Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by teamobn
A platform deck is a great place to enjoy the outdoors while reading a book or enjoying a cool beverage. If you’re lucky enough to have one, you know what a great asset it can be to your home. Not only is it a great place to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be perfect for entertaining friends and family.
If your home is short on space, it can be a lifesaver. There are endless possibilities when it comes to deck design, so you can really make it your own.
It offers great ‘bang for your buck’ value and is a great introduction to bigger projects. All it takes is some basic tools and good old common sense. To save more money, build it using reclaimed materials. There are lots around you that are readily available.
It will make it a lot easier if you can work with a friend or family member so why not fire up the BBQ and make a social event of it? Need some extra tips? then head over to our ‘Easy Build Decks and Verandas’ blog for step-by-step guidance.
Advantages of a Platform Deck
1. Increase home value
A deck is a great way to increase the value of your home, and adding a deck before putting your home up for sale will help you get the most for your investment. When selecting materials, it is important to consider maintenance. Wood, synthetic, vinyl or aluminium are all good options, and it is important to choose the type that you can afford to maintain.
2. Provide a more comfortable living space
A deck is a great way to expand your home’s living space and enjoy the outdoors. They can be used for a variety of activities, from entertaining guests to simply relaxing in the sun. A deck can provide a comfortable outdoor living space while expanding your home’s square footage.
And, if you build it yourself, it can be a great way to save money on home improvement costs. It can provide your home with an extra play area that the whole family can enjoy. It’s the perfect spot for hosting outdoor parties, relaxing in the sun, or spending time with loved ones.
Not only does it add value to your home, but it also creates a beautiful and inviting space for you to enjoy.
3. Increase storage space
A deck can be a great way to increase your home’s storage space. By adding a few shelves or cabinets to your deck, you can easily create a place to store outdoor gear, tools, or other belongings. This can free up space inside your home and make it easier to keep your belongings organized.
4. Blocks out the elements
A deck is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still being protected from the elements. By blocking out the sun and rain, it allows you to extend your living space and enjoy the fresh air without having to worry about the weather.
5. Increases curb appeal
Most homeowners take great pride in their home’s curb appeal. Whether it’s keeping up with the Jones’ or simply wanting to maintain the property value of your home, first impressions matter. A key component to excellent curb appeal is a beautiful and well-maintained deck.
Remember, a deck doesn’t need to be attached to your home. Is there a space in your yard where you can visualize a deck? Why not build one?
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Maximizing Small Spaces with Clever Deck Design
When space is at a premium, a well-designed platform deck can transform a cramped backyard into a versatile and inviting outdoor retreat. Here’s how you can maximize limited outdoor space with smart and stylish platform deck design strategies:
Optimize Layout for Functionality
Begin by assessing the specific needs and constraints of your space. A platform deck should complement your lifestyle, whether you’re creating a cozy area for relaxing or a functional space for entertaining. Consider a straightforward, rectangular design to maximize usable space, or a curved or angular design to add interest and flow. Incorporating built-in benches and multi-level sections can also enhance the functionality of the platform deck without requiring additional square footage.
Choose Appropriate Scale
The key to designing a platform deck in a small yard is to keep the scale in harmony with your space. Opt for a design that doesn’t overwhelm your garden but still provides enough surface area to be functional. You might design a platform deck that serves as more of a transition piece, perhaps running the length of the house but only extending a few feet out, balancing proportion and practicality.
Incorporate Vertical Features
To maximize space on your platform deck, think vertically. Tall, slender planters can add greenery without taking up much floor space. Vertical gardens or trellises can also add privacy and beauty without sacrificing square footage. Integrating vertical elements not only enhances the aesthetic of your platform deck but also can provide shade and wind protection.
Multi-Use Furnishings
Select furniture that can serve multiple purposes to make the most of your platform deck. Foldable or stackable chairs offer flexibility, while built-in seats can double as storage. Choosing multi-functional furniture allows you to adapt the space to different uses, giving you more flexibility with your platform deck.
