04
Apr

Thinking about a New Deck in the Spring? Start Planning Now

Whether you are dreaming of a new deck or you have a deck that is in need of replacement, planning ahead will ensure a smooth process and a great outcome. There are a number of questions you should consider in advance, for instance: how will you use your deck? Are there any features you want to incorporate? What is your budget? 

Asking the big questions first

If you want a deck, you probably have an idea of what you want to use it for. Try to think about the various desires that are motivating you to add a deck to your home. Do you enjoy entertaining? Do you want to grill and eat outside in style? Do you want to sit out at night with low lighting to unwind at the end of a long day? Do you want an enclosed area for children to play outside safely with minimal supervision? 

Consider where you would like your deck to be and any features that will need to be incorporated. Do you want to build a deck around a pool that will connect with the house? Maybe you have a large, beautiful tree in the middle of the space where you’d like the deck to go. There’s no need to take it down! Building a deck around a tree can offer wonderful creative opportunities. 

Does the “ideal place” you’d like to place the deck have easy access to the house? If not, you may need to consider adding another door off the deck. Expanding a small existing door into a double sliding glass door can create the effect of making the deck an “outdoor room,” letting in more light and making the house feel bigger.

Style options

Deck options are almost endless, limited only by your imagination – and the zoning and building codes of your neighborhood! But let your imagination go and our designers will help make it happen. 

We encourage you to look at lots of deck ideas online, but also consider whether or not they are practical for your situation. A short list of brainstorming ideas to consider: 

  • A raised deck over an uneven yard or a ground-level deck that extends your house’s floor plan into the outdoors
  • Multi-level decking to connect the upstairs with the downstairs
  • Rooftop deck where yard space is limited or to take advantage of a great view
  • Wrap-around deck or side yard deck
  • Garden deck as an extension of your formal gardens, or a stand-alone deck or gazebo
  • Roofing options such as a pergola, simple frame for awning, louvered roof, or solid roofing to match the house
  • Layout designs for decking, such as chevron, herringbone, or framed diagonals

 

Material options

There are many options for decking material. All have their advantages and disadvantages. Our designers can walk you through them and help you decide which is best for you. Some common options include:

  • Wood – the classic deck material. It’s long-lasting, natural, biodegradable, and can be stained a variety of shades. Wood requires regular maintenance to ensure longevity.
  • Vinyl – hardy and water-resistant. It is also resistant to staining, fading, and scratching.
  • Composite – made of recycled material and somewhat more expensive, composite is pest-proof and low maintenance.
  • PVC – though plastic, it can look like real wood, is quite economical, and is easy to install.
  • Bamboo – like wood, it is a natural material and thus requires some maintenance, but it is exceptionally sturdy and elegant.

 

Each of these materials has very different requirements. For instance, composite requires more joists than other materials in order to prevent bowing, twisting, or creaking. Our deck contractors have years of experience with each of these materials and know how to build a deck to your specifications that will increase the value of your home and last you for years to come.

Give us a call today at (610) 353-2895 so we can help you plan your dream deck to be ready for the spring!