Choosing the best deck & fence combination for your business will ensure a cohesive and pleasant aesthetic that all of your clients can enjoy.
The outdoor areas of your business play a critical role in shaping first impressions, enhancing curb appeal, and creating a welcoming environment for clients, customers, and employees. Choosing the right deck and fence combination can elevate your commercial property, making it more attractive and functional. However, selecting the best combination involves more than just aesthetics. It’s important to consider factors like functionality, durability, maintenance, and your brand identity. Here’s how to choose the best deck and fence combination for your business.
Align with Your Brand Identity
Your business’s brand identity should be at the forefront when selecting a deck and fence combination. The exterior of your commercial space should reflect the values, tone, and style of your brand.
- Modern and Sleek: If your brand is contemporary and cutting-edge, consider a minimalist deck design with clean lines, made from composite materials or concrete, paired with a metal or glass fence. This combination conveys professionalism and innovation.
- Traditional and Welcoming: For a more traditional or welcoming business, such as a restaurant or boutique, opt for natural wood decking with a classic picket or lattice fence to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Rustic and Earthy: If your business embraces an earthy, eco-friendly image, like a garden center or organic café, choose sustainable materials like reclaimed wood for the deck and a natural bamboo or wood fence.
Aligning the deck and fence with your brand helps create a cohesive look and feel, enhancing your business’s exterior appeal.
Evaluate the Purpose and Functionality
Understanding the primary use of your outdoor space will help guide your decision when selecting a deck and fence combination.
- Customer Gathering Areas: For businesses like cafes, breweries, or restaurants that have outdoor seating, consider a deck that is durable, easy to clean, and comfortable. Composite or pressure-treated wood is an excellent choice for decks in these settings. Pair this with a low fence or railing to maintain openness while providing safety.
- Privacy and Security: If your business requires privacy or security, such as a daycare, medical office, or law firm, opt for a taller, solid fence made of vinyl, wood, or composite materials. A sturdy deck with safety features like non-slip surfaces and well-lit pathways will complement the fence and enhance security.
- Employee Relaxation Areas: If the outdoor space is intended for employee breaks or meetings, consider a comfortable, shaded deck area with seating and a fence that offers some privacy without feeling closed in. A semi-private fence with horizontal slats or lattice panels can provide a balance between openness and seclusion.
By evaluating the purpose of the space, you can select a combination that meets the specific needs of your business.
Select Durable Materials
Commercial spaces often experience more wear and tear than residential properties, so choosing durable materials for both the deck and fence is essential.
- Composite: Composite decking is a popular choice for businesses due to its low maintenance, resistance to weathering, and long lifespan. It doesn’t require regular staining or sealing, making it a cost-effective option over time.
- Vinyl: Vinyl fencing is ideal for businesses because it is low maintenance, highly durable, and comes in various colors and styles to match your brand. It is also resistant to rot, insects, and UV damage.
- Metal: Metal options, such as aluminum or steel, provide durability and a modern look for fences, railings, and gates. These materials are great for businesses looking for added security.
Selecting materials that withstand heavy use and require minimal upkeep can save time and money, allowing you to focus on running your business.
Consider Safety and Accessibility
Safety and accessibility are paramount when designing outdoor areas for a business. Ensure that your deck and fence comply with local building codes and regulations, including ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards.
- Deck Safety: Choose slip-resistant materials for the deck surface, especially in areas prone to moisture or spills. Ensure that there are adequate handrails, especially on stairs or elevated areas, and use contrasting colors or textures to highlight steps and edges.
- Fence Safety: For businesses that require a higher level of security, such as schools or childcare centers, consider fences with self-closing, self-latching gates and a smooth, unclimbable surface.
- Accessibility: If your business serves the public, make sure your deck is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Consider adding ramps, wide pathways, and railings to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, or those with mobility challenges.
By incorporating safety and accessibility features, you make your outdoor space more inclusive and welcoming to all visitors.
Residential & Commercial Fences from Hercules Fence DC
Hercules Fence DC has been providing property owners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well-equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. We have extensive experience working with families and pet owners to keep the most important members of their homes safe, so call us today about installing a new pet fence for your family. Contact us by giving us a call at 301-441-1600 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.
