surroundings.

Levels

Adding levels to your outside space can really help maximize a small area. Using two different shades helps emphasise the levels for both safety and beauty, while also adding depth and dimension.

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