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How To Design A Deck

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Looking how a deck looks is great, but when you want to design a deck, you should consider how the new addition will fit in with your house and garden. When designing a deck, keep in mind how you plan to use the deck—whether it will be attached to a pool, if you will be using it frequently or infrequently, whether it is just for your family or entertaining guests from the neighborhood and work, etc.

One of the first things to consider is whether or not you want the deck attached to your. It’ll share at least one of those home’s walls and foundation for support. The deck may also share a roof with the house. Or, will the deck be freestanding, detached from the house? The second option tends to be easier and less expensive.

Next, how high do you want your deck to be? The higher the deck is—especially if it attaches to a second story of a home—there are likely additional requirements by the local authorities. Decks that sit closer to the ground typically require fewer supports and are easier and less expensive to build.

The terrain that your deck will sit on will also play a part in your planning stages. If there is a slope or uneven ground, this will need to be dealt with before the deck is built. Is the ground sturdy enough to build a deck on? A local contractor can help evaluate the land and see what options are available to you.

Traditionally, decks were a single, flat surface. Nowadays, with more efficient building methods, we’re seeing decks that are comprised of multiple levels which add beauty and value. What kind of deck do you want to build?

Consider shading. There is a lot of variation when it comes to shading your deck and shading from your deck. Shade from the deck can make it difficult for plants to grow and you want to be able to escape the sun while enjoying your deck, but you don’t want perpetual shade that will encourage mold growth. Working with a decking contractor, they can do the math and help you work out the details of placement and style for shade.

Be sure to plan attention to both function and safety when planning out access points. You may have to investigate local code requirements for planning entranceways, stairs and guardrails. When designing a deck, you have to consider all of these things and—not just what looks good—but, what works and is going to keep everyone safe.

Are you going to have additions to your deck such as lighting, speakers, a grill? Then, you are going to need to consider how you are going to get the utilities to the deck. This can greatly enhance the usefulness and value of your deck, but will also drive up the initial cost of building a deck and could affect overall design.