Last summer we got a call from a customer because his new deck looked weird, and he couldn’t say why. We stood there for a minute and saw it fast. The boards were fine. The colors were just fighting each other. We see this a lot at Premium Wood Build. People spend good money on Natural Wood, but nobody plans the color first. So our team is going to walk you through it step by step, the way we would teach someone new on the crew.
Table of Contents
Choose Wood Shades That Complement Your Home
Start with your house, not the wood. The deck is joined to your home, so the two need to get along. If you are planning to hire a Wood Decks Service in Bothell, WA, choosing the right shade is key. A honey or soft brown deck looks fresh. Go deeper brown, because it holds its own next to the red. We carry two or three sample boards outside and hold them against the wall. Do it in daylight, since store lights change how a color looks. Five minutes of checking is cheap, and it’s worth it.
Blend Light and Dark Wood Tones for Visual Contrast
One color all around is dull, like a piece of white paper. We like to combine light and dark boards. A dark border with a lighter center is an attractive look. Or just a dark stripe down the middle is okay. And your eyes have something to look at, which can give the deck an appearance of expansion beyond its dimensions. But limit the number of tones to two or three. We’ve seen decks with five colors and it looked like a patchwork quilt.
Maintain Consistent Wood Colors Across Deck Features
Pick one color family and change small parts only on purpose. If matching feels hard, don’t struggle alone. A Wood Decks Service in Bothell, WA can help you choose boards and finishes that fit your home. Our crew at Premium Wood Build does this work every day, so the final look stays neat from the stairs to the last railing.
Highlight Wood Grain to Create a Richer Deck Appearance
Grain is the pattern inside each board. Keep in mind that every board has its own lines, like a fingerprint. Sand the surface and rough up the lines, then paint a clear or lightly tinted finish so they shine through neither of which is necessary, but a dark, thick coat completely obscures them and that pains us just a little. Natural Wood has a face of its own, so it’s better to let it show.
Use Warm Wood Tones to Create a Welcoming Outdoor Space
Gold, amber, and reddish brown make you want to take a load off. Pale cool tones might remind you of a doctor’s office. We always imagine friends on warm boards under string lights, with a hot chai in their hand. To capture that cozy feeling, wood in a warmer tone is the simplest path to that welcoming feeling. You can also explore this guide on how to choose a wood stain to find colors that complement your home’s exterior and highlight the wood’s natural beauty. Step out and you’ll feel comfortable in a place to relax with family.
Match Deck Colors With Surrounding Landscape Features
Take a look out the window before you choose your shades of colour. Trees, rocks, fences, flower beds everything has its own colors. A warm brown looks good next to anything green. Or try a grayish-brown next to a stone walkway. Bothell gets a lot of rain and has lots of tall evergreen trees, so wearing earthy shades in the yard really makes sense. If your decks resemble the colours of your yard, the entire yard is going to fuse. Working with Premium Wood Build ensures your deck matches the natural tones of your landscape, helping the entire yard fuse together seamlessly. The most crucial element is, of course, that there’s nothing competing for your attention, so you will have the ability to relax and take in the view.
Protect Wood Colors With the Right Finish
Nothing can put the beat on even the best deck boards like the sun and rain. Most woods go a dull silver gray within one or two seasons. Think of a good deck sealer as a sunscreen for the boards it guards against the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet light. Look for one with a UV inhibitor, and spread it with a thin coat. Thick coats are tacky and uneven. Skip the prep and you may face Stain Peeling, and that’s a pain to fix, so please read the label before you start.
Coordinate Deck Railings With the Main Deck Color
Railings often get overlooked, but they’re all around your deck. If they aren’t coordinated with your flooring, that little disconnect just doesn’t sit well, even if you can’t quite point out why. Match the boards or go a few shades darker. Black or white rails work too, as long as they match your house trim. We pick the rail color before the first board goes down. Keep the tones close and nothing will stick out.
Conclusion
Good wood color is not hard. Choose colours that complement your home, mix dark and light, display the grains and protect everything with a good coat of finish. When you keep your Natural Wood warm and level, your friends will flock to your deck for hours of fun. Premium Wood Build is ready to help, so contact us today and start planning your dream deck.
FAQs
What Color Is Best For A Deck?
The classic choice is a warm brown. But there’s no right or wrong color, it depends on your home and yard. Be sure to take sample boards outside and compare them in the sun before you buy.
How Often Should I Refinish My Deck?
You’ll need to reapply every one to three years, according to the average sandcastle, to a new layer of protection depending on the variety of surfaces you’re using and just how rain and sun will hit your deck. Simply spray a little water on the boards after washing. If it soaks into the wood, then the finish has worn.
Is It Ok To Use Different Colours of Wood On The Same Deck?
Yes, provided the tones are in balance. Select two or three colours and apply all the colours on the deck.