How to Make the Most of Your Home’s Decking

Even as the summer months wind down, your home’s deck remains a strong focal point and design opportunity. Homeowners know the deck area is a place to make a personal oasis in a metropolitan or suburban environment.

Whether remodeling or starting from scratch, the deck should be a place where memories are made and time is well-spent. There are many different ways to make the most of your outdoor space. Here are just a few of those ways:

Use the Power of Google

If envisioning your perfect deck is proving to be a difficult task, utilize the resources just a Google search away. There are thousands of building plans and design options online. These pictures and plans can provide the inspiration to make your dream a reality.

Plan for the Intended Use

What is the end goal? Summer nights complete with barbecue grilling? Family gatherings throughout the year? Deep conversations around a cheery fire? Consider the design aspects that would help make that goal a reality and plan for it in the design. A fire pit can help with those conversations. A spa could create a relaxing oasis. An outdoor kitchen can open new doors for family gatherings. Knowing the goal during the design process keeps the plan on track.

Utilize Long-lasting Materials

The deck should last as long as the house and the memories made there. While it might be tempting to spend funds on inexpensive wood or untreated wood, this will cost more in the long run as it won’t last you very long.

Also keep in mind cleaning needs, like pressure washing and resealing annually. If maintenance like this seems unrealistic, think about stone or other materials. Of course, the aesthetic goal should also be taken into consideration.

Make it Custom

The building process itself can be overwhelming and require expert support. Many companies are able to bring your vision to life with a custom deck experience.

Businesses like PW Home Improvement (pwhomeimprovement.com) take an individualized approach to deck building. Testimonials attest to the benefits of hiring a contractor and the joy of having a vision turn to a reality. It is important to ensure any contractor used is licensed and insured for liability reasons.

Be Unique

Not all decks are the same, nor should they be. Get unique with the process and add fun elements or design aspects. For example, a painted design on a traditional wood floor can create a deck worth remembering. A pergola can filter strong sunlight while keeping the sunny spot as a focus point.

Give it a Multi-Purpose Function

Depending on the ultimate goal, certain design aspects can become multi-purpose. For example, rather than just a railing, a low deck can have a bench border. A banquet length table can have bench seating built into the side of the deck. Corner posts can be fitted with lamps to illuminate the area in a classic way. A fire pit can be a conversation center and a S’mores pit. Get creative and utilize space effectively to make the most of it.

Get Natural

Natural greenery can become a privacy wall or a border between deck areas. It is a beautiful way to make a space feel like an oasis no matter the location. Green spaces can also create a fun garden project for the family.

Above and Below Deck

Dependent upon the house design, decks can become two stories. A spiral staircase can quickly connect a shady area with a sunny spot. Seating in both areas allows for the deck to be used rain or shine.

Pathways

Again, depending on the home layout, you might be able to build pathways through the deck area. Navigating through furniture to take out the trash or poorly placed stairs can be frustrating. Avoid this by planning ahead and incorporating pathways.

There are so many ways to make the most of the deck in the home. Even as fall sets in, prepare for those nights by the fire with a deck you will want to spend time on. An investment now makes for memories tomorrow.