Outdoor Living- Building Your Dream Deck
June 06, 2018
Decks and patios are a great way to extend your home into the great outdoors. Designing the perfect outdoor space can be overwhelming and tricky, so we have put together a few steps to take to help you design the deck of your dreams and enjoy your space this summer.
Purpose for Building your Deck
Why do you want to build a deck? What do you want to be able to do on your new deck? Things to consider include:
Do you want an outdoor cooking space, with large dining area?
Are you building a deck to create privacy from your neighbours?
Do you want to create an intimate lounge area with a gas fireplace?
Are you creating a fun space for your kids to play on?
Once you determine the purpose of your deck you will have more clarity on a design direction.
Size, Shape and Logistics
Large, small, square, rectangle? Consider the purpose for your deck and the amount of space you have in your yard to determine if you want to build a low deck or a raised deck and what size and shape you want it to be. Don’t forget to think about the logistics when planning your dream deck, including how your backdoor opens to your yard, and if your yard is sloped.
Budgeting
How much are you willing to spend on your new deck? If you do not budget and plan, it can be very easy to go over budget on your dream deck. Somethings to consider when creating a budget:
Size of your new deck
Shape: Are you building a simple shape like a square or rectangle or an irregular shape? Generally, a simple shape will be more budget friendly.
Design and Function: Do you want to put in a higher railing for safety for your kids? Built in seating? Flower boxes?
Are you going to build your new deck yourself or hire a contractor?
The materials you are going to use: The type of wood, railings and other supplies.
To stay on budget keep track of all the materials you will need and purchase them at once. Write down how much you purchase and how much it cost. This way if you need more you will know exactly how much it will cost. If you are wanting a larger entertaining space but don’t have the budget for one, you can build a deck leading into a concrete or loose stone patio. This will give you more space for a lower cost.
Decorating
Make sure to leave some room in the budget for decorating! Once your dream deck is built choose patio furniture that matches the purpose of your new deck. Don’t be afraid of colous and make sure it is comfortable since you will be spending lots of time on your new deck!
We hope these tips have inspired you to build your dream deck to enjoy some outdoor living this summer!