10 Tips for Choosing the Right Deck Finish

When designing your deck, you should have complete creative control. From designs to add-on features, your outdoor space should reflect your preferences. Your deck finish is just one of several important qualities you’ll need to consider carefully.

A deck finish can make or break your outdoor living space. Winding up with an unattractive or dysfunctional design is the worst-case scenario. Luckily, Kona Contractors has these tips for choosing the right deck finish to help guide you through the selection process.

1. Set and Maintain Your Budget

There’s nothing worse than setting expectations that don’t align with your wallet. Before opening Pinterest and creating mood boards, you’ll need to set a budget. Knowing your financial capabilities will help you match with the best finish for your specific needs.

Different materials have varying price points. For example, mineral-based composite decking, like what Kona Contractors offers, is an investment that will pay off in the long run.

Be transparent with your contractor about your budget and design desires. A trustworthy service provider will be able to find the best products and materials for your specific situation. Additionally, they’ll help you maintain your budget for the best possible outcome.

2. Make Sure Your Materials Are Compatible

Next, you’ll need to confirm that your finish is compatible with your decking materials. Your composite decking finishes will vary depending on things like grain, caps, and texture.

For example, some composite materials come with a PVC shell. While this material is excellent for designing protected, low-maintenance spaces, it’s a little more difficult to customize. You might struggle to adhere certain products to PVC-encased composite decking.

Speak with your provider and confirm that your deck can handle your desired finish. If it can’t, they’ll be able to offer suggestions and point you in the right direction.

3. Keep the Climate in Mind

The right deck finish for you will largely depend on your climate. Your outdoor living space is susceptible to natural elements, including sunlight. If you don’t have shade features like a patio roof or pergola, you’ll need to pick a finish that mitigates the sun’s effects.

Dark colors absorb sunlight, raising your deck’s temperature exponentially. Denver deck owners won’t find this alarming in cooler months but will struggle when summer rolls back around. Hot decks are a safety hazard, so consider choosing a light-colored finish to lower temperatures.

4. Consider Your Outdoor Aesthetic

Choosing the right deck finish comes with a ton of benefits. However, the most important one has to be the added aesthetic value. With so many color, texture, and protective options, the perfect deck finish will completely transform your outdoor living space.

Consider the style you’re trying to achieve with your materials. Are you going for a more rustic appearance? If so, choose dark, earthy shades alongside some natural accessories for a perfectly pastoral patio.

Modern-style homes might take a different approach. Your modern deck should feature light shades and exciting textures. Matching your finish to your design pattern will help create a more cohesive look.

5. Pay Attention to Undertones

When it comes to decorative aspects like color, you have so many variations to choose from. To match your composite deck with your home’s aesthetic, you’ll need to pay attention to undertones.

Do you want a solid shade or tonal variations? Some decking features different shades that give your outdoor living space a dynamic look. Not all colors are the same. You must be aware of warm and cool tones; picking a cool-toned brown for a home that’s exclusively warm-toned will create an imbalanced appearance.

6. Remember That Texture Is Important

There’s one aspect of deck finishes that many overlook: texture. From smooth grains to bumpy surfaces, the way your materials feel could play a massive role in your decision. Sleek surfaces work well for cozy patios.

However, a rougher texture could help improve safety conditions. Gritty surfaces will add more traction, preventing falls and reducing slipping hazards. This finish texture is ideal for decks near pools and locations that get lots of ice and rain.

7. Match Deck Add-Ons to Your Finish

Selecting a deck finish is all about cohesion. If the product you’ve picked doesn’t match the rest of the space, it isn’t the best one for you. Contrast can be an effective design element, but there’s a right and wrong way to use it.

Railings, post caps, fire features—these add-ons can provide excellent inspiration. Your deck finish shouldn’t overpower or create visual dissonance. Whether it’s the grain levels or the shine, all your patio features should work together to create balance.

8. Ask for Samples

Sometimes, things look different online compared to real life. That’s why it’s so important to ask for samples! Most contractors offer inexpensive material samples so that you can picture your vision better. Kona Contractors provides 3D renderings of your new outdoor living space design prior to installation.

Many homeowners don’t even know this is an option. Since your deck finish is an investment, it’s worth spending extra time ensuring you’re selecting the right one. Lay your samples out and see how they look in the sun and against your home’s exterior. This step will save you so much time, money, and heartache!

9. Hide Your Fasteners

After putting so much work into choosing the right deck finish, you want it to have a polished look. Hiding your fasteners is the best way to achieve that refined, completed look.

Tongue-and-groove fastening systems will hide gaps, screws, and other ugly hardware. You could also try a clip-in design that snaps everything into place. Hidden fasteners will add that final touch that you’re looking for.

10. Don’t Forget the Ends

Composite decks have an added feature you’ll need to finish correctly: end caps. Your outdoor living space will look rushed and incomplete if you don’t cover them accordingly. End caps are just another decorative element that can upgrade the look of your deck.

Picture framing encapsulates your entire patio with a clean and sturdy edge. Raising the fascia board requires minimal effort and maintenance, making it one of the easier options. You could also paint the ends, install caps, or use corner trims. Your deck finish will work to your advantage as long as you keep materials consistent.

Choosing the Right Deck Finish

If all this information seems overwhelming, give Kona Contractors a call. Our Denver deck repair services will identify and address deck finish issues and provide quick solutions. We specialize in customized outdoor living spaces. No matter what your vision is, we can bring it to life with high-quality work and excellent customer service.