Building the right deck adds usable outdoor living space to your home, enhances the beauty of your house, and increases the resale value of your property. However, to maximize these benefits, it is important to make sure that your new deck truly complements your home.
If you’re wondering how to build a deck that perfectly matches your home, take time to plan your deck so that you end up with a deck that will seamlessly blend with your home and look like the construction is a single harmonious whole. Here are some tips on how to plan your new deck so that it matches your home.
Consider Your Home and Lot Size
One of the first things you have to consider is the size of your home and the room available on your lot to build a deck. If you have a small home and lot, don’t build a deck that is out of proportion, that will overtake the property and crowd out other property elements. And if you have a large home and a large lot, a deck that is too small will look odd.
Think about how much deck space you need to make the deck suitable for what you want to do with it. Set out markers and run strings that create an outline for your deck, to help you visualize the layout. Then walk around your “deck”, thinking about traffic patterns and where you would want to set furniture, making sure to check whether you have ample room and that the use of space makes sense. Can you easily walk around the seating? Will you have easy access to your kitchen from the barbecue? Will your outdoor dining set fit in the given space? Do you have a nice spot for intimate and cozy conversations, or do you have just one big undefined space?
By getting a realistic idea of the dimensions, you will soon know whether what you visualize doing on your deck and what you can actually do are compatible. In some cases, you may have to reassess and rescale your plans. The last thing you want is to invest in a deck, and then find out that it does not provide you with the living space you envisioned. It is important to have realistic expectations about what you can and cannot do with the deck with the deck you design.
Consider Your Backyard Landscape
In addition to walking around your virtual “deck”, take a look at the rest of your yard from the space. What view do you want from your deck? Determine whether your existing landscape will work with the new deck, and, if not, add some landscaping elements to the plan–maybe a tree to block a neighbor’s house, or some shade trees, shrubs, or flower beds. The right landscaping can really help a new deck seem like a natural extension of your house.
Also, see what the deck will look like from inside the house and from other parts of your yard. If your property has various elevations, consider putting in multiple deck levels, and figure out where you want to place steps that will keep traffic flowing naturally. Determine whether a railing would make sense, and decide whether bench seating would be useful. If you have a pool, consider extending your deck to accommodate your pool space, with an area for lounges and place to hold your towels or pool accessories.
Consider Your Deck Materials
Once you determine the right size and structural design for your deck, you need to consider what type of decking material to use. There is a wide variety of deck materials that can be utilized in different ways, some more traditional, and some very sleek and modern. Which will look best with your house design? Today’s composite decking materials are very versatile and come in a wide variety of colors, widths, and grain patterns, so you are sure to find one that will complement your home’s style and color scheme.
If natural wood is your preference, there are also a number of natural woods that can give you the look you want. Exotic hardwoods, cedar, or even less expensive pressure-treated woods can also create beautiful decks. Look at pictures of decks online and in magazines to get inspiration, but don’t forget that what you pick has to match your home. So when looking at photos, take note of the houses they are paired with, and be honest as to whether the deck material you like is truly compatible with your home. A fancy modern deck may be beautiful, but on a plain traditional house, it will simply look out of place.
If you want to add a deck to your home but don’t know where to start, Blue Sky Decks can help. Our experts will simplify the design process and ensure that your new deck matches and complements your home in every way. Contact us today at Blue Sky Decks to book your free estimate and learn more about the services we offer.