• Deck design products can be purchased from any home improvement store.Deck de madeira image by CarlosNeto from Fotolia.com
  
  Deck design has grown by leaps and bounds since the first building of a traditional wooden deck. Although traditional wooden decks are still widely used today, new products have hit the market that have modernized their timeless look. The inclusion of metal and stainless steel rails, ambient lighting and low-maintenance materials have helped to beautify deck design.
  
  

Rails

• Deck railing does not always have to be made of wood. Many beautiful deck designs include rails made from cast iron, wrought iron or stainless steel. Cast iron and wrought iron railing systems give decks an old-world look while stainless steel railing systems stand out among modern design. Often, you will see decorative, ornamental touches to cast and wrought iron rails. Modern stainless steel rails generally offer a sleek, straight look.
  
  

Lighting

• Adding ambient lighting is one of the easiest ways to beautify a deck. Not only does lighting add charm and aesthetic appeal, it also allows decks to be used more often in the evenings and at nighttime. Deck lighting is not limited to placement on the exterior walls of a home but can also be placed on railing, under railing or recessed on the deck's floor.
  
  

Deck Materials

• Alternative deck materials not only ensure long-lasting beauty but also eliminate the hassle that comes with the upkeep of a wooden deck. What's great is that you can achieve the same look of a wooden deck without using actual wood. Alternative decking is often made of cellular PVC boards containing UV protection to prevent fading and discoloration from sunlight. In addition, alternative decking is resistant to scratching and molding.