The perfect timber will enhance the beauty, value, and overall ambience of your home. It can also be a space where you enjoy nature, regardless of the season.
For many Australian homeowners, having a deck means getting to spend more time outdoors relaxing or socialising with friends and family. This simple outdoor space can be great for relaxing in a hammock, having a barbecue or having a few drinks with friends. However, when it comes to building a deck just right for your needs and desires, deck builders need to take a lot into consideration. To show you exactly what goes into creating the perfect deck, we’ve created the list of factors below.
- Purpose of the deck
What do you imagine yourself using your deck for the most? Will it be a space where you barbecue or host regular parties for friends and family? Or will it be a more intimate space for sharing meals? Should it be a cozy space or one that embraces the natural surroundings?
The purpose of your deck can directly impact the size and shape of it. It may also dictate whether you need to include extra features, like safety rails or access to services like power or gas. Explain to the builders what you want to use your deck for to ensure they can design and build it accordingly.
- Size
The size of your deck will be constrained by the size of the available area on your property, but also by your own wants and desires. For instance, you may not want to get rid of all of your backyard in favour of a deck.
Generally, a standard deck will be no bigger than the largest room in your home. This is to ensure that the deck does not dominate the space and make your home look small or out of proportion.
As noted above, the size of your deck will be affected by how you want to use it.
- Location of the deck
Where your deck is placed is also an important consideration. It should fit with your intended purpose for the deck, such as providing a space for entertaining so therefore it would be off the kitchen or living areas. Alternatively, you may want it closer to other features of your yard like a swimming pool or spa.
Additionally, many people like their deck to have a good view of the surrounding area. You may need to strike a balance between these factors in order to find the best spot for your deck.
Additionally, don’t forget the location of your deck will affect the size as well. Keep the deck’s intended purpose in mind and find a location that serves that purpose and where the deck can be appropriately sized.
- Shade and privacy
To get the most out of your deck, in all sorts of weather, you want your deck to be shaded. You can get temporary or permanent shade — one may be more applicable for you though. For instance, you can get temporary shade by situating your deck near large trees. Throughout the day, the trees’ shadows may provide some shade. But if you want shade all day, you may need to set up a shade cloth or awning to achieve this. Some people even extend the roof of their home to shadow their deck for a seamless effect.
Along with shade, privacy is another factor to consider when building a deck. You want to be able to enjoy your deck in peace and not feel like you’re on display to neighbours or passers-by. Depending on your home and deck, there may be a number of ways you can improve privacy.
For instance, the position of your deck can be important. Try and keep it away from shared fences, for instance. Similarly, you may like to add screens around the deck. These can also provide some shade. However, you make your deck privacy, ensure that it doesn’t interfere with the purpose of the deck.
- Make it multi-seasonal
To get the most out of your deck, you want to be able to enjoy every season on it. For summer, this can mean plenty of shade and even some additional cooling, like a fan. In winter, you’ll need a way to keep warm and to shield you from any winds. You may like to have sliding doors you can use to enclose the space or have a heater to warm the space.
- Decking material
Finally, you need to think about what material you’d like your deck to be made from. Some may be better suited for certain purposes, while others may be lower maintenance. Again, think about the purpose of your deck. For instance, if you’re going to do lots of entertaining, you want a material that is easy to clean, doesn’t stain quickly and can handle lots of traffic. Whatever material you choose, remember to take good care of it by maintaining and cleaning it regularly.
Think about the factors above and you’re sure to figure out exactly what you want your deck to look like. The most important factor is how you want to use it.
