Deck building and deck remodeling are exciting projects that require planning and forethought. After all, you won't get your dream deck without a dream.
What will make your next deck construction a success? Customizing your deck to flatter the architectural style of your home will enhance its aesthetic appeal. A home with a poorly planned deck, on the other hand, will look like a mismatched afterthought. Get the most out of your new deck by taking the time to plan well. |
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Deck Size |
| Bigger may be better for some deck building, but keep in mind that the bigger your deck the bigger your deck building costs will be. Additionally, increasing your home's square footage by means of a deck or covered porch may increase your yearly property taxes.
To get everything you want in your dream deck and still keep building costs as low as possible consider carefully what you really must have in your new outdoor deck. Ask yourself:
- How big does my deck need to be?
- How often will my family use the deck?
- How many people will be using my deck?
- How much entertaining will I do on my deck?
- How many months of the year will my deck be useable?
- What is my budget?
- What kind of material do I want?
- How will the local weather affect my deck material choice?
- What kind of railings and balusters will I choose for my deck design?
- What features would I like to include? A grilling station? Room for a patio table?
- Will I be including a hut tub on my new deck?
- What kind of structural support will I need?
- Do I want an enclosed deck?
- Do I want a screened in porch?
- Will I need a raised deck or a freestanding deck?
- Should I include a permanent shade structure on my deck?
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Choosing a Deck Design |
In choosing a style for your deck consider the impact your new deck will have on the look of your home. Custom decks with multi-levels add visual interest and provide distinct areas or "outdoor rooms" for the various functions of cooking, dining and entertaining.
Be aware too, that your style can be dictated in part by local building codes and restrictions. You may be limited in the overall size, height and width of your deck construction. Even your railing and stair decisions could be impacted by your city's building department regulations.
Leave the way open to enclose part of your deck or to add screens in the future. This is one way to keep your deck building costs down while still affording the opportunity for potential buyers to add these features themselves. Many realtors advise against spending so much on deck remodeling that it would be hard to get the full value back, especially when the improvement surpasses anything else found in the neighborhood. |
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Built-in Grilling Stations |
Don't block the view! If you have a great view from your home you will want capitalize on it. That means not blocking the view with any of the architectural features of your deck. Making your barbeque area an open-air grilling station with a simple roof will keep you dry with out obstructing the view. The cover will also allow you to suspend a light to make night grilling easier. Built-in countertops surrounding the gas barbeque will provide space for prepping and serving food. Raising the ledge behind the counters will provide a backsplash that will prevent items from falling from the deck. Blend the grilling station in with your deck and your home by maintaining consistency in material and design elements. |
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You could clad the bottom exterior of the grilling station, for example, in the same siding as your home and use the same shingles as on your roof. |
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Deck Accent Lighting |
Deck-Lighting Sources |
Incorporating accent lighting into your deck construction extends its usefulness into the evening. Well lit decks are great for outdoor evening entertaining. Deck lighting can be interfaced with stair risers, railings, post-caps, seating and planters.Task lighting over your barbeque makes grilling at night easier. Properly planned and placed lights will do more than just accent your deck - they will also provide greater safety and improved security.
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Building Permits |
Deck construction, like most large building projects, will generally require a building permit. Your local building department will likely require architect approved deck drawings. Deck building permits help to ensure that your deck will be structurally sound and up to local building requirement codes. |
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Deck Contractors |
Before you go ahead with your outdoor deck project you will want to compare deck estimates. Compare free deck quotes from deck builders in your area. This comparison will help you to get a more affordable deck built by a contractor that you're comfortable with. To help you decide on a deck contractor we suggest that you:
- Ask the deck contractor for references.
- Ask for a copy of the deck builder's current licenses and insurance certificates
- Always get a written estimate from each deck building company. To be useful, these deck quotes should be based on the same project specifications.
- Get all deck guarantees and warranties in writing.
- Agree on start and completion dates for your deck. Have these written into the contract.
- Check out the deck builder with your state or local consumer protection officials.
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