Designing the Deck of Your Dreams

Decks are the most common outdoor living space in suburban North America. The (American) Forest Products Society estimates that there are over 30 million residential decks in the U.S. alone and more than seven million new ones are constructed annually. In addition, about once every decade, homeowners upgrade, expand or replace their existing decks.

That's a lot of deck building! Are you ready to build a new deck or give your existing one a major overhaul? Here are some tips to help you design your ideal outdoor living space.

1) Verify the Codes
Before you plan anything, make sure you know the deck building codes in your area. Most municipalities have limitations on property line and street clearances, and stipulate certain railing and stair safeguards. While you're at it, determine if there are restrictions on fire units or water features such as pools or spas.

2) Location, Location, Location
The biggest decision you'll make in designing your deck is its location. Obviously, you'll want to have easy entry from your house but don't forget convenient access to the rest of the yard.

Don't be limited in your planning by previous structures, whether an older deck or an existing patio or concrete slab. Consider taking in part of the lawn or garden area. Imagine a curved outline-a shape naturally found in the outside world and not nearly as difficult to build into a deck as you might think.

Once you have an idea of where you'll place the new addition, outline it with stakes and string. Still happy with what you see? Then measure the dimensions of the space and make a scale drawing. On this diagram, sketch in the outline of the house, property lines, trees and gardens and any other features that may be pertinent to your plan.

3) Make Some Lists
First, stop and think about what uses you'll have for your new space. Does it need an area where the kids can play, maybe on rainy days? How about a quiet reading or meditation spot? Maybe what you see is a lively gathering of family or friends, around scrumptious outdoor meals?

Based on the uses you've established, inventory the features you think you'd like. Many people dream of an outdoor spa tub; others fancy a built-in grill; some want lots of built-in storage space for pool equipment or kids' toys.

Take into account your climate - not only the weather where you live, but also the micro-climates that every home has - the brick walls that collect and radiate the summer heat, the lake breeze that's a little too cool in late summer evenings. Often, several different zones co-exist in one outdoor living space. You may want to include heating or cooling units on your wish list.

Make a note of any other factors that will affect the use of your new living space. For example, you might feel like you're in a fishbowl because of surrounding two-story houses or open fence lines. In that case, you'll want to include ways to create privacy.

4) Let the Plan Take Shape
Now make several copies of your planning diagram. That way, you can change your mind several times as you work out the details of your dream deck.

On your sketch, you've indicated a floor area. Next consider walls and a ceiling. These will help delineate the spaces, perhaps dividing it into areas for various purposes, and provide privacy. You can also use walls and ceilings to adjust your mini-climate areas.

It's not likely you'll want barriers around ALL sides of your deck and not all walls have to be solid. Think lattice, plants, or drapes. You may choose to install an awning, pergola or umbrella over just a portion of the living space (perhaps the tub or the dining area), leaving the rest open.

Bearing in mind the uses and features that you've decided on, indicate where built-ins such as a fire pit, grill or tub might go. Remember to mark where electrical outlets, lighting and spigots for watering plants and washing would be useful. Add furniture and décor and you'll be living easy.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from ending up with what you want-with a good plan in hand and a clear picture in mind, you can work toward the finished products in logical stages. So, go ahead -- design the deck of your dreams!

Article By: Debbie Rodgers, The Haven Maven
http://www.paradiseporch.com