Three Great Arbor And Trellis Projects For Composite Decks

Once you've finished work on the basics of your composite deck, you may want to start a few new projects to beautify the area around it. You can use any leftover composite deck planks to make benches and planters that match your deck exactly, or you can add a rail to the project to provide elegance and sturdiness. But one surefire way to accessorize your composite deck is by creating a trellis, arbor or pergola to help it meld with the environment around it.

Right now, your composite deck might just be a deck, sitting there in your backyard as an extension of your house. But since it has elements of both indoors and outdoors, should you use it to provide a gentle transition from home to garden? Creating a simple structure to hang plants from, or to give climbing plants something to cling to, can be the perfect way to make your deck stand out.

Here are three suggestions for projects to highlight the beauty of your composite deck:

The Pyramid Trellis. This simple trellis can flank your deck on any or all sides, or can be a lovely accent to its corners. Called a tuteur by the French, these four-sided trellises come to a point at the top, and can show off climbing plants like roses or clematis. This trellis is a simple frame structure, made by cutting four 2x2 vertical planks to any length you like, and providing crossbeams at regular intervals. For a rustic look, you can leave the final product unfinished to let it weather, though beware of pests if you're using wood. The same material you used to build your composite deck can be used for this project, eliminating the need for maintenance.

The Arched Screen. If you've skirted your composite deck and you've got leftover skirting, this is the perfect project for putting it to good use. Just add lattice to a simple frame, and cut a romanesque arch from one of the panels. Framing the arch in plywood or decking material will soften sharp edges and reinforce the structure's stability. To cut the The arch is one of the strongest structures in engineering, and has been in use since the 2nd millennium B.C. -- so you know it's got to be good.

The Simple Pergola. A pergola is a shaded area of pillars that support crossbeams or a lattice, which in turn often supports climbing plants (like grapevines) or trees (like wisteria). Though we've called it a "simple pergola," constructing one is a detailed task. If you're a DIY homeowner, you may want to sit this one out and leave construction of your pergola to a professional. But if you've got substantial home-improvement experience under your belt and you're looking for a new challenge, this may be just the project for you. A pergola is an excellent way to drape your entire deck in greenery. While most people love the look and feel of composite decks as much as they love the ease of caring for them, some folks feel the composite wood-and-plastic planks don't look as natural as wood. A pergola, draped with leafy green nature in the spring and summer, might be the perfect remedy for a deck that needs that outdoorsy look.

Sequoia Supply, located in Warminster, PA, is the premier destination for decks and decking material. With a wide selection of wood and composite materials, decking accessories and other supplies, it's a one-stop shop for contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike.