How to Plan a Deck

A deck helps you maximize your outdoor living space. The right design will allow you to make the most of your deck when entertaining, relaxing, enjoying the view or even gardening. Here we walk you through the steps for planning your ideal deck.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Barbecue Grills
• Hot Tubs
• Measuring Tapes
• Patio Chairs
• Patio Tables
• Graph Papers

1. Consider how the deck will be used. Plan areas for chairs and lounges for relaxing and entertaining. Think about dining areas, children's play areas and a place for planters and garden pots.

2. Think about other amenities that will add to your enjoyment, such as a spa or hot tub, a fire pit, a barbecue area, or even an outdoor kitchen with grill, sink, refrigerator and countertop.

3. Make a preliminary sketch. Decide the size, location of the deck, and shape of the deck. Also note utility easements, required setbacks from neighbors' property, privacy problems, weather issues, existing landscaping, and desired or to-be-screened views. For visual interest, round off or cut off corners of rectangles and squares and add in changes of level.

4. Add any desired details. These include benches and tables, railings, steps and ramps, planters, and storage areas. If prevailing winds or lack of privacy will cause the deck to be unusable during parts of the day or evening, consider adding screening in the form of walls, wooden screens, or plantings. Trees or vines make excellent windbreaks.

5. Sketch any overhead shade structures desired, and add in other features such as a hot tub or spa, children's sandbox, garden pool or water feature, or barbecue or kitchen area. Include water lines and any irrigation lines for spigots, fountains, ponds, and container gardens.

6. Hire a professional designer or landscape architect to go over and finalize your designs.

7. Plan for any wiring or plumbing. Keep safety in mind, and make sure transition areas will be well-lit and easily negotiated.