Adding a deck is a great way to expand your home’s usable floor space. But it’s so much more than that as well. The right deck will allow you to extend and even enhance the design of your home while adding dimensions of functionality, style and luxury. The right deck will create social opportunities, add to the quality of life of everyone in the home and truly unite the home with the rest of the property for perhaps the first time.
Toronto Custom Decks Design Your Dreams
Just tacking any old deck to your home won’t necessarily provide you the benefits you’re looking for. In this post we’ll cover some of the things you’ll want to consider before you dig any foundation posts or buy any planks.
- What is the purpose of your deck? – Are you building a deck to host keggers every weekend or do you primarily want a quiet place to enjoy the view of the lake? Maybe you intend to integrate the decks design with a backyard kitchen and pool to create the ultimate outdoor entertainment area. Different uses require different designs.
- Can you build the deck you want? – Homeowners often forget about a little thing called building codes that will dictate in large part what can and can’t be built. Before you start designing find out what’s allowed and what isn’t. The last thing you want is to complete your deck and then have the city issue a takedown order.
- Which design is right for you? – Now that you know what you’re allowed to build it’s time to decide on the decks design. These are the most common:
- Platform deck: Platform decks are built at ground level and as such railings aren’t necessary. A pergola over a platform deck can provide shade and visual interest.
- Raised deck: The most popular style of backyard deck. You’ll need railings and stairs and you’ll have a large space under the deck to do with as you wish.
- Two-storey deck: The two-storey deck has an old world charm that’s hard to beat. You can hold large gatherings without overloading a single platform.
- Split level deck: Split level decks are a series of stepped platforms that can hug the terrain or allow for a gradual drop to ground level. Great for outdoor kitchens.
- Freestanding deck: A freestanding deck is separated from the house and standing by itself. Freestanding decks create a contemplative space within the yard.
Other Considerations
- Materials – Today’s decks design functionality and easy maintenance right into the structure. You’ll have your choice of pressure treated lumber, composite planking that won’t crack or rot, PVC planking that’s ultra moisture resistant, redwood which looks fantastic and also provides natural insect resistance and long-lasting tropical hardwoods like Ipe-wood.
- Safety – If you plan on hosting large crowds make sure your deck is built to handle it. Most deck collapses occur due to overloading. Also make sure you have adequate railings and banisters and that these are at a comfortable level.
- Extras – You may want to go all out and include a retractable cover for your deck. You may also want to include an outdoor kitchen on your split level deck. Also, don’t forget to consider a built-in lighting scheme for atmosphere as well as safety.
Toronto Custom Decks design state-of-the-art backyard additions that fulfill the wishes of our clients while adding significant market value to their home. Our deck experts will work closely with you to ensure you get the deck you’ve always wanted at a price that won’t send you to the poor house. Call today and learn more about what we can do to bring you deck dreams to dazzling life.