Staying at home and social distancing have changed our living norms. Almost every homeowner is looking to extend their outdoor living space. Building a deck is one of the most effective and simple ways to do that.
Whether you love to entertain friends or family in the outdoor space of your home, deck installation can make things fun for you. But just like every home improvement project a lot of planning and decision-making goes into that.
As a deck makes up a major component of the house exterior and impacts the curb appeal of your home, you cannot afford to make any mistakes. If you are planning to add a deck or patio to your house, determine the best design for your home after reading the following tips.
Determine The Purpose And Function Of Deck
For those who live in an area with a warmer climate several months of the year, a deck is a perfect outdoor place for spending evenings. The first step in building a deck is to determine the purpose and function of the deck for your particular family.
Once you have a vision, it’s easier to design a deck that will provide maximum value. Some homeowners use the deck as a place for containing gardening near the house, others use it as a private outdoor place. Think about all the possible uses for your family.
Decide An Ideal Spot
Now you know the potential uses of this outdoor space, it’s time to think about its location. Sometimes it is quite apparent where the deck should be installed but at others, you have different options to choose from.
The most important step in deciding an ideal spot is to measure the available space in your property and scale the deck to it. Track the microclimates over the day to determine a spot that will be comfortable for most of the day. Some of the other important considerations include access to the deck, privacy, and wind patterns. You can always hire professional help to decide the ideal location of your deck.
Check The Building Codes Of Your Area
Call the town hall to know the local building codes and legal procedures you need to follow. In some states, you may need to get the design approved on your own. As the state laws and permit restrictions vary according to the state, it pays off to do your homework before buying any materials. A lot of homeowners prefer hiring professionals because they can handle all the logistics for you with minimum hassle.
Consider Pros And Cons Of All Building Materials
Although budget happens to be a limiting factor for most of the homeowners, consider different deck building materials and their pros and cons.
Wood is the most popular material owing to its luxury opulence and durability. Teak, Ipe, and Brazilian species are premium woods with excellent durability. Most homeowners go for pressure-treated wood species such as pine, cedar, and redwood. These woods contain preservatives for weather resistance making maintenance easier.
It might surprise you but wood is not the only building material out there. The composite decking material is the most expensive option out there but lasts longer than any other material. It is made up of wood and plastic providing the benefits of both materials.
If you live in a rainy area, the aluminum deck offers slip resistance but the upfront cost is not very ideal.
Consider Your Privacy
Finding perfects is virtually impossible. So is the case with the deck location. You may have to settle for a spot that does not offer the privacy you like. If your deck is visible to your neighbors, there are several options to improve the privacy.
The best approach is to consider your privacy before you lift a hammer to keep your expenses within budget limits. A screen can be built for to block the view. Plantings such as bamboo can act as living privacy fences as well as a noise buffer. It costs less and grows fast.
Include Lighting And Décor
Adding a personal touch to your outdoor space can make the space more livable and welcoming. Include lighting to improve the functionality of the space. If done right, lighting gives a certain festive and romantic ambiance to the deck. Consider the type of fixtures and amount of lighting. My personal favorite is the recessed step lights. Some other options include wall or post-mounted lights, landscape spotlights, or path lights.
Think About Built-Ins
Customized built-ins add functionality and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space. If there are steps in your deck design, add railings for increased safety of the residents. Outdoor furniture, cushions, and accessories can be used to spice up the aesthetic appeal!
Don’t forget to consider the maintenance routine. Your best bet is to consult professional deck builders for advice.