Luxury Deck Features to Elevate Your Outdoor Space

• Outdoor Fireplace: An outdoor fireplace is the perfect way to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere on your deck. Whether entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening with family, the warmth and glow of a fireplace add a touch of elegance and comfort to any outdoor space.

• Outdoor Kitchen: An outdoor kitchen transforms your deck into a fully functional living space where you can cook, dine, and entertain without ever stepping inside. Equipped with a grill, sink, refrigerator, and ample counter space, an outdoor kitchen makes it easy to host summer barbecues and elegant dinner parties alike.

• Water Features: Incorporating a water feature, such as a fountain or a small pond, can add a serene and tranquil element to your deck. The soothing sound of flowing or splashing water creates a relaxing environment, making your outdoor space a spa-like retreat.

• Integrated Seating and Planters: Custom-built seating and planters can enhance your deck’s aesthetics and functionality. Benches with built-in storage offer a practical solution for keeping outdoor essentials close at hand, while integrated planters provide a beautiful way to incorporate greenery into your design.

• Pergolas and Shade Structures: Adding a pergola or shade structure can provide much-needed relief from the sun while adding architectural interest to your deck. These structures can be outfitted with climbing plants, string lights, or even retractable canopies to create a stylish and comfortable outdoor space.

• Deck Lighting: Thoughtfully placed lighting can transform your deck into a magical evening oasis. From pathway lights and string lights to built-in fixtures and lanterns, the right lighting can highlight your deck’s best features and create a warm, inviting ambiance.

• Hot Tub or Spa: A hot tub or spa can be a luxurious addition to any deck, providing a place to unwind and relax after a long day. Whether you prefer a traditional hot tub or a more modern spa with customizable jets and temperature controls, this feature can turn your deck into a personal retreat.

• Outdoor Sound System: Music can enhance any outdoor gathering, and a high-quality outdoor sound system lets you bring your favorite tunes to your deck. Weatherproof speakers can be seamlessly integrated into your design, providing clear, crisp sound without disrupting the aesthetic of your space.

• Fire Pits: For a more informal gathering spot, a fire pit can be an excellent addition to your deck. Perfect for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the warmth, a fire pit can serve as a focal point for your outdoor entertainment area.

• Outdoor Furniture: Investing in high-quality, comfortable outdoor furniture can make all the difference in how you use and enjoy your deck. From plush seating arrangements to stylish dining sets, the right furniture can turn your deck into a true extension of your home.

At Blue Sky Decks, we love helping our clients dream big; as far as we are concerned, the sky is the limit. Contact us and start up a conversation—throw some of your favorite creative ideas at us, and let’s talk about how to bring your dream deck into reality. Experience the luxury and comfort that come with a beautifully designed and expertly crafted deck. Visit our website today for more information and let’s make your dream deck a reality together.

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In Washington and Idaho, most decks require a permit. Getting a permit isn’t as simple as asking if you can build a deck and being approved or denied. You will have to show a site plan and a building plan showing the details of how your deck will be built.

This process will require you to draw an outline of your deck’s various elements and label all its components. You will need to provide the following information along with your application for a deck permit:

• Dimensions of the completed deck and individual components of the deck
• Type of lumber used (and whether it is pressure-treated)
• Size of lumber used
• Type of connectors used
• Type of fasteners used
• Footing location, size, and depth
• Height of walking surface
• Height of guardrail
• Height of entry/exits 

Idaho Permit Requirements

In Post Falls, Idaho (Kootenai County), a building permit must be acquired before deck construction if the deck exceeds 200 sq ft in area, is attached to any structure, serves as the main exit or entry of a building, or if it is higher than 30 inches above the ground. However, some counties in Idaho require a building permit when a deck is built over 12 inches above grade. Since these parameters can vary by location, you’ll always want to double-check with your local building department.

Keep in Mind

In most Idaho counties, pressure-treated wood is required for all deck ledgers. The screws, washers, bolts, nails, and nuts used with preservative-treated wood must be hot-dipped, zinc-coated, galvanized steel, silicon bronze, or copper. In addition, all connectors used to build the deck must be stainless or galvanized steel.

