The View is the Value
In the Utah real estate market, especially in the "Golden" areas like Park City, Holladay, and the East Bench of Ogden, the view is often the single biggest factor in a home’s valuation. When you step out onto your deck, you shouldn't feel like you're looking through a cage. At Elevate Exteriors, our design philosophy is "Frame, Don't Fence." We believe your deck should be a front-row seat to the natural majesty of the Wasatch Front.
Strategy 1: The Power of Low-Profile Railings
Traditional wood pickets are 3.5 inches wide with only 4 inches of space between them. This means that nearly 50% of your view is blocked by lumber. For a luxury home, this is unacceptable.
- Stainless Steel Cable: These thin horizontal lines virtually disappear from 10 feet away. They provide a modern, industrial-chic look that is perfect for "Mountain Modern" architecture.
- Tempered Glass Panels: This is the ultimate solution for wind-swept areas like Bountiful or Cottonwood Heights. You get a totally unobstructed view and a built-in windbreak for your patio heater.
Strategy 2: Intentional Orientation
A great deck builder doesn't just follow the line of the house; they look at the horizon.
- The "Sunset Angle": We often suggest angling the main seating area toward the west to capture those famous Utah "pink" sunsets, while positioning the outdoor kitchen in a more shaded area.
- Picture Framing: We use "picture frame" decking techniques—where a border of a different color surrounds the main boards—to naturally lead the eye toward the best vista.
Strategy 3: Multi-Level Layouts for Sloped Lots
Many of our clients live on steep lots in the canyons. Instead of one massive, high-towering deck, we often design "terraced" spaces.
- The Upper Gallery: A smaller, intimate space off the master bedroom or kitchen for morning coffee and birdwatching.
- The Main Stage: A larger mid-level deck for dining and entertaining.
- The Landing: A lower concrete or timber area for a hot tub or fire pit, keeping the steam and smoke away from the main house windows.
Strategy 4: Lighting that Doesn't Cause Glare
One of the biggest mistakes in deck design is "Light Pollution." If you put bright, unshielded lights on your deck, your pupils will contract and you won't be able to see the city lights or the stars.
- In-Rail Downlighting: We install lights that shine down onto the deck surface. This provides safety without shining light into your eyes or reflecting off the glass railing.
- Step Lights: Subtle glow on each riser ensures you can navigate the deck safely while the focus remains on the moon over the peaks.
Building with Professional Pride
Maximizing a view often requires complex engineering, especially when using heavy glass panels or building on steep grades. At Elevate Exteriors, we take pride in the "unseen" details. We ensure that your deck is structurally rock-solid so that you can relax and enjoy the view with total peace of mind. We grew up in these mountains, and we treat every "view-centric" build as an opportunity to create a masterpiece for our neighbors.
