How to Design a Wooden Deck
Wooden decks increase the property value of a home by adding living space and curb appeal. Decks provide a comfortable place for entertainment, relaxation and family play time. With a little inspiration and a few guided steps, a homeowner can design a deck that fits into the landscaping design of a property and the needs of the family living there. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Magazines and landscaping books
- City or jurisdictional building codes in reference to decks and other outdoor structures
- Pencil and graph paper
- Measuring tape
Instructions
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1
Decide on the location for the deck. Most wooden decks are located against a home, used as a landing outside of a door. However, a few homeowners and landscapers use freestanding decks as a landscaping tool to add definition to an outdoor living space.
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2
Identify a purpose for the deck. Will it be a meditation area or a place to entertain? A deck can serve multiple purposes. Will it be used to enter and exit the home or as a private area just for family?
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3
Use a tape measure to decide on a general size for the deck. Keep in mind the scale of the surrounding landscaping and the size of the home. You will want to plan enough room to accommodate the outdoor furniture plus plenty of space for movement and play.
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4
Look through magazines and landscaping books to identify deck styles that appeal to the landscaping of the home. There are many different options available for wooden decks, including patterns of board placement, different railing designs and lighting options.
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5
Sketch deck designs on graph paper, using the deck design ideas and the proposed deck measurements. When including railings, stairways and other features, refer to any city or jurisdictional building codes that may apply. For example, decks in many areas must feature a railing if they are over 30 inches above the ground.
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6
Contact a local contractor to build the deck you have designed. If you plan on building the deck yourself, a lumberyard or home improvement store can help in the selection of materials to fit the wooden deck design.
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Tips & Warnings
Use existing deck designs to identify features to include in your plan.
If you are unsure of the size of deck needed, use flour or a garden hose to draw an outline on the ground. Fill it with intended deck furniture and other features to see if there is enough room.
Keep in mind that a deck should stay in scale with the home and the surrounding landscaping. The deck should not overwhelm the house but act as a simple extension of it.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit patio by the sea image by Lijuan Guo from Fotolia.com
