A beautiful backyard deck design doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of careful planning and close consultation between the homeowner and contractor. When problems arise with decks it’s almost always a function of poor planning and/or inadequate budgeting. Don’t let the deck of your dreams turn into the theater of your nightmares. Sit down with your contractor early in the process and hash out all the important points.
How to Arrive at the Best Possible Deck Design for Your Home
The planning process for your backyard deck will likely be more involved than planning a bathroom remodel or even a minor kitchen remodel. There are myriad things to consider from the practical as well as logistical side including:
- How much? – Decks cost money. Sometimes a lot of money depending on what you have in mind. You’ll need to determine how much you’re willing to spend on your deck project up front as that will drive secondary considerations like size, design, materials and the like. Be realistic. While decks typically generate a handsome ROI it doesn’t make much sense to go deeply in debt to build one.
- Why? – There are any number of reasons why people build decks including as a platform for serious socializing, to create a zone of privacy, as part of a backyard landscaping scheme or as a platform for a hot tub or Jacuzzi. Before you make any other decisions you’ll need to know what it is you want from your deck.
- Where? – You may want an expansive, multi-level ipe-wood deck with Jacuzzi, retractable roof and integrated sound system; you may even have the money for it. But do you have the space for it? And is the available space conducive to the building of a deck? A further consideration is zoning. You may be prohibited by local codes from building as large a deck as you would like to have. You may even be prohibited from building any sort of deck.
- What? – There are an array of material choices available today besides pressure treated lumber. Some will set you back handsomely, others are more affordable while still others like plastic may not appeal to you. Your budget may factor into your choice of materials as may your world-view. You may, for instance, be drawn to composites made largely of recycled materials.
Additional Considerations
Some other things you’ll want to consider for your new backyard deck design include:
- Glass railings – If you want to retain a spectacular view of the lake while also retaining safety you may want to consider glass-panel railings.
- A roof – A roof, whether fixed or retractable, will protect you and your guests from the Toronto elements and greatly expand the amount of time the deck is usable.
- Custom lighting – Ramp up night time safety and create atmosphere at the same time with a custom lighting scheme built into your deck design.
- Built in seating and planters – Built in bench seating can go a long way toward accommodating large crowds during those holiday parties, while built in planters allow you to introduce greenery to the deck area.
Backyard decks today fulfill a variety of functions and, if done right, are among the smartest home renovation/addition projects you can undertake. If poorly planned however, you could wind up with an expensive boondoggle that will make the local news and cost you dearly. Remember that the safety of everyone who steps onto your new deck is your responsibility. Don’t opt for a second rate deck design. Call the deck pros at M.E. Contracting in Toronto and get the beautiful, rock-solid deck of your dreams a price you can afford.