By employing these design strategies, you can create a platform deck that makes your small outdoor space not only more functional but also more enjoyable. Whether you’re dealing with a narrow terrace or a modest backyard, these tips can help you design a platform deck that suits your needs and enhances your home’s outdoor appeal.
Safety Features and Enhancements for Family-Friendly Decks
Creating a safe environment is crucial when designing a deck that families can enjoy. Whether you’re building a new deck or upgrading an existing one, incorporating safety features not only protects your loved ones but also enhances the overall functionality and enjoyment of the outdoor space.
Secure Railings and Barriers
One of the most important safety features for any deck, especially those raised above ground level, is robust railings. Ensure that railings are at least 36 inches high, with spindles placed no more than 4 inches apart to prevent small children from slipping through. Consider materials that offer both durability and low maintenance, such as vinyl or composite, to keep your railings in good condition without constant upkeep.
Slip-Resistant Surfaces
To prevent slips and falls, choose decking materials that provide traction even when wet. Textured wood, composite decking, or rubber mats are excellent choices for family-friendly decks. These materials ensure that even during rainy weather or after pool splashes, the deck surface remains safe for everyone to walk on.
Gentle and Safe Steps
Make sure steps on decks with several tiers or those linked to the garden are safe and user-friendly. Install handrails and ensure the depth of the step treads allows for the whole foot. To increase visibility and stop tripping, think about including tread lights or anti-slip tape for extra security.
Child-Proofing Considerations
If you have young children, adding gates at the top and bottom of deck stairs will help to stop unsupervised access. Make sure any outside furniture is strong and won’t readily tip over as well. Check the deck often for splinters, loose boards or protruding nails; then, take quick care of these hazards.
Combining these safety elements makes your deck a safe and fun venue for family get-togethers, barbecues, or quiet evenings outside. Safety doesn’t have to sacrifice style; with contemporary materials and designs, you can build a beautiful and safe family-friendly deck.
How to Integrate Your Platform Deck with Your Landscape
Integrating your platform deck with the surrounding landscape is essential for creating a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor living spaces. This harmonious integration enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your deck and garden, making the outdoor area more inviting and usable.
Use Natural Materials
Select materials for your platform deck that complement the natural elements found in your garden. Using wood that matches the tones of your garden furniture or nearby trees can help blend the deck into the landscape. For a more modern look, consider composite materials that can mimic the look of natural wood without the same level of maintenance.
Plan Around Existing Features
Incorporate existing landscape features such as trees, shrubs, or rock formations into the design of your platform deck. Build around these elements to create natural shade or windbreaks and enhance the organic feel of your outdoor space. This approach not only preserves the mature features of your landscape but also reduces the need for additional modifications.
Create Flow with Pathways
Connect your platform deck to the rest of your garden with pathways that match or complement the deck’s materials. These paths can guide movement around the garden, creating a visual and physical flow that links different areas seamlessly. Use materials like pavers, crushed stone, or consistent decking material to maintain a unified look throughout your outdoor space.
Incorporate Plants for Cohesion
Soften the edges of your platform deck with strategic plantings that blur the line between the deck and the garden. Use container plants, border gardens, or climbing plants on trellises to integrate greenery directly into the deck’s structure. This not only adds privacy and aesthetic appeal but also helps integrate the built environment into the natural surroundings.
By thoughtfully integrating your platform deck with the landscape, you can create a cohesive and inviting outdoor area that enhances both the functionality and beauty of your home. This approach ensures that your deck not only stands out as a feature but also complements the overall landscape design.
Conclusion
A platform deck is an excellent addition to any home, enhancing outdoor living space and boosting property value. It offers flexibility in design and material choices, catering to various tastes and budgets. With the right planning and safety features, a platform deck becomes a cherished space for relaxation and entertainment.
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