Photos By: Stock Images

Whether you are looking for a small, simple deck, a complex wrap-around multi-tiered deck, or a large indoor-outdoor deck to use for entertaining, you want to make sure it gets built right.

It’s hard to envision what you want your deck to look like. So many people struggle with the design process, especially if it is their first time. Here are ten tips to consider before you build.

1. Purpose

Why do you need a deck? This could be the most important question of all when it comes to making decisions about your deck. What is the purpose of having a deck?

How you use your deck will depend on a few different factors. For example, what kind of lifestyle do you have? Do you have a large family? Do you entertain a lot of people?

Professional deck builders will help you answer all of these questions and build the right deck for your family. To see what’s available, visit showrooms, view online galleries, and get professional advice on the building process.

There are more options than you can conceive. Getting professional input during the planning process greatly affects what kind of deck you ultimately decide to build.

2. Location

The location for your deck might be obvious, but there are still several things to consider. First, pay attention to the microclimate of your yard. Remember, if your deck isn’t a comfortable place to be, you probably won’t use it that often.

Where your deck is located in relation to the rooms in your house is important and will likely dictate how it gets used.

3. Setbacks

Once you decide on the location of your deck, make sure that you have enough space on your property to build it. Setbacks vary in different planning and zoning areas.

Before you build, make sure you understand setbacks and how they affect your building plans.

4. Permits

Most planning and zoning departments require a permit to build any type of structure. This is a complicated process, and having a professional deck builder will be helpful. In addition, you need a set of building plans to submit with your application.

5. Foundations

Use footings or posts on a foundation to build your deck. If you are building your deck yourself, make sure that you have adequate support. There are more deck collapses each year than many people know about. It is estimated that 60% of decks have safety issues related to foundations, supports, and ledgers (how a deck is connected to the house).

6. Budget

Deciding on a budget might not be the most fun part of the design process, but it is arguably the most decisive factor. How much you can afford will determine many factors in the design process.

A good strategy is to design your dream deck, see the costs, and then scale back if you can’t afford all of the features. Your deck will be an important part of your home. Built right, it will improve your lifestyle and family relationships.

7. Shapes

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Use different shapes if you want your deck to be unique or complement the design styles of your yard or house. Circles, semi-circles, and hexagons are all popular shapes that people use.

8. Patterns

Different design patterns on your deck’s surface create a unique look that will enhance the overall appearance. The basic parallel or perpendicular pattern is the most common, but diagonal patterns are often used. Patterns like a basket weave, herringbone, and Chevron patterns make your deck truly one-of-a-kind.

9. Materials

In the past few decades, the variety of materials you can choose from has increased. New products and product improvements have made deck materials better. In a nutshell, your choice of deck materials is boiled down into a few types, which vary widely in price.

• Wood–including hardwoods, cedar, and pressure-treated wood.
• PVC–resilient decking with lots of color choices.
• Composite–long-lasting, low-maintenance materials.

10. Stains

You might be tired of making decisions about your deck by this time. If you choose wood decking, you will also need to decide on what type of stain to use. Choose from oil-based or water-based stains. They both come in a wide range of colors and opacities.

Other Details to Consider Before You Build Your Deck

There are many more decisions when it comes to building your dream deck. But, even after you make these major decisions, you still have a lot of choices to make about the details.

Everything from furniture, flower pots, built-in deck storage, and the type of fasteners you use will determine how amazing your deck turns out. You can add a fireplace to your deck or include an outdoor living area complete with a waterproof television. It’s up to you.

When you partner with professional deck builders, they will help inform you about the possibilities available to you. A magnificent new deck is in your future.

Photos By: Stock Images

The most popular outdoor project in Central New York is deck construction. The decking can be simple as a platform that sits a few inches above ground level or as elaborate as multi-leveled structures with staircases, railings, pergolas, trellises, and built-ins like tables, benches, and hot spots tubs. You can upgrade your porch with the help of deck remodelers. Plan your deck addition by following these five tips:

1. Start Planning and Booking Early

Although your backyard might be covered in snow, you shouldn’t wait until spring to begin planning your deck-building project. As soon as spring arrives, everyone wants to spend more time outside, and deck builders are often booked up quickly. Plan quickly so that you can start your construction project in the spring. You can make the most of your new deck during the warmer months by planning.

