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 Factors to Consider Before Building a Deck |
06 Oct 08 |
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do it yourself .com |
There are numerous reasons for people to build a deck and some of those
reasons may not have occurred to you because they seem so obvious.
Still other reasons may not have even crossed your mind because you
haven’t thought that far ahead. You should carefully consider the
reasons for wanting to build a deck, the functions it will serve and
its purpose. Doing this will allow you to plan and design a deck that
is inviting and functional as well.
Let’s look at some of the
reasons for building a deck and then some of the facets of planning
your deck. The first reasons that come to mind are fun, pleasure,
beauty and adding additional living space.
Fun and Pleasure
Most people want a deck for enjoyment, to entertain guests and have
family gatherings. A deck is also a place to relax, catch some rays if
it’s in the sun part of the day, to read or sit quietly, or just enjoy
being outdoors.
The best spot to plan your deck is where it
will be convenient to get to from the kitchen for serving food, and so
guest can have access to the restroom.
A deck is extremely
versatile and can be used as a place to paint, sculpt, play games, sew,
garden, do arts and crafts, listen to music and exercise. The
possibilities of fun things you can do are endless.
Beautification
A deck can add beauty to your home as an elegant addition or by
creating a focal point in your yard. If your deck will be used to
enhance the landscaping of the yard there are also other things to take
into consideration like size, proportions, using unique angles to
create a work of art. The deck can be built with several levels, around
a pool or gardening area, close to fountains or waterfalls or even have
these things incorporated into the design of your deck.
Decks
can complement the architectural style of your home, add a special
accent to your home, and be used to convert and unattractive area into
a beautiful landscape feature.
Additional Living Space
Adding a deck onto your existing structure can add beneficial living
space to your home. A deck becomes an extension of your home but is
generally less expensive than adding a conventional room.
A
deck also helps reduce the wear and tear on your homes interior and if
used as a main entrance will alleviate some of the dirt and mud tracked
into your home.
The deck can be built, decorated and furnished
to take on the character of a family room or den and can be a haven for
the entire family. Or it can be decorated to give the space a whole new
feel and appearance.
The local climate of your area will also
play a big role in some of the aspects of building a deck. You can have
the whole deck open and outdoorsy or build a covering on part of it for
days when there’s a little rain but not cold enough to stay indoors.
Now you should consider some of the obstacles that may come up as you
plan and design your deck. Careful consideration of these aspects will
help you create a deck that is functional and pleases you.
Site Factors, Space, Access, Privacy and the View
The site you choose to build your deck on will also play a role in its
design. You will want to pay close attention to where the sun is at
different hours of the day. Will your furniture be set up so no one is
blinded or will you use screens and walls to block out the suns rays?
Size will also play a major factor in the design of your deck. If your yard is small, your deck design will be limited.
You will also have to consider property lines, easements, zoning and
building restrictions, and future landscaping needs or ideas.
Access from your home to the deck should allow for an easy flow of
traffic. You don’t want any tight spots where people would have to
constantly step aside to allow someone else entrance into the home or
vice versa. Of course if you are limited on space there may be no other
options.
A free-standing deck or one that isn’t attached to
your home, may be an option as well. You will have to consider adding
walkways to and from the deck and your home if you choose this option.
Another consideration is privacy. You want the deck to impart a sense of privacy from neighbors and add a feel of seclusion.
For the full article click here
Source
do it yourself
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