Deck Patterns

Deck floor pattern choices are endless. They can add style and panache and can make a deck look larger or smaller, or accentuate different areas. Deck floor patterns can be achieved using any flooring material. You can stick with a single pattern or combine different patterns for another look entirely.

Different deck frames support different patterns, so it is important to choose a floor pattern before building. The location of the joists (structural beams) depends on the floor pattern, which will determine all aspects of the framing. Floor boards must always be going in the opposite direction of the joists and the ends must be secured to a joist or double-joist. The length of the floor boards are crucial, because if they are too long, they will not be properly supported.

Horizontal patterns are a basically straight, side-by-side horizontal deck flooring design. To enhance the look, some recommend placing them lengthwise to give the deck a wider look. Parallel patterns are the most common type of horizontal pattern. Parallel patterns have a basic side by side layout that run horizontally parallel with your home. Using the same sized boards or boards with alternate widths will give the deck different looks.

Diagonal patterns are also unique and simple. This basically has the floor boards situated on an angle.

The V-shape pattern has the boards come together at a point to form a V. For a true V-shaped pattern, the boards should be perfectly symmetrical.

The herringbone pattern uses different sizes of floor boards to form a very unique zigzag or W shape.

Diamond patterns are beautiful but involve a lot of precise cutting. The centre of the diamond pattern consists of four small triangles that get larger as they span outward.

Floor edges are often covered by fascia boards which give the deck a finished and clean look by disguising the ends of the boards. Fascia boards can either be installed underneath, which will expose the edges, or flush with the flooring to disguise them.