7 rules for an amazing deck design

Just like any space in the house, your deck needs to be properly designed so it can serve its purpose well.

Here are a few tips to remember when designing your deck:

Know your deck’s purpose

Much of your deck’s layout and space allocation will depend on what you’re using it for. You might use the deck solely as an outdoor sitting space or turn it into an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Whatever you’re using it for, make sure that there’s enough space. If you have a large enough space, a deck with multiple levels would be a lovely choice. With separate levels, you can have different areas of the deck for dining, cooking, lounging, and so on.

Maximise accessiblity

Don’t cram too much furniture on your deck. Make sure that you leave more than enough room for people to walk around properly. Avoid putting furniture or the grill in the way of doors and windows. Think of the way you’re going to move around the deck while planning where to put all your furniture, appliances, decorations, etc.

Not too windy

A gentle breeze can be pleasant when you’re lounging on the deck, but if you live in a windy area, consider getting some glass railings to block the wind. On the other hand, if you live in a warm spot and want to create a breezy deck, you can funnel the wind through your fence.

Not too sunny

Consider placing a couple of addons to moderate the amount of sunlight your deck gets. A trellis is great for partially blocking out the sunlight, and it’s also great to look at. If your deck doubles as an outdoor kitchen, you’re better off getting a shed roof. A roof over your deck will not only shield you from the sun, it will also protect your grill and other equipment from the rain. If you don’t have the proper structure for a shed roof, you can also make do with a huge umbrella.

Utilise railings

Don’t wait until someone falls off the deck before securing it with railings. No matter how low your deck is, railings are a must for safety. Railings don’t exist solely for safety and security purposes though. Lots of people like to lean on railings, so they’re a great place for conversations. They can also be used to separate areas of your deck that serve different functions or be used for decorative purposes if they’re styled with creative materials.

Light it up

Good lighting is a key factor in deck design both for aesthetic and safety purposes. Lighting up key places of your deck such as pathways, stairs, and cooking and dining areas are essential. Don’t settle for lighting fixtures that cramp your deck’s style though. With a myriad of lighting choices for your deck including LED strips, recessed lights, post lights, and sconces, you definitely have tons of room for creativity when it comes to lighting up your deck.

Check building codes

Just like any other building projects, decks are also regulated by building codes. To avoid issues during inspection, it would be best to consult your local building codes before executing your deck building plans.

To get started on building your awesome deck, get quotes from expert deck builders now!