How to Design a Free Standing Deck
Build a free standing deck to create dining and entertaining space at the back of a lot or near nice landscaping. Sometimes, it's better to build a deck near large trees or near a pool away from the actual house. Use an existing structure, such as a swimming pool, garage or existing patio to begin the planning process. Just make sure the deck is not so far away from the house that it will receive little use. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tools
- Backyard living books
- Outdoor living magazines
- Sketch pad
Instructions
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Measure the yard space that will be used for the deck area. Decide on the shape of the deck, whether it will be square deck, rectangular shape or octagonal. Make sketches of how a new deck could fit around a large tree in the yard or around a landscaped space.
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Draw the overall deck as if the budget has no limits. Start with the ideal shape with all amenities and then scale back to fit the budget. Consider adding benches around the interior perimeter or a storage area with shelves in one end of the deck. Draw the space with a partial covered area that is solid or a wood-framed roof space that is open to provide partial shade.
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Sketch flower boxes or shrub containers as a permanent part of the deck. Draw wooden containers that match the decking to be lined with vinyl planters to hold small evergreen trees or vines, for example. Incorporate some color into the deck with accent pieces. Use plants or vinyl seat cushions that will remain outdoors for most of the year to give visual interest.
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Make a list of deck materials and figure up costs. Plan to stain all wooden materials used to match. Don't overlook staining concrete planters that are mismatched all the same color, for instance, to give the space a unified look.
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Compare types of wood for the deck. Always use pressure-treated lumber or cedar to build a long-lasting structure. Invest in high-quality stain that can be sprayed onto the wood materials, if the deck is extremely large. Plan to spray on two good coats of stain, allowing the deck to dry for 24 hours between the two coats. Keep in mind that a good stain can hide the fact that various types of wood or recycled wood is used in the deck space.
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Tips & Warnings
Save money on building a deck cover by installing a large lawn umbrella instead.
Run electricity to the deck if an outdoor refrigerator will be used. Install lights on the deck itself or use solar lights that can be placed strategically on the deck steps or around the hand railing.
Avoid grilling with an open flame on a wooden deck. Instead, build a grilling space on a small concrete patio off to the side. A deck fire could easily catch a nearby house on fire.
