With summer well and truly upon us, it means that decking season is in full swing. It makes sense of course. Homeowners want to take full advantage of the great weather while it lasts, getting sun and enjoying outdoor celebrations. It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but in the summer season, it’s possible for the deck to temporarily take over that title. When conceptualizing the perfect deck, what considerations should you take in as the builder? What styles of decks are common and popular among homeowners? In this blog we’ll explore several different deck designs that are a slam dunk project this summer.
What General Elements Influence the Design of a Deck?
Decks are often built to complement the existing features of a home. It helps you conceptualize the right design by taking into account the unique features of the house first.
Architecture
When considering the architecture of a home, there are two major factors: the aesthetic of the house and the physical shape of the house. A rustic, cabin-in-the-woods-inspired deck with free-standing platforms may not make the most sense for a suburban backyard. Matching the aesthetic of the home you’re designing for is crucial in creating a final product that makes sense within its yard and community. The physical shape, on the other hand, will influence how you structure the deck itself. Does the homeowner want two doors on opposing sides of the house to be connected? Then you may be looking at a wrap-around deck. Decks are often used to connect access points from the house to the outdoors, such as second-floor areas that don’t currently have access. Taking all of these elements into consideration helps ensure your deck build achieves the goals you have set for it.
Yard Space
Another consideration will be the available space of the yard. Each yard brings its own challenges. Some may be crowded with elements such as existing patios, pools, trees, gardens, shrubbery, and more. A thoughtful designer has to figure out how to work within all of these elements. Some homes lack yards entirely, which is when you have the chance to get creative with rooftop deck options.
Main Purpose
The last factor to consider for the type of deck is what the homeowner hopes to use the deck for. Are they looking to bridge areas of the yard, connect entry points, enhance entertaining space, or simply have a tranquil place to lounge? Each different scenario may necessitate a different design strategy for you to implement.
Common Deck Designs
There are a variety of different deck styles that you may be familiar with. Let’s look at some of the most common and the advantages and disadvantages each may present.
Attached Deck
Attached decks are one of the most common forms of decks homeowners may request. These are decks that connect directly to an entryway, typically the back door. Many deck types may be freestanding, but attached decks rely on the structure of the home for their shape and design. Attached decks can come in a variety of different shapes, and often fall into other categories, but when contemplating deck designs, you can rarely go wrong with an attached deck. Attached decks are great for creating the feeling of extended space to a home, but because of their connection to the house, more permitting may be required.
Platform or Island Deck
Platform decks (also called island decks) are decks built in a dedicated space of the yard, separated from the house itself. They can function well as extra patio space to make a yard feel more homey and liveable.
Wraparound Decks
Wraparound decks are a form of attached decking that contour to the shape of the home and typically extend around corners past the backyard. Wraparound decks require the right shape of the home and spacing on the sides to implement properly.
Pool Decks
Pool decks an extra dimension to pool-equipped yards by building a beautiful and functional accompaniment to the feature. Pool decks are often used to make the area surrounding an in-ground pool more comfortable.
Balcony and Multi-Level Decks
Balcony decks add livable space to homes, giving outdoor access to areas where it was previously inaccessible. Meanwhile, multi-level decks connect balcony decks to ground floor decks, creating one cohesive decking network. These are very popular for homeowners that want to extend the usability of their homes
Rooftop Deck
Especially common in urban areas where space is at a premium, rooftop decks are a fantastic outdoor living solution to a tough problem. Rooftop decks are a great place to entertain, take in views, and enjoy the weather when yard space is not an option.
Stay Building with National Lumber
The sheer variety of deck designs means you need the right tools and materials to achieve the homeowner’s desire for their decking project. National Lumber is proud to stock some of the leading composite decking products, all delivered to your job site to help you stay building. Contact us today to speak with our sales team and get started on your summer decking projects.
