Deck Designing Tips

The deck is the outdoor extension of your home — a beautiful backdrop to host friends, eat family meals or take in some sun. With a bit of planning, the right materials and an inspired design, an everyday deck can be transformed into a lively, inviting outdoor living and entertaining space.

Things to Consider With Deck Design

Your backyard has the potential to become a quiet place to relax or a vibrant spot for entertainment. The deck is the fixture where leisure, liveliness and memories meet. Whatever your aesthetic or the size and style of your home, there’s a deck design to suit your outdoor living needs.

For a bit of inspiration to help create and build your deck, consider these tips and factors when designing decks:

• Consider your lifestyle: Think about how you and your family plan to use your new deck. Do you prefer hosting parties or sitting in a relaxing setting? Decide if you want an expansive structure to accommodate several activities or a more intimate style. By defining your expectations, you’ll better understand your design intentions.
• Choose a location: Decks are typically attached to the back or side of your home, but decks can be built anywhere that best suits your needs. In spacious yards, consider venturing out and build a stand-alone deck in an isolated corner, the center of your garden or an area where you get the best views. Choosing the right location will enhance the overall effect and flow of your deck.
• Create flow: When friends and family are on your deck, you don’t want different activities interfering with each other. Spread out your design and create a smooth flow of foot traffic. Or create multiple deck levels to account for any activity — soaking in a hot tub, cooking and dining, outdoor games and more.

Finding High-Quality Decking Materials

Choosing the right construction materials is the most important decision in the design process. When choosing which decking material is most appropriate for your home, it’s best to consider pricing, style, maintenance, and durability.

Wood is a traditional and attractive material that will complement any home’s architectural style. It’s less expensive than manufactured, man-made materials, but requires regular maintenance and coatings. With poor maintenance, wood will eventually rot, warp and splinter while attracting pests and becoming a safety hazard.

Capped composite materials and PVC products, while being more costly upfront, are incredibly strong and stable while maintaining its appearance with minimal maintenance. Man-made construction materials are fade and stain-resistant and will keep your deck an enjoyable outdoor living space for years to come.

Contact Shearer Patio & Landscape Services for Beautiful Outdoor Living Spaces

Shearer Patio & Landscape Services is the Columbus area’s premier landscape design and lawn care company. Our landscaping professionals are dedicated to delivering a personal approach to all of your landscape and hardscape design needs.

We would love to speak with you about your deck design ideas and expectations. Call us today 614-889-9981 or complete our online contact form.