A great way to get more enjoyment out of your home is to build a deck in your backyard. Building a deck makes it more fun to spend time outdoors and a deck gives you the perfect gathering spot to entertain friends and family during nice weather. Here are some things to consider when you start to plan a deck for your home.
- Location Is Key
The deck should be easily accessible for you and your guests. Building the deck off of the kitchen is a smart decision because the kitchen is usually the gathering place inside the home. With a deck just off the kitchen, people can flow right out to the outside space and it will be easy to move food and drinks from inside to the outside. But if you have a small kitchen adding the deck access through the kitchen could cause traffic jams in the kitchen and make it awkward trying to get people outside. The best thing to do when it’s time to choose the location for your deck is to talk with an experienced contractor who can help you decide the best location based on the architecture of your home.
- Choose A Durable Material
There are some jobs around your home where you can skimp a little on material quality in order to save money. Building a deck isn’t one of them. You need a deck that will be safe for you and your family, as well as your guests. You also want a deck that will last a long time with minimum maintenance. That means investing in high-quality materials for your deck that will give you the most durability for your money. Compare popular materials like hardwood vs composite decking to determine what material will be best for your deck.
- Consider a Pergola
A pergola is something that every deck should have. A pergola is a slatted or open roof structure built as part of the deck that is used to create a shaded or private area. You can use fabric to create full shade or you can create a beautiful canopy for shade using vines and flowers. Pergolas also can provide protection from the rain so you can enjoy your deck even during summer showers. Adding lights and decorations to the pergola also makes your deck look more festive and inviting.
- Incorporate A Fire Pit
Fire pits are very trendy right now and adding one to your deck is a great way to safely add a firepit to your outdoor area. There are many different fire pit designs you can incorporate into your deck to personalize the look and feel of your deck. Fire pits are a wonderful way to make your deck usable throughout the year because it will make the deck cozy and warm even during cold weather.
Adding a deck to your home is a great investment that will give you an indoor /outdoor living space and give you more space to entertain your family and friends. A skilled contractor can work with you to design and create the deck you’ve always dreamed of for your home.