Building a new deck is a significant investment that transforms your outdoor space and enhances your lifestyle. But, as with any significant project, it’s crucial to plan and make informed decisions. Following our guide on the essential steps to building a deck, let’s delve deeper into the top things you must consider for a successful, long-lasting deck.
How are you going to use your deck?
Defining Deck Usage:
Entertainment Hub:
If your deck is intended to host BBQs, parties, or family get-togethers, consider a spacious design with room for outdoor furniture, a grill, and possibly a fire pit or entertainment system.
Quiet Retreat:
For those looking for a peaceful outdoor nook to read, meditate, or enjoy nature, think of adding cozy corners, possibly a pergola for shade, and soothing water features.
Functional Spaces:
Do you want your deck to serve as an outdoor kitchen, a play area for kids, or perhaps a gardening space? Functional requirements will dictate design intricacies like storage solutions, stairs, where to place a grill or kitchen. Do you have room for seating and a place to mount an outdoor tv?
What material are you going to use?
Durability & Maintenance:
To ensure a long-lasting deck investment, durability and maintenance should be considered in your decision. While traditional wood decks have their charm, they often require regular maintenance to prevent wear, tear, and decay. Composite decking, on the other hand, boasts longevity with minimal upkeep. It resists fading, staining, scratching, and mold. So think, do you want to invest today with less maintenance later with composite decking? Or save some now but spend more time maintaining over the long run with traditional wood?
Aesthetic Appeal:
Composite decks offer a range of colors and textures, mimicking everything from rich tropical hardwoods to traditional timber finishes. This variety ensures you don’t compromise on aesthetics for durability. Traditional wood has less range of colors and appearance but some prefer the more natural appeal.
Eco-Friendly Choice:
Composite decking materials are often made from a mix of recycled wood fibers and plastics, making them a sustainable option for eco-conscious homeowners.
Read a longer breakdown of wood vs composite here.
How Can You Bridge Your Deck Vision with Your Home?
Architectural Harmony:
Creating a deck isn’t merely about adding an outdoor space; it’s about ensuring that this new addition feels organically tied to your home’s existing architecture. This is just as much as a deck investment as what material to choose because you want something that looks cohesive. If you go to sell a home but the deck has a harsh contrast with the home, it may turn away buyers.
To achieve this: Study Your Home’s Architecture and before settling on a design, take a moment to understand the architectural elements that define your home. Is it modern with clean lines, or does it have a more rustic or classical feel?
Complementary Design Choices: Once you grasp your home’s architectural essence, aim for a deck design that aligns with this. For instance, a home with a colonial design might benefit from a traditional wooden deck with intricate railing details, while a modern home might better suit sleek composite materials with minimalist designs.
Landscape Dynamics:
To complete your outdoor space transformation, a deck should feel nestled within its environment, rather than appearing as an afterthought. To ensure this:
Assess Your Yard’s Terrain: Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand the topography of your yard. Does it slope, or is it mostly flat? This will influence whether your deck should be multi-leveled or have extended steps.
Incorporate Natural Elements: Trees, shrubs, and other natural features shouldn’t be obstacles but can be features to work around or incorporate. Imagine a deck that wraps gracefully around a majestic oak or one that integrates planters filled with local flora.
Think of Sun and Shade: Depending on the orientation of your yard, consider how sunlight and shade patterns change throughout the day. Design your deck to take advantage of these patterns, whether it’s to catch the morning sun or enjoy the evening shade.
Looking for a partner to design your deck and outdoor space?
Celebrating our collaboration with Yardzen, we are thrilled to elevate the art of outdoor space design to unparalleled heights. Combining our expertise with Yardzen’s innovative design sensibilities, we aim to transform decks and open spaces into exquisite extensions of your home. This partnership embodies the perfect union of creativity and craftsmanship, ensuring that your vision for an idyllic outdoor sanctuary is seamlessly brought to life.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help bring your vision to life.