Deck Add-Ons

Decks can be built with just a frame, decking, and railing, but other features can be installed during or after your deck build for added function and style.

Pergola Kits

Pergola parts and kits are available from Pro Deck Supply so that you can add your own shade to your deck. Heartland pergolas are typically integrated into the deck during installation, but can be added after the fact. Pergola kits like Barrette's pre-fabricated system is usually build after deck installation, and set on top of the deck surface. Think of it like a high-end shade umbrella: no permits needed, fairly simple setup.

Privacy Panels

If you or your neighbors want to see less of each other, or you want a little less wind blowing through your deck area, privacy panels are an easy addition.

Although they will need to be secured to solid deck framing, they can be added inside a code-approved deck railing by adding blocking beneath the post mounting locations.

Systems like Barrette's privacy panels can actually be configured in place of a rail, since they are tested to most building code specifications.

Under-Deck Drainage Systems

If your deck surface is 8' or more off the ground, adding a waterproof ceiling to the underside of the deck could double your useable outdoor living space.

Some dry-deck systems use panels and brackets mounted beneath the framing, and double as a ceiling system as well as a water-shedding panel.


Other systems are designed to be installed above the framing or between deck boards, leaving the underside of the deck framing available and relatively dry. This allows for a panel system of your choice to be added, and it won't need to be waterproof. Cedar or PVC tongue and groove boards are a common option, since they provide a clean look and can simply be screwed to the bottom of each joist.

Panelized Drainage Systems

Above-Frame Dry-Deck Solutions

Weatherproof Paneling

Deck Lighting

Most modern deck lighting uses LEDs and a 12 volt transformer plugged into a wall outlet. This makes lighting relatively easy and low-risk to install.

It's generally best to stick to one brand of lighting on your project, because light hues and AC/DC compatibility varies between brands. Lighting hue refers to how warm (yellowish) or how cool (bluish) the LED appears.

Some systems like Dekpro, Trex, and Westbury use their own mini-plug system, so you will rarely need to pull out your wire-stripper or wire-nuts, if at all.