Tips For Designing Your Deck

You’ve recently decided that you want to build a deck in your backyard. Congratulations! This is a huge undertaking that will improve your skills as a builder, leave you feeling rewarded and give you something tangible to point to as evidence of your hard work. But before you buy even one slat of wood you have to design the deck you want.

Designing a deck, whether on your own or with the help of a professional, is a pretty simple task as long as you do the research so you have all the information. If you know nothing about decks other than you want one, there are plenty of online resources so you can see the styles and types of decks available.

But before you start poring over hundreds or thousands of deck designs, there are a few factors you should consider.

Purpose

What will you be using this deck for? This is the first question you should ask yourself because the answer will help you figure out which type of deck is right for you. Do you want a place to grill burgers and enjoy meals in the fresh air? Do you want a sturdy platform to highlight a swimming pool or just a place to lounge around when the weather is perfect?

This will help you determine the best way to start designing your deck. If you regularly host parties in your backyard you know that your design should be on the large side, but if you just want a place for your grill and your hammock, a large deck is unnecessary.

What’s Your Style

The other factor that will help you when designing your deck is your style. I don’t mean your fashion style, but your home style. Do you want a classic deck in a cottage style and geometric designs or do you prefer the heavy timber and rustic look of the mountain style?

Most people have no idea how to describe their style, which is why looking at different deck designs is the best way to figure out. If you have a particular style it will become apparent in the designs that appeal to you. You may find that someone has already designed your ideal deck…all you have to do is look.

Easy To Clean?

One of the important factors that very few deck builders think about is the ease in which a deck can be cleaned. Many builders gravitate to wooden decks because they come in a variety of finishes, wood is sturdy and it can be easily washed free of stains. Others prefer to use composites because it is made of recycled goods, but these stain much easier than wood even if they do require less frequent washings.

You may not care about how easy a deck is to clean, but if you plan to barbecue, eat and entertain on your deck it is an important item to factor in when designing your deck.

Don’t forget to add in the items that make a design special for you such as lighting, railings, benches and even planter boxes. Since you’re the designer, you get to be as picky as you want!