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Not Just Your Ordinary Deck
from:So, you want a deck?
Before you get started, give it some thought. Don’t just add a square deck off the back of your house where you think it’s supposed to go. Evaluate your options first and take advantage of your home’s architecture and style, and optimize the natural surroundings of your home.
Decks are one of the best home improvement projects you can undertake to increase the value and attraction to your home. It’s a great way to enhance the use of your outdoor space around your home and make it more livable and convenient to use. Decks that are built with direct access to kitchens or family rooms can be like an extension of the room and offer much more room for entertainment.
Houses that are built on hilly lots or that have uneven yards are excellent places for decks. A deck helps increase the usability of the space and creates an outdoor room that can be used for many purposes throughout the year. But don’t assume that your deck has to be attached to your house.
Many contractors and architects are now designing decks that stand-alone from the house. If you have a large open backyard, a free-standing deck may be just the answer to optimize the use of the space.
As you undertake a home improvement project to build a new deck, or expand an existing deck, keep these tips in mind:
· Decide how much sun or shade you want to fall on your deck. Evaluate the sun and shade so you know where it falls at different times of the day and different times of the year. This will help you decide on the best location for your deck. Consider the angle and which direction the deck will face as you decide so you can take advantage of the sunlight and shade that surrounds your home.
· Consider how you plan to use your deck. If you do a lot of casual entertaining, you may want it to extend from your family room. If you plan to grill and eat a lot of outdoor meals on your deck, having it directly off the kitchen may be preferred.
· Plan your exits. If your home already has exterior doorways, consider how they will open out on the deck. But don’t let them dictate your decision. Doorways can be moved, changed, and updated when you build or update your deck. Just make sure you decide on any doorway changes needed BEFORE you begin building your deck.
· Consider the shape and size of your deck. Don’t feel restricted to a square or oblong deck on the back of the house. Also, don’t build a deck that over-powers your house – size is important for a natural extension of your home. Examine your landscape and yard space. Consider a multi-tiered deck, octagonal, or wrap-around deck. Visual appeal is greatly enhanced when your deck has an unexpected design and style.
· Think about other structures you may want to include on your deck. You can consider a hot tub, water features, or gazebos. You can have built-in planters or built-in seats. Taller balusters which can also serve as plant hangers are also an option. Plan ahead for structures.
· Consider the railings, steps, and sides of your deck. Make sure you keep the architecture of your existing home in mind. Think about including decorative balusters, turned posts, pickets, lattice, or other custom features to your deck. Always keep safety in mind when creating your design.
When creating your deck design, keep the long-term project in mind. Maybe you can’t afford or aren’t ready to take on the full project. But if you plan to include a hot tub, second tier, or other enhancements later, include them in your plans today. It will be a lot easier to expand and extend the use of your deck when you have these plans defined in advance. It will save you time and money in the future.
Before starting a deck home improvement project, take advantage of the many different aspects of design and incorporate them into your plans. Make your deck an extension of your home and your personal style. Create a deck that is attractive and functional and you’ll enjoy many hours of outdoor fun and relaxation for years to come.
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