Washington Permit Requirements

In Washington, you will need a permit to build your deck if it exceeds 200 sq ft in area or is over 30 inches off the ground. However, in certain cities, such as Seattle, all decks above 18 inches off the ground require a permit. While most counties follow similar guidelines regarding whether a deck needs a permit, checking with your specific county and city is crucial.

Don’t Forget

Decks that will be higher than 14 feet off the ground, contain multiple floors or will be used to support a hot tub or spa may need to be designed by a licensed engineer or architect. Additionally, a deck built in or near an environmentally critical or shoreline area may need a site visit before obtaining a permit.

Metal components used in deck construction must be hot-dipped, galvanized steel, stainless steel, or zinc-coated and up to ASTM A153 specifications. Finally, any wood used in deck construction must be pressure-treated or possess qualities that make it resistant to decay.

Build Your Dream Deck

Failing to follow the building code when crafting your dream deck can lead to unfortunate consequences. While it may seem as if county code enforcers are trying to rain on your parade, there’s a good reason for the relatively strict requirements for deck building. Improperly constructed decks can collapse during use, causing injury to the individuals using them and property damage. Adhering to building codes ensures your deck is safe and sturdy for years to come.

Anything worth doing is worth doing right. At Blue Sky Decks, our team is familiar with the requirements and permits needed in Idaho and Washington, ensuring you end up with a deck built to code and properly permitted. If the thought of building an up-to-spec deck sounds exhausting, don’t give up on your dream of creating your ideal outdoor entertaining space. Instead, contact Blue Sky Decks today, and let our team of experienced professionals help you from planning to completion.

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1. Don’t Forget to Get a Permit

Most of the time, decks are considered a part of your home, since they are usually attached to the main structure. As a result, Idaho laws will require that you get a building permit just as you would if you were modifying your existing home in any other way. And while there are a few exceptions to this rule, your best bet is to inquire with your local city government to see what rules may apply and, if a permit is required, make sure you obtain one before you begin. Like any home modification, you will likely have to submit a site plan and deck framing plan as part of the permit application. And if you don’t know how to draft these documents correctly, it is best to seek help from a professional.

2. Don’t Try to DIY

While you might love the idea of a DIY project, building a deck that will look good and will last a long time is a lot more complicated than you might think. You need to comply with strict building codes to ensure that your deck is safe and stable. And even if you already have the right tools and some experience, you had better be sure you know what you are doing, so that the structure is properly built and can pass inspection. If you harbor any doubts or run into issues, hiring a professional deck builder may be the right solution.

3. Don’t Choose the Wrong Materials

What you build your deck with matters. There are numerous materials to choose from, all with various features that may or may not make them the best choice for your deck, depending on your budget, your aesthetic ideals, and even the sort of weather exposure your deck will experience. At Blue Sky Decks, one of the first things we do when we visit your property is to perform what we call a Discovery Call. We listen to your ideas, then we inspect the site to make sure that your ideas will work. Based on our assessment, we will recommend what we believe is the best layout and the most suitable material to make sure your deck keeps you happy for decades to come.

4. Don’t Settle for Less Than the Best

There’s no shortage of contractors in Idaho, but few of them are deck experts; most contractors tend to do a little bit of everything. However, decks are specialized structures that call for experience and expertise. At Blue Sky Decks, we don’t dabble in other work. We build decks and we build them well.

5. Don’t Pay for an Estimate

If a contractor asks you for money before you’ve even met, that’s a huge red flag. A contractor that’s committed to customer service will be happy to schedule a free consultation, confident in the ability to earn your business without having to make you pay for talk. At Blue Sky Decks, customer satisfaction drives us forward, which is why we provide free consultations to anyone with a serious construction inquiry. At Blue Sky Decks, we want to help you turn your outdoor deck vision into relaxation reality. Schedule a discovery call and free consultation with Blue Sky Decks of Idaho and let us show you how to make your dream deck come true.

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