NARI GUIDE Add Curves to Beautify Your Space H


ardscape structures such as decks, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and gazebos are among the many features today’s homeown-


ers use to extend their entertainment space. Now curved applications are increasingly being applied to add beauty and elegance to those hardscapes.


Gardeners have long loved incorporating curves in their designs. Curved walkways, arches, serpentine walls and round or oval pools have graced the grounds of majestic estates and suburban homes for many years. Curves are natural shapes that can be more appealing in design than the linear appearance created by tradi- tional square or rectangular decks. Today, contractors and homeowners are creating beautiful exterior spaces that reflect their love of the curved designs.


Tis trend toward curved deck components has been driven by an increase in the use of composite decking materials in outdoor structural design. And, because composite deck materials like Trex® or TimberTech® are composed of recycled products, including plastic, heat can be used to bend the material into desired shapes and contours. Contractors can use the special- ized equipment on the job site or have the material professionally bent by custom millshops.


Incorporating the Curve into Your Existing Deck A curved accent can be achieved with a single curved edge or step. Many designers choose to in- corporate benches and circular focal points in their designs. One of the most effective uses of curved deck boards is to create a curved picture frame in a contrasting color around the edge of the deck. Con- trasting the color accentuates the curve and creates a pleasing aesthetic. A matching or contrasting rail can complement this effect.


Contrasting curves can also be used to delineate en- tertainment areas on the deck or accent a focal point, such as a fire pit or water feature. Consider designing a series of benches around a professionally installed fire pit. Te use of different colors of decking pro- vides a beautiful living area in the spring, summer and fall, and during the winter can create a beautiful exterior work of art.


How Curves Are Created: The Bending Process Traditionally, wood is curved by the use of a process called kerfing. To kerf a board, a carpenter cuts a se- ries of closely spaced incisions on the backside of the wood to create flexibility. Composite products, how- ever, can be heated in a special bending oven and, once heated, the boards or rails are flexible enough to be conformed to a template created for the cor- rect radius. Tere are, of course, limitations on how far composite materials can be bent; the minimum radius bend is 8’. Deck boards, rails and trim boards can be curved using an oven or special warming blan- ket. We regularly bend boards, trim and rail in our millshop for contractors whose clients love the look that curves give a deck.


Factors to Consider for Decks Curved decks require additional plan- ning and detailed drawings. Unlike a traditional


BY ELIZABETH FRITSCHE


Enjoying outdoor living spaces has become a year-round lifestyle.


square or rectangular


deck, the joists for curved decks vary in length and require more extensive blocking than non-curved ones do. Te installation of a curved deck can require additional time and curved construction entails more trimming and creates some waste. And bending material adds to the cost and time re- quired to complete a deck upgrade.


Curved decks can be a beautiful en- hancement to your home and extend your entertainment area. Many area contractors and deck builders offer curved decking design and you can ex- pect to see more curved decking in your neighborhood in the years to come.


Elizabeth Tart Fritsche of Tart Lumber Company, Inc. can be reached at efrit- sche@tartlumber.com. Photos courtesy of Trex®


Decking. Tart Lumber Company,


Inc. is an active member of NARI Metro DC, www.narimetrodc.org.


create | CONSUMER.NARIMETRODC.ORG 21


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