When you look at the empty space around your property, you might find it difficult to imagine how to fill the space. You want to get functional use but to also make it aesthetically pleasing. A DIY deck would be an ideal way to check off both these points. But what is the best deck for you? Let’s look at some popular types of decks and how they can help maximize the space around your home.
Planning for the Best Deck
There is no, “one size fits all” solution to adding a deck to your home. Thus, it is important to plan what you want from your deck before buying decking lumber and tools.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I want to be able to do in this space? Entertain? Relax?
- Who will be using this space (yourself, friends, kids, pets, etc.)?
- Will I be adding any outdoor amenities like a pool or a hot tub?
- How much privacy do I want/need?
- Do I want to maximize the amount of sun or shelter from the heat, rain, and snow?
- Do I want storage boxes/areas or a gardening zone?
- By answering these questions, you will save yourself a lot of time and hassle when designing your deck.
Cost of an Outdoor Deck
Part of the planning phase is realizing what you can afford or what is worth your money. It is not just the initial cost you have to think of, but the long term cost of the deck. A cheap deck will save you money now, but you may have to replace it in 5 years. By choosing a higher quality decking material, you pay a little more but your deck will have a longer lifespan. For example, genuine mahogany decking will last you 20+ years if you take care of it.
Attached Deck
An attached deck is the classic style of deck. Slightly raised off the ground, it begins from a door out into the open space. Traditionally, it extends from the back door into the backyard, but this does not have to be the case. You can have it line the side door to the front driveway, making home trash removal easy! You can add an attached deck anywhere around your home.
An attached deck allows you to connect different outdoor access points together, like a kitchen door and bedroom door. The best feature of the attached deck is that it extends your living space by bringing it outdoors. You can run your hamburgers hot off the grill and directly into the kitchen in a few steps.
An attached deck is a great option if you want to view the landscape.
Detached Deck
Also known as an island deck, these decks are different from an attached deck because you place them anywhere on the property. You can get creative with them too! Even if the area is not a flat surface, you can build over obstacles (like rock and poor drainage) or make it tiered.
With an island deck, it is important to still connect it to your home via a path or walkway. A stepping stone path is a popular and visually pleasing choice.
An island deck is the best choice if you want to disconnect from your home and be immersed by the landscape.
Wraparound Deck
The wraparound deck is the most ambitious of the three we have here today. It can also be the most rewarding if you love the idea of being able to walk around the outside of your home. You can follow the sun wherever it goes!
A wraparound deck gives you 360° access around your home. In essence, it is adding to your square footage.
These decks are usually raised and go from the back of the home to the front ends of the side or even to the front porch. Wraparound decks make soaking up the sun and entertaining a breeze.
By choosing a wraparound deck, you have decided that the best deck for you is the one that allows you to maximize the area around your home.
Source: https://www.greenworldlumber.com/blog/what-is-the-best-deck-for-you
