Many people are interested in adding something to their home and a deck is a great way to add that sense of style to your outdoor living space. If you haven’t built a deck yet, you might be interested in doing so. There are many things to consider before building a deck. A deck can serve many purposes, perhaps the most obvious is for entertainment, but there are many more and we will cover some of them in this article.
Listed below are some of the many factors to think about before building a deck. When you think about adding a deck, many homeowners are already envisioning that first barbecue or gathering. These are some of the considerations and benefits to consider before taking the plunge.
Added beauty
Adding a deck to your home can add a sense of style and can give others an idea of who you are. A terrace can add elegance; and can be seen as the main focus of the backyard. A deck can be added around an in-ground pool or used for strictly landscape design purposes, enhancing the overall utility, look, value, and feel of the home. If you are looking for that finishing touch for your unappealing backyard, adding a deck may be what is missing.
Entertaining
The decks are ideal for entertainment purposes. Summer is a great time to cook and gather everyone in your home, celebrating an occasion and the season. Decks can also be a place to relax after a long day at work or early in the morning before a hectic day begins, a time alone or shared with a partner. Grab your favorite book and head to your terrace to soak up the sun.
Proximity: Deck placement and entertainment
When deciding where to place your deck, keep in mind that when you entertain, you should be able to go from your home to the deck easily with food and drinks. For this reason, placing your terrace near your kitchen can be an advantage.
A safe place for children
The covers serve many purposes and can also be a great place for activities like playing a game with your child, painting artwork, or even just snuggling up with a cup of coffee on those cool summer nights while watching the kids play.
Added space
Many people are not aware of the fact that adding a terrace can be cheaper than adding another room. An additional platform counts as living space. A screen or overhang can also be added to serve as cover on rainy days, improving usability. Many people use their deck as a way for people to enter their home. Guests can leave their shoes on the terrace.
Other considerations
However, there are a few hurdles that need to be considered before building your rig. On second thought, you can even remove most of the obstacles.
Where to place your deck: environmental and zoning factors
One of the most important things to consider when building your deck is where you are going to place it. If you are going to install it as a piece of furniture, pay attention to how the sun hits it. Think about how the sun will affect your guests when they are sitting outside. Another option you may consider is adding tinted screens or plexiglass to help block out some of the sun. You also need to think about how much space you have to use for your platform. The size of your garden will determine how big or small your deck needs to be. You will need to pay attention to where your property line ends, as well as whether your city or state has any requirements regarding the need for permits.
Platform size
You should also think about how your guests will fit in on the terrace. You need to plan and build the terrace so that guests have enough space when entertaining. If you have a large family or have frequent visitors, plan accordingly. you will be happy you did.
Patio and Deck Sizing Alternatives
Also, if your garden is too small or you don’t have the usable space for a terrace, there are many alternatives to think about. There is also the option of having a terrace that is not attached to the house. If you opt for this type of terrace, a terrace away and separate from the house, be sure to add the appropriate walkway or steps to allow your guests to come and go. Another consideration is a Gazebo, which will be discussed in another article.
Cover privacy
Privacy is another thing to consider when building your deck. Many of us want to be able to have privacy in our backyards. When building your deck, consider line of sight issues and how to integrate privacy measures without detracting from the deck and / or detracting from the surrounding landscape design. If you choose to have even more privacy, consider lattices, shrubs (in boxes embedded in the landscape), and masonry, often referred to as rigid structures. Screens can also be added to help keep bugs and insects away.
If you are one of the lucky people who has a great view of the lake, or some other scenic area, adjacent to your garden, consider building your deck with the view in mind.
Landscapes and shrubs
Make sure that when you’re sitting on your custom-built outdoor furniture, made to fit the overall look and feel of your new deck, nothing detracts from the experience. Weigh privacy concerns with the environment and general deck and garden design considerations. Shrubs and bushes can and do block your view, so you may want to keep your deck clear of them.
Decking – the right look and feel
When you are planning your outside deck, also consider the view of your deck from inside the house. If there are certain features that you enjoy in the landscape, enhance them through clever design. Make sure the fit is correct, inside and out. When deciding on your deck materials, choose materials appropriate for the use and climate, both strong and durable. This will improve the longevity of your deck and the cost of maintenance.
These factors are just a few of the many that should be considered when building your deck. There are a myriad of considerations and they are all important. The considerations mentioned above will affect how you use your deck and its overall value to you, both in terms of use and in terms of the resale value of your home (will also be covered in another article).
