9 Deck Building Tips – From an Experienced Deck Contractor
For someone without a deck at home, there is nothing more bittersweet than seeing other people enjoying theirs. You may start daydreaming about what life would be like if you had a deck of your own. In your mind, you begin to create a blissful outdoor utopia. Its features may include a grilling station, a seating area for entertaining guests, a relaxing hammock, and, on days when you’re feeling particularly imaginative, an outdoor bar. It’s time to wake up!
Building a deck for your home doesn’t have to be a fantasy. Installing a deck is one of the most cost-effective ways of building an extension on your property. It’s a great way to enhance the beauty of your home while also providing a safe and relaxing outdoor setting for your family. If you’re interested in taking a step toward building your outdoor wonderland, consider these nine deck building tips from an experienced deck contractor.
1. Choose an Appropriate Deck Size
It’s important to have a deck that is big enough to comfortably accommodate you and your family. But remember, when it comes to decks, bigger is not always better. Having a large deck is quite the luxury; but it comes at a cost. For every added square foot, you’re looking at increased construction costs and additional structural support to keep the deck safe and secure. There is another increase in cost that is often overlooked—your time. Annual upkeep and maintenance will be required to keep your deck in peak condition, so choose a size that you and your family can maintain comfortably.
2. Consider Your Ins and Outs
The best way to ensure that your deck will be used often is by building it near an entrance to your home. A deck is best placed near a wide glass door that opens to a primary interior space, such as the living room or kitchen. However, if your home lacks a huge glass door, there’s no need to worry. You can always build a deck around your front or back doors, but make sure there are large windows nearby to create a connection between your indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. This is so that you and your guests may use either space without feeling isolated from the rest of the group.
3. Don’t Forget about Safety
When designing and constructing your deck, remember that you will need to install certain safety features to be compliant with local building codes. If your deck is raised a certain height above ground level, the perimeter will require a railing to ensure the safety of its occupants. The good news is that deck and staircase railings come in a wide variety of designs, from classic to contemporary, and the choice of a stylish railing can really add sophistication to your space.
4. Design a Functional Space
Consider what type of activities you would like to take part in while using your deck. If you want a grilling area, make sure to have a dedicated corner where you can safely fit a grill away from guests and prevent possible fire hazards. If you want a communal space focused on get-togethers, consider the number of chairs and tables you need to accommodate your friends or family. There are deck design tools available on the internet that can assist you with this phase by offering a graphic rendering of your planned space and allowing you to visualize the possibilities.
5. Choose the Right Decking Material
Wood decks are beautiful and affordable, but unfortunately, they are prone to rot and other problems if they are not properly maintained. Synthetic options are available that look just as great, come in a variety of styles, and are a worthy alternative. Either choice is a great option, but here are some of the differences that may help you decide.
Real Wood Decking – hard woods and soft woods
- Beautiful and traditional appearance
- Require proper sealing, staining, or paint
- Not ideal for areas that frequently experience heavy rain
- Susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage
- Affordable (depending on the species and current lumber pricing)
- Require regular maintenance every year
Composite Decking – combination of wood fibers encased in plastic
- Modern design techniques can closely replicate the look of real wood
- High durability
- Resistant to rot, warping, and insect damage
- Can be expensive, but typically have a longer life span
- Require an estimated 2 to 4 hours of cleaning per year
6. Maintain Your Privacy
To make the most of your outdoor space and reap the benefits of its peaceful atmosphere, consider adding some privacy features in certain areas for when you want to spend time away from prying eyes. Some popular ways of establishing privacy while keeping an open atmosphere include:
- Pergolas
- Trellises
- Lattices
- Plants, Flowers, and Vines
7. Keep Out the Rays and the Rain
If you want to maximize the amount of time you can spend on your new deck, it’s always good to provide an area that is protected from the elements. Don’t let the hot summer sun or rain clouds disrupt your outdoor living. Consider these options:
- Retractable awnings
- Fixed and portable umbrellas
- Pergola with a weather resistant covering
- Roof extension
8. Make Your Deck a Nighttime Spot
To increase the functionality of your deck, make it a spot that’s suitable for night-time hangouts. Decks can be a perfect area to wind down after a long day or host guests after sundown. To do this, consider installing lighting around your deck area. For best results, plan your lighting early in the deck design so that it blends in with the surroundings.
9. Choose an Aesthetic and Go for It
A simple deck may be transformed into a sophisticated space with the addition of stylish design elements. To increase the aesthetic of your deck, look at magazines and online photos to inspire your creativity and come up with a cohesive theme. If you are thoughtful in your accessory purchases and color choices, you can transform your deck into a completely unique outdoor experience.
Gibson Home Services is Your Team of Trusted Deck Contractors in VA
If you’re looking for a reputable deck contractor who is experienced, licensed, and insured, look no further than Gibson Home Services. Our team has several years of hands-on experience designing and building decks of all shapes and sizes. We provide quality work, up-front pricing, and place the highest value on building and maintaining trusted relationships with our clients.
Gibson Home Services is available for all your deck building and maintenance needs. You can contact us online or give us a call at 540-364-1200 for a free estimate or consultation.
