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Design Considerations
Home » Lawn & Garden » Decks » Design ConsiderationsHere are a few things to consider as you design your new deck:
Location
- Stay away from your windows by two feet or you will be looking at deck railing from inside your house.
- Choose the best entrance from your home to the deck.
- Consider elevation of the deck at the entrance. Walking out flush is usually the best choice. However, if you have snowfall in your area, a step or two will keep snow from piling up against the door.
- Avoid water spigots, dryer vents, windows below the deck, down spouts and other obstacles. Avoiding these problem areas can save you some time and money.
Dining
- Consider building an area for the table and chairs that is off the main deck floor and give the dining area its own space.
- The grill will need to be close to the kitchen door but not next to the house. This also true for smokers and fire pits. Permanent gas line can be run under the deck to save refilling a propane tank.
Entrance/Exit
- The back yard entrance is usually the best spot to enter the deck. The space on the deck nearest the house is not of much use. Keeping entrances near the house will utilize this space and decrease traffic on the main deck area.
- Staircases are heavily regulated by the local building department. If you have a staircase you’ll want to be sure you know those regulations.
Shade
· A pricey solution is to install a custom awning over your deck.
· A more moderate approach is to build a pergola or arbor. They come in a number of different styles, shapes and materials and provide some shade to the area they cover.
· For total shade, consider a roof covered deck or screen room.
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