By Adelina Iacob, WIR Contributor
Essentially, building a deck isn’t incredibly complicated, especially when you’re using Southern Yellow Pine (SYP), which is known as one of the most versatile, durable, and beautiful types of wood.
However, just because something is simple, it doesn’t mean it can’t be truly astounding. So if you’re thinking of transforming your backyard this summer, we’ve selected 10 wonderful deck designs, each one of them made with SYP.
- Chillin’ by the pool
We believe there’s nothing you can’t achieve when you have a good old-school deck and a pool in your backyard. Just imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday and starting the day in these gorgeous surroundings.
2. SYP & steel, the perfect combo
If you wanted hard proof that Southern Yellow Pine is one versatile material, then here it is. Without a doubt, the basic SYP deck does a great job at making a smooth transition from the black corrugated signing of this modern barn house to the freshly mown lawn. Therefore, even if your home is a bold piece of architecture, don’t despair, as you can always fall back on a simple deck design, a bench and a couple of lovely armchairs to make your home a little more comfy.
- Gothic vibes
Thinking out of the box is a must when you’re building something, so why not combine the elements of a deck with the ones of a gazebo? If you’re willing to go the extra mile, the best thing to do is incorporate something unique in the design of your deck, just like this gazebo’s arches, which resemble the windows of a gothic cathedral. You can’t deny it – the Notre-Dame style would look stunning in your garden, especially if it already affords a breathtaking view.
4. A snug little porch to suit all tastes
If you don’t have enough space for a deck in your backyard or if you’re simply not much of an outdoorsy type, the best alternative is a cozy porch decorated with some funky furniture. This one’s perfect not only for a glass of sweet tea on a torrid summer day, but also for a hot chocolate on a rainy autumn one, all that thanks to the removable screen panels. Oh, and have you seen that excellent flooring? It’s Southern Yellow Pine, of course.
- The higher the deck, the closer to God
Built on a sleek sloping site, this deck is much more than a mere extension of the house.
A wooden alleyway surrounded by rich greenery goes up the hill, taking you to a serene place where you can truly get away from it all.
- Traditional all the way
Every family needs a deck where they can dine together, play board games and spend the whole night laughing and reminiscing about the good ol’ days. If what you’re looking for is a place where you can indulge in the simple pleasures of life with your nearest and dearest, our suggestions are quite simple, but oh, so efficient: a basic round deck, warm colors, some potted petunias, a few comfy chairs and obviously, Southern Yellow Pine decking.
- Spice things up with a pergola
Pergola photo courtesy Archadeck of North Pittsburgh
Basically, this is the updated version of the traditional deck. As you can see, it’s extended and a bit more complex, as it combines Southern Yellow Pine with metallic details. The pergola is a really stylish addition to the deck, which is going to provide some excellent shade in a few years, if some ivy’s planted there.
- Gazebos are the new black
If decks are not your cup of tea, you can choose to build a sweet little gazebo, just like this one. The cladding, made of Siberian larch, offers some well-deserved privacy, while the cool Southern Yellow Pine decking is just perfect for walking barefoot, even on the hottest summer days. If I had this in my backyard, I think I’d quit my job and stay in that rocking chair forever. Wouldn’t you do the same?
- Sleek meets practical
Decks come in all shapes and sizes, and they’re all beautiful. This one was specially designed to go perfectly with the already built fence. Brilliant, right? The rounded edge, the additional wall and the lined-up lights surely manage to give the deck a distinct note of elegance.
- SYP Rooftop Deck
Design by Liz Ackerley, Poppyhead Consultancy and constructed by Landstruction Ltd. Images courtesy Silva Timber Products.
When you’re building with Southern Yellow Pine, the very definition of a deck becomes more of a guideline than a rule. Believe it or not, this deck was built on a roof top, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t own a two-story house with a huge backyard.
Wherever you may dwell, give free reign to your imagination and bring some color into your life. All you need is the warm sandy tones of SYP, a few days off, and some nice plants.
It should be pretty clear by now that everyone can come up with a quirky design and easily build the deck they’ve always dreamed of. Just remember that if you’re using Southern Yellow Pine, you’re bound to save plenty of time and money, not to mention that you won’t have to worry too much about decorating either, because SYP looks glorious even by itself.
(Images via Houzz, via Archadeck of North Pittsburgh, via Silva Timber Products)
