Pre-design Tips For Adding A Deck
While there are many more possibilities open to you when designing a new home
, you may be surprised at what you can do when adding on especially when your deck addition is part of a bigger remodeling project. Think outside the box.
Consider the Unusual Deck
An entry deck, with the addition of trellises for privacy, may provide the traditional front-porch feel you've always wanted. Adding a master suite above the garage. Build a balcony to the front or back, or wrap it around three sides. A pocket deck off a first-level bathroom, enveloped with greenery, might just become a perfect retreat for when you need to take a break from the mad rush of daily life. Equip it with an outdoor shower, and you'll come to know what luxury really means.
The Right Height Deck
In many situations, though not all, you will have some flexibility as to how high you build your deck. A first-level deck, for example, can go anywhere from a few inches above ground level to a few inches below the level of the interior floor. The height of a second-level deck may be more limited. There are existing windows above and below as well as door placement to consider. No matter where you're planning to put your deck, the general guideline is to build it as low as you can. Doing so will make it less complex to build, safer to use, less costly, less likely to interfere with views from windows and patio doors, easier to make private, and more likely to blend with the house and yard. It will also take up less of your yard with space-consuming stairs. If you do want an upper-story deck, make it as small as you can while still meeting your needs. Doing so will make it easier to fit with the style of your home and won't put the lower floor in perpetual shadow.
Cut Cooling Bills with a Deck
A south-facing elevated deck (on a second or third level] can be an energy-saver. In the summer, with the sun at a high trajectory, the deck will shade windows and doors and keep the lower level cool. In the winter, when the sun crosses the southern sky at a lower angle, south-facing windows and patio doors on the level below the deck will receive the sun and its warmth. Such a deck should not be built too deep about 6 feet in most locations works well.
Maximize Your Best Views with Your New Deck
Where you place your deck will largely determine your view. Off a second or third floor, it will be expansive. Nearer to the ground, you'll have a better vantage of your yard and garden, but not much else. Unless you have something special to look at though, opt for the latter for the reasons already mentioned (cost, ease of construction, safety, privacy, etc.). If you do have a great view, make the most of it and locate your deck accordingly. If your view is mixed, block out the eyesore with a well-placed fence (built on the deck) or trellis. Trees, hedges, and shrubs can also detract or hide what you would rather not look at.
Ensure Privacy with Deck Placement
Deck placement will also affect your privacy. Once again, keep your deck's height low if you can. It will eliminate most privacy problems or make them a lot easier to solve. If you do find that your preferred deck location is in view of your neighbors, trellises, deck-top fences, and plantings can help. A solid guardrail, especially for a raised deck, can also create the privacy you require. When creating privacy with a fence or plantings, take care not to inadvertently block a view which your neighbor may value (of a lake, for instance). If you have no choice, install a privacy screen that can be removed or rolled up when your deck is not in use. Outdoor curtains, made with a weather resistant fabric, are also a gracious solution.
Use Natural Assets for Your Deck Whenever Possible
Rough, steep, or uneven terrain in a backyard is normally a liability. When designing a deck, however, you may be able to turn it to your advantage. A moderately sloping site may be a natural for a multilevel deck that steps down (or up) the incline. With a steep slope, a deck may be your only way to have a bit of backyard and the view is likely to be interesting. Large rock outcroppings or boulders provide natural focal points for your deck project and should also be considered an asset that is worked into the design. Trees are often allowed to penetrate decks, but this can be a tricky detail. Yes, some homeowners actually build their deck around a favorite tree or two. It is something your guests will always remember but you will want to consult with your deck contractor first.
by: Matt Millsap
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