Do you ever wonder how to come up with an inlay pattern? A custom-designed inlay pattern is an excellent way to polish your deck to the next level. So if you were planning to build a deck, you should consider these designs below. For this blog, our main deck shape is a Rectangle, you are not limited to this shape, but it is the most commonly used. Adding curves and other angled sides will increase the complexity of the design and build.
COMMON DECK INLAY DESIGN
The Picture Frame is a typical core style. It great technique to finish as an edge board giving a clean finish at the rim. This is considered a classic look. Please keep a note of your posting. They can be placed on the edge or offset inward of the picture boards. Pinstripes require organization because it a wide board placed between two or smaller panels repeating. The next one is called, Herringbone. This pattern is not often used today. A Herringbone pattern is where two boards met at forty-five-degree angles in a repeated pattern. This pattern also great for abstract-shaped deck layouts. However, increasing complexity will require advanced skilled labor needed to install the decking. This style also works well in Tiles layout. Using a Tile Pattern can be a fun and vibrant design for various reasons. It can really define the space. We suggest your tile pattern be above average in size, more on the larger size to reduce "busyness." Next up is Diagonal Inlays are often a popular choice. You can pick any angle of your choice, but our rule of thumb is to use 45 degrees, the sweet spot of 30/60 degrees. We believe you will limit material waste with the suggested angles and achieve your desired look proportional to depth and angle.
I recently discovered this Gaelic Knot Pattern. Well, the name of it, I've seen its jewelry designs but never knew the name. So, I had great joy finally learning what it called, then I went into a rabbit hole about the history and various patterns. Overall, there are deigns called Love Knot, Eternity Knot, Celtic Trinity Knot, Shield Knots, Dara Celtic Knot (Meaning Oak Tree, Roots), and so much more. These Knots are an excellent elegance touch added to your deck inlay. Make sure you do your research on the designed knot you choose and understand the history and meaning of each Gaelic Knots. The knots are more people used with an accent color.
The next geometry-shape is a Rhombus aka The Diamond typically corner set at 60 degrees with equal lengths on all sides. The diamond shape can be placed at the center of your deck. If your boards are running horizontal or vertical, adding a diamond is an excellent pattern contrast break. Also, consider even place the diamond on the stair landing platform. I find this pattern works best in small to medium deck layout. Mainly because if used in an extensive configuration, it can be overused and become a busy look.
CUSTOM DECK INLAY DESIGN
When it comes to custom inlay design, the possibilities are endless. So many options; where do you start? Approach one - the Mix and Match concept. It is pure creativity because now we are introducing a new material of your choice. For example, you can use porcelain tiles and have your typically decking inlay border. Approach two - anything you can dream up with can be decked! I've seen compass, bears, trees, etc as the focus points. If your deck shape is a circle, you could custom inlay a ship wheel or a compass, for example. I recreated my favorite basketball team, the WASHINGTON MYSTIC logo! Check the gallery below. If you wonder how your custom pattern would come out, try creating a silhouette pattern of the design and outline with deck boards. As for color selections, you most likely have to request a custom color when using composite decking or stain/paint with wood decking.
TREX COLOR SELECTION SUGGESTIONS
You are not limited to these suggestions, but if you find yourself browsing in Trex Decking. I have a few recommendations for Deck Inlay Design #1 Picture Frame with center trim board and 45 degrees inlay sections. For the Main trim, try Woodlawn Brown Color and Beach Dune Color for the secondary inlay. Deck Inlay Design #2 has a double picture frame with three inlay sections at horizontally placed inlay. This is a light combination using Select Saddle Color for main trim and Gravel Path Color for secondary inlay. For the final deck, inlay design is my favorite. Using Rope Swing Color for the central inlay and a custom order Trex Color to match the logo. If you visit the Trex website, you can place an order of 12" board samples. These are recommendations that can help you get started in the right direction.
CONCLUSION
So many patterns you can select from. We suggest reviewing textiles collection books; follow me on Pinterest @achlabdesign and let your creativity be inspired. Also, consider where your railing posts are placed on the edge, attached to exterior trim, or offset inward. Keep this in mind to avoid those odd cutouts when laying deck boards. We did not talk much about size variations and profiles. Double-check your specification when you order that the color selection of the board is consistent. Always start the inlay at the outer edge, moving toward the house. The last panel will be irregular, which can naturally hide under the existing house siding.
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