Decks provide a place to relax outdoors with friends and family—often feeling like second living rooms. Thinking of having one added to your property? The guide below suggests some factors to keep in mind when pondering deck design.

Do:

Weigh the pros & cons of deck material.

Pressure-treated lumber is used for the structure of most decks, including the joists, posts, and beams. Many people choose this material for the whole deck; it’s popular because it’s affordable and easy to obtain. However, it will need to be power-washed annually, and stain or wood preservative will have to be reapplied every two or three years. Luxurious redwood or cedar decks cost more but are naturally resistant to rotting. You could also opt for wood-composite or PVC decking that’s low-maintenance and never needs finishing.

Position it carefully. 

Your deck should be easily accessible from the house and shouldn’t obstruct people when they’re trying to access other parts of the yard. The ideal deck will be designed so that some of it is open to the sun and other parts are shaded. One way to avoid wind and excessive sunlight is to design a deck that wraps around two sides of your home. 

Don’t: 

Forget about flow.

If you intend to host parties or have family dinners outside, your deck design should leave enough room for a table and chairs and for people to maneuver around them easily. At least four feet from the edge of the table is recommended. If you plan on bigger gatherings, you could put a rail around the deck with a counter on the top for drinks. Any steps should be wide enough and evenly spaced to ensure they’re easy to use by people of any age, including in low lighting.

Design a deck that takes up the whole yard.

In most properties, a deck that takes up the whole yard would be too big. Leaving space around the deck means that you can plant greenery or use it as a play area for kids. Large decks make the house look smaller, require a lot of maintenance, and may mean that some guests will be positioned too close to your neighbor’s fence to feel comfortable.

If you’d like to talk to experts in deck design, contact Rhino Constructors, serving Denver, CO, and the surrounding areas. The trusted general contractor works closely with homeowners and businesses to improve their properties, offering everything from deck construction and fencing to kitchen and bathroom remodeling. To get a free estimate, call (712) 441-5590 or visit their website.