How to Design a Deck
A well-designed deck is a must-have feature for any dream home. Not only will a beautiful deck give you plenty of outdoor living space to enjoy, but it will also help create a smooth transition between your home and your yard. However, before you hire a deck builder, you’ll want to think about design. Decking comes in all kinds of styles and can be customized to meet just about any preference, so your options are virtually endless. While this can be overwhelming at first, it can also be exciting, as you’ll be able to create a deck that suits your needs perfectly. As you get started designing your new deck, consider the following:
Materials
When designing a deck, material will be one of the first things you’ll have to think about. There are a ton of decking materials on the market, although some are better than others. If you’re interested in low-maintenance decking that will look beautiful and perform like new for years to come, composite and tile decking are two of the best choices. Tile decking can also be used to create an inlay or accent on a composite or wood deck, so you can combine materials to create a unique deck that adds plenty of character to your home.
Size
Sizing will depend heavily on how big of a space you have to work with—the bigger your yard, the bigger your deck can be. But bigger isn’t always better and a smaller deck may be more suitable for your needs. If you want to maintain plenty of yard space for your kids or grandkids to play in, for example, you may want to keep your deck on the smaller side. But if your backyard leaves much to be desired, a larger deck can give you the outdoor living space you’re missing. A good deck builder will be able to evaluate your yard and let you know what your limits are when it comes to sizing.
Height
The next thing you’ll want to think about is height. There are two main factors to consider here:
Low Decks
Low decks sit closer to the ground, and they don’t usually require guardrails. Low decks also allow the space underneath the deck to be covered. While this can be great for aesthetics, it also creates a space for small animals to burrow in and encourages mold and mildew growth, so you’ll want to discuss solutions to those concerns with your deck builder before going this route.
High Decks
Higher decks can create the illusion that the deck is floating, which is aesthetically pleasing and also allows for storage space beneath the structure. However, high decks almost always require stairs, which can make them more difficult to access.
Positioning
The deck’s positioning will have an effect on how tall it can be, so this is an important thing to consider. If you’re replacing an existing deck with a new structure, you probably already have an idea for the kind of positioning that works for you. If you’re building a brand-new structure, talk to your deck builder about what positioning is best. The placement of your deck should give you the best possible view of the surrounding landscape and conceal any undesirable views—such as a neighbor’s cluttered or overgrown backyard—from sight as much as possible. Positioning will also affect the amount of shade you have access to, so think about where the trees are in relation to the structure. If you’re not able to get any shade from surrounding trees, you may want to ask your deck builder to include a pergola.
Layout
Designing a layout for your new deck is where you can really have some fun and integrate your lifestyle needs into the design. If you love to throw parties, for example, you’ll probably want a deck that allows for plenty of seating space. Or, if you’re a big griller, you may want to incorporate an outdoor kitchen into your deck’s design. No matter what, however, you should make sure the layout allows for clear pathways to the door and stairs so that you can easily move from your house to your deck to your yard and back again.
Let Us Design Your Deck
When it comes to decking, a good design will highlight all of your yard’s advantages while a poor design will make flaws stick out. Durante Home Exteriors can help you get the most out of your new deck by installing a beautifully designed structure at your home. We are a highly experienced deck builder that installs a wide selection of top-quality decking. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer. We would be happy to answer your questions and schedule a free consultation.
