Creating an Ideal Deck Space for Your Home

Imagine lounging on your deck as the gulls squawk in the distance or serving up the best burgers this side of the gulf. Or maybe you’d rather host a small cocktail party as the sun sets.

When you think of your ideal deck space, what is that comes to mind?

Your deck can be a haven from the busyness of everyday life. Before it can help you ease your stress and calm your worries, though, you’ll need to spend some time thinking and planning so you can bring it to fruition.

Here’s what you need to do to create your ideal deck space.

Consider Function

How will you be using your deck? Is it your grill spot? Does your deck lead to an above ground pool? Will it be home to a hot tub or fire pit? Knowing how you will be using your deck can help you best determine how to arrange it, or how to build it if you aren’t working with a preexisting deck. This site provides some possible layouts to help you get started.

Once you know how you want to use your deck—and no one says you can only use it for one thing—you can better plan how to set it up or how to build it.

Consider the Area

What you can build depends not just on your landscape but on city codes as well. Take a look at neighbor’s deck and speak to a contractor knowledgeable about your area to learn more about what is allowed in your town and what you may need permits for.

Once you have a rough idea of what’s allowed, you can start thinking more about what you want. Do you want a two-level deck, a rail-less deck, a floating deck, etc.? Will your deck be where you dry off after a swim or where you seat the family around a picnic table? This can help you narrow down your options and select an appropriate size that fits within any regulations.

If you have a preexisting deck, you’ll need to consider the size of the current deck as well as how it is accessed. Furniture should not block doors or stairs and should be easy to get to. Any fixtures you place on the ground will take up space—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have planters. If you have a smaller deck, you can utilize railings and other vertical spaces to add more greenery to your deck without taking up real estate.

Seating Options

Once you know how you want to use your deck and how much room you have, you can start thinking about creating “areas” with seating. If your primary goal is to showcase a view, you’ll want comfortable seating facing the vista. You may even want to consider cable railing to ensure the view is visible while one is seated. Adirondack chairs and armchairs are great for this, though they do take up more space than some other seating options.

If you’d like to create an eating area and a separate lounging area, you’ll need to seek out a lounge chair and table set that can fit in your space without blocking access. Alternatively, if you’re building a deck, consider how much space a table and chairs will take up, not just dimensionally, but as people scoot their chairs back to leave the table as well.

Add Style

Small touches go a long way towards making your deck yours. An outdoor rug adds a touch of class and helps establish separate “areas” on your deck. Planters, built in benches, outdoor heaters, and lighting can all transform a boring deck into an outside hang out spot. Fire pits are also becoming more popular, though they require a little more planning (which you can read about here).

Your deck can be whatever you want it to be. Take advantage of your outside real estate to create yourself and your family an escape from the ordinary.

Decks and Docks proudly supplies materials and hardware for decking projects to both contractors and DIYers. Let us help you make your dream deck a reality. With many decking boards to choose from, you’ll find that Decks and Docks has you covered. Visit our website today to learn more and to find a location near you.