What are the Right Deck Options for My House?
This guide is your compass to navigate the myriad of decisions involved in choosing the right deck for your home. A deck amplifies your living space, adds aesthetic charm, and increases your home’s value. But the key to a stellar deck lies in its relevance to your home’s architectural style, landscape, and individual needs.
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Understanding Your House Style and Structure
One of the primary considerations when selecting deck options for your house is how well it blends with the existing style, structure, and outdoor surroundings of your home.
Assessing the Architectural Style of Your House
The architectural style of your home can provide invaluable inspiration for your deck. Whether your home is a quaint Victorian charmer or a sleek modern marvel, choosing a decking design that echoes your home’s architectural style ensures a harmonious aesthetic.
Evaluating the Structure and Foundation
The structure and foundation of your house will largely dictate the feasibility of certain deck designs. Ensuring that your home can structurally support the addition of a deck is a critical first step in the deck designing process.
Considering the Surrounding Landscape
The natural landscape surrounding your home should also guide your deck choices. Stunning garden views? Consider adding large windows or glass railings for unobstructed sightlines. Do you have a pool? Choose slip-resistant decking materials for safety. The goal is to ensure your deck complements rather than fights against your surrounding environment.
In essence, understanding your home’s architecture, structure, and surrounding landscape helps in creating a deck that feels like a natural extension of your house rather than an afterthought.
Exploration of Deck Materials
The material you choose for your deck does not just determine how it will look, but also how much maintenance it requires, how long it will last, and inevitably, how much it will cost. Let’s explore the three key material options.
1. Wood Decks: Types and Maintenance
Traditional and timeless, wood decks can be made from various types of wood–from pressure-treated pine to luxurious exotic hardwoods like teak or ipe. While wood decks can be beautiful and highly durable, they tend to require more maintenance, including regular sealing and staining to prevent weather damage and rot.
2. Composite Decks: Benefits and Cost
Composite decking, made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, is a durable and low-maintenance alternative. It can mimic the look of wood without the risk of rot and drastically reduced upkeep. However, composite decking tends to be more expensive than most wood alternatives.
3. Vinyl Decks: Pros and Cons
Vinyl, also known as PVC decking, is another low-maintenance decking option. Unlike wood or composite, it’s not prone to fading or staining. It’s also lightweight and reasonably priced. However, some homeowners don’t like the plastic-like appearance and feel of vinyl.
In Summary…
your choice should balance aesthetic preferences, durability, maintenance requirements, and budget considerations. No matter what material you opt for, a well-built and properly maintained deck can provide countless hours of outdoor enjoyment for many years.
Factors To Consider When Deciding On Deck Size and Shape
To build a deck that is both functional and harmonious with your home’s existing layout, it is crucial to consider numerous factors that will influence the size and shape of your deck.
Space Availability and Usage
Clearly, the space you have available is a major influencer in deck size. However, also take into account your intended usage of the deck. If you envision hosting large gatherings, then a more spacious deck may be required. For a cozy reading nook, a smaller deck might suffice.
Integration with House and Yard
The deck should blend with the existing architecture of your house and the layout of your yard. If you have a rectangular yard, a rectangular deck often works well. If your yard has a lot of curves, consider a curvilinear deck. The aim is to achieve a harmonious balance between all elements.
Compliance with Local Code and Zoning Laws
Keep in mind local building codes and zoning laws, which often regulate the size and placement of outdoor structures. Ensure you are familiar with these laws to avoid potential issues down the line.
Taking into consideration these elements will help you design a deck that not only satisfies your usage requirements but also blends seamlessly with your home and yard, enhancing the value and aesthetic appeal of your home.
Exploring Deck Features
Beyond the size and material, adding various features to your deck can enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Let’s delve into some of the add-ons you may want to consider.
Railings & Stairs
Railings not only serve a safety purpose but also provide an opportunity to increase style and charm. Many materials are available for deck railing, from traditional wood to sleek metal, depending on your aesthetic preference. If your deck is high off the ground, incorporating stairs is necessary for easy access to the garden or yard.
Covered or Open
If your deck is in an area with intense sun or you want to use it regardless of weather conditions, consider adding a cover. Whether it’s a simple umbrella, a stylish pergola, or a complete roof, a cover provides protection from the elements. On the other hand, if you desire an open space for sunbathing or stargazing, opt for an uncovered deck.
Lighting and Other Accessories
Deck lighting can ensure that your deck is usable both day and night, while also adding ambiance. Think about the places where you’ll need light for safety such as stairs and railings, as well as atmospheric lighting for seating areas. Other accessories can include built-in seating, planters, or even an outdoor kitchen.
Putting It All Together…
These additional features can personalize your deck and make it a truly comfortable, inviting outdoor living space that suits your lifestyle and meets your needs.
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Want to learn more about decks?
Elevate your outdoor living space and create a beautiful and functional oasis with expertly designed and constructed decks by Vertical Contracting. Our team is eager to collaborate with you, discuss your project in detail, provide a customized quote, and take the first steps toward bringing your deck-building dreams to life. Contact us today to embark on this exciting journey and redefine your outdoor living experience.