If you love would love to have more room in your home for entertaining, but don't want to add a new room, why not build a deck? After all, decks are much more than an attractive afterthought in home design. Today, people are using them as elegant entertainment areas, private spas, and much more. If you already have a deck, perhaps you want to give it an updated look. So, before you rush to the hardware store, take a few minutes to consider some of the basics of designing a deck.
Basic Factors in Designing a Deck
There are a variety of considerations to make when planning a deck, with perhaps the biggest one being functionality. If you are merely looking for a place to host the family cook outs, then your needs are not the same as someone who wishes to incorporate a hot tub into the design plan. Do you want to have electrical outlets? Maybe you want a deck that has a series of levels or even different floor designs. Then, for those who are part of a homeowner's association, there may be specific guidelines and standards that must be met. As you design your deck keep these things in mind:
What are the building codes for your area? Before buying the first deck board, make sure you understand any city ordinances in regards to zoning, building permits, inspections, etc. that are applicable. In addition, if you live in a neighborhood that is part of a homeowners association there may be restrictions and requirements regarding the deck size, the deck height, types of materials used, shape of the deck, whether or not you must have privacy screens or even how far your deck can be from the property line.
Where do you plan on building the deck? Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a deck is its view. Do you want to be facing the sunrise, the sunset or perhaps that quiet, wooded area in the back of your home? Of course, the layout of your home will be a big factor in this decision, but if you have more than one option, then try setting a chair or picnic table out and relaxing in the various spots to determine if one works better for you than another. If you think you may want to extend the deck at a later time, consider adding a door or way to add a new level later on. Also, think about the temperature, the north side of your home is typically the coolest.What about the shape of the deck? Decks today are not just a basic single-level rectangle or square. Today they may be several levels connected by steps, walk ways and architectural elements. You can customize your deck to include lighting, decorative railings, an outdoor fireplace or kitchen, and other design elements. Just keep in mind that the more customization you have, the higher the price but also the greater potential.