The Owner-Builder Network

Decks: 4 Important Things to Consider before Building Them

Thinking outside the square :) An excellent use of decking!
Thinking outside the square 🙂 Excellent use of decking!

Decks! They bring the outside in and the inside out.  They are the lowest cost way to extend your living area and they can be easily converted to an all-weather entertaining area with the addition of a roof deck and vinyl curtains.

A deck is a type of outdoor living space typically built on top of a home or other structure. Decks are a popular spot for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. They can be built from a variety of materials, including wood, composite, and metal.

They can be a part of your house or totally detached. And they’re a great way to make use of those difficult spots in your yard that are either always damp or too shaded to grow anything worthwhile.

There are hundreds of deck eye-candy photos here

Things you need to consider in adding decks to your outdoor space

Location

When deciding to build a deck, one of the first things you need to think about is the location of the deck.

Where you build your deck can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the finished product, so it’s important to choose a location that will complement your home and yard.

The location of your deck can impact the amount of sunlight it gets, how it is level with the ground, and how close it is to your house. All of these factors can impact the stability and safety of your deck.

Size

Before you begin, you need to first think about the size of your deck. But the size of your deck will depend on the size of your backyard, you might want a small, intimate deck or a large, sprawling one.

You also need to think about how you’re going to use the deck. If you’re planning on entertaining a lot, you might need a bigger deck.

Budget and Materials

As a general rule of thumb, your budget for building decks will be directly proportional to the size and materials that you use. If you want to build a large, luxurious deck made from expensive materials, you can expect to spend a significant amount of money.

However, if you’re willing to use more affordable materials and keep your deck on the smaller side, you can save yourself a good deal of money. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what kind of deck you want and how much you’re willing to spend.

More durable materials will cost more. This is because they are made to last longer and can withstand more wear and tear. When choosing materials for your project, consider how long you need them to last and how much abuse they will need to withstand.

Landscape

When building your decks, you also need to consider the landscape. This means taking into account the shape and size of your yard, as well as the location of any trees, bushes, or other obstacles. You’ll want to make sure your deck is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, so take your time planning it out!

If you have a small yard, you should be careful not to overcrowd it with too much furniture or decking. Likewise, if you have a large yard, then you should make sure you make use of the space and don’t leave it too empty. The location of any trees, bushes, or other obstacles can also impact the design of your decks.

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