Building a deck in your yard will provide extra space to entertain, relax, and maybe even cook a meal. It’s a quick and relatively easy way to elevate your outdoor living space while also improving the value of your home.
However, you should consider a few things before starting the build process. Let’s look at a few of them.
Why Do You Want To Build A Deck?
You might already have the purpose in mind for your deck, but if not, determining what it will be used for will help in the design process. Will your deck be used as a place to sunbathe by the pool, or would you like to use it as a dining and entertainment space?
Figuring out who will use it, how often, and for what reasons is the most important question to answer before figuring out all of the other options for your deck.
Deck Design
Believe it or not, there are many different ways to design a deck. When we construct a deck for a client, we like to make it look like an extension of their home, so we consider the architectural style and try to build off of it.
One type of deck style to consider is a multi-level deck, where you can have different zones for seating, dining, and an outdoor kitchen. You could also install a wrap-around deck, which gives you tons of outdoor space around the perimeter of your home.
One of the most important stylistic choices you will make is the deck’s railing. There are quite a few options to consider, like wooden slats, mesh, or cables. Each material will give your deck personality that you can decorate around and should be similar to the rest of your home’s appearance.
Deck Safety
Since decks tend to be raised surfaces, safety is a crucial component to consider. You’ll want to think about who will be using your space and if they’ll have trouble walking up and down the steps.
You’ll also want to make sure you don’t make it easy for kids to climb or fall off the deck, so it’s smart not to use horizontal railing materials that can act as a ladder for a little daredevil.
Your deck also needs to be structurally sound. This becomes especially important if you plan to house a hot tub on it. Hot tubs are heavy, so you need to ensure that the deck can withstand the weight of the hot tub, as well as the furniture and people who will be on it.
Material Selection
Choosing the right materials for your project is another important item to consider before building a deck. You’ll want to choose something durable and sustainable.
Considering low-maintenance materials is also a good idea—unless you’d like to add another project to your home maintenance checklist.
Natural woods like cedar or redwood are popular choices as they provide a timeless look and are very durable. If you’d like something more cost-effective, you could also opt for pressure-treated wood. If you aren’t a fan of the look of a wood deck, there’s also composite decking, which comes in dozens of color varieties. Are you ready to add a deck to your home? We are here to help! Give us a call to get started.
