Why Your Deck Should Be Your Favorite “Room” of the House
When most people think about building a deck, they think about adding something to the outside of their home.
But the truth is…
👉 A well-designed deck doesn’t feel like “outside” at all.
It feels like an extension of how you live.
And sometimes, it becomes your favorite “room” of the house.
It Starts with a Vision… But It Becomes So Much More
We recently experienced this ourselves with our second home in Vermont.
We knew we wanted to expand our space create somewhere we could relax, gather, and enjoy the outdoors.
We built a 16×24 composite deck, designed with both beauty and function in mind.
- A picture frame border for a clean, finished look
- Warm, natural tones Whiskey Barrel for the main deck and Spiced Rum for the accents
- Custom steps, designed a little deeper and more gradual to make it easier for aging parents
- A gate to keep things safe for our grandchildren and our two Labrador Retrievers
- Lattice for privacy, while still allowing a view of the mountains
It was beautiful from the start.
But what surprised us was how it kept getting better.
The “Wow” Happens in Layers
At first, it was just the deck and everyone already loved it.
Then the stairs were completed… and suddenly it felt more connected.
Then the railings went in and everything felt more finished, more defined.
And then came the lighting.
And that’s when everything changed.
Lighting Changes Everything
We added soft lighting to the rail posts around the entire deck, along with lighting on each step.
It wasn’t harsh or overwhelming it was subtle, warm, and inviting.
At night, you don’t even need a big overhead light. The glow from the railings creates this beautiful, ambient space.
And in the winter…
Watching the snow fall and seeing it gently lit by those lights it’s honestly hard to describe. It’s quiet, peaceful, and just incredibly beautiful.
It’s Not Just a Deck Anymore
What we didn’t fully realize at the beginning was this:
👉 We weren’t just building a deck we were expanding how we live.
Now we:
- Leave the door open and move freely in and out
- Have space for family to gather without feeling crowded
- Sit outside with our coffee in the morning
- Watch the birds, the yard, and the mountains
- Enjoy dinners outside as the sun sets
- Read, relax, and spend time together in a completely different way
Our grandkids play right there beside us.
Our dogs have a safe space.
And everything just feels… easier.
That’s What a Great Deck Should Do
A deck shouldn’t just look good.
It should:
- Fit your lifestyle
- Make your home feel bigger
- Create space for connection
- And give you a place you actually want to be
Because when it’s designed right…
👉 It’s not just part of your house it becomes part of your life.
Thinking About Your Own Space?
Whether it’s morning coffee, family dinners, or simply having a place to unwind…
Your deck has the potential to become your favorite place at home.
At Advanced Custom Decks, we design spaces with that in mind from the structure to the details that bring it all together.
👉 Request a consultation and let’s create a space you’ll love to live in.
💛 Why this blog works for you
- Feels personal and real (not salesy at all)
- Shows your design thinking without “selling” it
- Highlights features naturally (lighting, safety, layout)
- Connects directly to your purpose: connection, family, memories
- Makes people want what you have