--- title: "Planning a Next Level Deck: Layout and Materials" description: Whether you’re upgrading your current deck or building an entirely new one, you have options to customize a deck that suits your individual needs. image: https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hubfs/SUB%20April%20Deck%20Planning%20-%20Part%201%20-%20B.jpg --- CALL US:[(319) 362-3115](tel:(319)%20362-3115) [![Suburbanlumber](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hubfs/Suburbanlumber-Nov2017/Images/suburban-logo.png "Suburbanlumber")](http://www.suburbanlumber.com/) - [Services](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/services) - [About](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/about) - [Blog](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/) - [Contact](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/contact) - - [Building Materials](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/building-materials) - [Doors & Windows](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/doors-windows) - [Decking & Railing](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/decking-railing) - [Cabinets & Countertops](https://suburbanlumber.com/cabinets-countertops/) - [Roofing & Siding](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/roofing-siding) - [Millwork](https://www.suburbanlumber.com/millwork) # Suburban Lumber Blog # Planning a Next Level Deck: Layout and Materials [![Planning a Next Level Deck: Layout and Materials ](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hubfs/SUB%20April%20Deck%20Planning%20-%20Part%201%20-%20B.jpg)](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/next-level-deck-layout-and-materials) Whether you’re upgrading your current deck or building an entirely new one, you want a space that looks amazing, feels comfortable, and is welcoming. Homeowners have options to customize a deck that suits their individual needs. Consider building a unique shape that fits your home and landscape or create a multi-level deck with eye-catching railings.  Our experienced team will have suggestions to take your deck to the next level. Let’s start with design, layout, and materials. In section two we’ll cover lighting, outdoor grills and kitchens, railing, and other popular options.  ## Design and Layout: The first thing you’ll want to think about is *how* you plan to use your new outdoor space.  Dining, casual seating, gas fire table, planters, outdoor kitchen, shaded or sunny exposure, added water features, or even a hot tub.  [![TimberTech Deck Design Tool](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-04%20at%203.38.33%20PM.png?width=1828&name=Screen%20Shot%202022-04-04%20at%203.38.33%20PM.png)](https://deckdesigner.timbertech.com/)Plan a space for each item and think about traffic flow around your deck. Traffic can also be controlled by using different levels for different sections. Creating multiple levels on your deck can help differentiate areas of your deck while still keeping everything open and accessible. Remember this is your chance to think outside the box.  ## Materials:  ![Screen Shot 2022-04-04 at 3.53.05 PM](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-04%20at%203.53.05%20PM.png?width=1320&name=Screen%20Shot%202022-04-04%20at%203.53.05%20PM.png) ![Jeremy-21](https://blog.suburbanlumber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jeremy-21.jpeg?width=250&name=Jeremy-21.jpeg)Once you have a layout planned, you can start to think about materials. Pressure-treated lumber will be used for your framing.  Composite and polymer decking are popular and durable options for the deck boards. These deck boards are made by combining wood waste from sawmills (for composite decking) and upcycled plastic. Because plastic is the main ingredient, they don’t fade and require very little maintenance when compared to traditional wood decks. Because composite and polymer hold their color and don’t require staining, homeowners can create [a unique design by using a few different color options](https://www.timbertech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TimberTech-Coastline-Mahogany-Dark-Hickory-Vintage-Collection-AZEK-Decking-inspiration-gallery-1.jpg).  To upgrade your old deck with new materials, call or stop in to visit our expert staff at Suburban Lumber.  We look forward to answering your questions, providing samples, and offering contractor referrals from our trusted network. 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