As the ideal multifunctional space, decks are an excellent addition to any home. They provide a place to entertain guests, spend family dinners, or simply enjoy the outdoors right in your own back yard. If planned well and built to code, decks can even increase your home’s value; however, before you start construction on your deck, there are several factors to take into consideration.
Size and Style
When determining the right size for your deck, you’ll want to make sure it’s proportional both to the size of your house and the rest of your yard. As with all outdoor living spaces, too large or too small of a design will create an awkward addition to your property.
Consider the function of your deck as well. If you’re planning to entertain, account for enough space to fit deck furniture; if you plan to add a hot tub, planter boxes, or other features, their placement should be planned long before construction starts.
Similarly, your deck’s design should complement the style of your home. A contemporary deck, with clean lines and a simple color scheme, would work nicely with a modern home, while a cottage-style deck would suit a Tudor style house.
Attached or Freestanding Deck?
As the name implies, attached decks are connected to your house, using the structure of your home to support the weight of the deck. Attached decks may come at a lower cost, as you don’t need to spend as much on piers and posts, but they also come with the risk of allowing water into your home at the place they’re attached. However, if you trust a licensed professional to construct your deck, they’ll ensure the connection is properly sealed.
Freestanding decks are not attached to the house, instead held up by posts. Within local regulations, they can be placed anywhere on your property, or they can be placed flush against the exterior wall of your home without attaching it to the structure. Freestanding decks tend to be more expensive, as they have the added cost of the posts needed to support the end normally connected to the house.
Material and Maintenance
There is no shortage of options when it comes to your new deck’s material, but you should consider how much time you’re willing to put into your deck’s maintenance when making the final call. Wood decking, valued for its natural appearance, is pressure treated to better hold up to moisture and natural weathering, but it needs to be stained and sealed every year or so.
On the other hand, wood composite decking is made of wood and plastic fiber and requires less maintenance. No staining or painting needed, though it should still be washed every few years to discourage mold from forming.
PVC is about as maintenance-free as decking gets, resisting insect invasion, mold, and fading. It should still be cleaned occasionally to maintain aesthetic appeal, but it’s otherwise durable and long-lasting.
When to comes to the construction of your new deck, trust the team at Minnesota Home Improvement to make your perfect outdoor living space come to life. View our past work and decking options on our website, or contact us for a free estimate.
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