2. Determine the deck’s size

Using the measurements of furnishings and features, assess how much space you will need based on your list of needs and wants:

•       Patio furniture: Make sure you have enough room to pull out chairs and walk around.
•       Grills or outdoor kitchens: Make sure there is a workspace for the chef and the location of the kitchen on the deck.
•       Additional amenities: You will need to factor in the dimensions of the hot tub, firepit, or built-in storage if the deck features a hot tub, firepit, or built-in storage.

3. Choose the location of the deck

During your planning process, you probably already have an idea where you want to put the deck, but consider the following factors:

•       Zoning and codes for buildings in your area: Discuss building codes and zoning regulations with your contractor before beginning your project. If a deck can be placed near a lake or between neighboring homes, there may be restrictions on the type of land you can use. The codes may also specify railings and safety requirements.
•       Usability and accessibility. A deck is often located off a family room, living room, or kitchen for easy access.
•       Shade and sun exposure. The sun’s heat will be maximized by placing the deck on the south or west side of a home in Central New York. You should build your outdoor space in a north or east-facing location if you want to avoid the sun (deck surfaces can get hot and unusable during 90-degree days).

4. Optimizing your investment

Building a deck that matches the local market standard will help you get the most out of your investment. Take a look at the decks on houses of similar value in your neighborhood to get an idea. Building a deck that is too cheap or too extravagant will not stand out in the local market. It would be great to find a sweet spot where you can make your deck stand out without incurring high extra costs. Keep an eye on local codes because if the deck is not up to code, home buyers will often request it be fixed during a home inspection. At last, doing it right the first time may cost a little more, but it is worth it.

5. Add lighting

The deck may be illuminated by wall sconces, accent lights around the perimeter, or floodlights attached to the roof awning. Use dimmers and timers if possible and install switches inside if possible. Recent improvements to solar lighting have made it suitable for walkways and around gardens as well.

Photos By: Adobe Stock Images

A deck adds aesthetic appeal to your exteriors, boosts the value of your property, increases your square footage, and provides a place to host family get-togethers and parties. Decks can do wonders, but only if the space is properly furnished. How can you invite and entertain guests if your deck is empty? Do you think you or your guests will actually have fun in your deck if there’s nowhere to relax or even sit? Your deck furniture can affect the functionality and ambiance of the space, so make sure to be careful when choosing. To make things easier for you, don’t forget to consider these things when buying deck furniture:

1. Measurement

Your deck can be used for many things, but buying a piece of furniture that is too big will prevent you from doing anything and maximizing the space. Buying a bulky sofa, for example, can become the reason why you and your guests can’t move in your deck and have fun. Aside from figuring out where to find the best deck furniture online, measuring your deck is just as important. You need to determine how your deck is shaped or what its layout is, so you can find pieces that perfectly fit. Once you have the measurement, position the furniture properly, and make room for foot traffic. Regardless of how expensive or functional the pieces are, it’ll be challenging for anyone to enjoy them if no one can actually move comfortably in the area.

2. Style

Your deck might be installed outside of your home, but this doesn’t mean that you should treat the space differently. On the contrary, you should consider your deck as another room of your home and implement designs that complement your interiors. Your interior design should flow smoothly through your deck to attain style consistency. For you to achieve this goal, don’t forget to look into the style and color of your deck furniture. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to customize deck furniture that perfectly matches your interiors. You only have to look for pieces that have a common theme or a color scheme from your existing style.

3. Budget

When buying deck furniture, never forget to create and follow a realistic budget. Going out to buy deck furniture without having any will likely result in financial stress. There are many deck furniture options available in the market today, and it’s very easy for anyone to spend more than originally intended. Before you choose and buy deck furniture, sit down and come up with a budget for your purchase. Ideally, the amount you’ve set for the purchase should not require you to borrow money from other people or be in debt. Only buy what you can afford. If there’s no urgent need to buy deck furniture, schedule your purchase during off-peak seasons, or spend time in checking out yard sales and thrift shops. You can also consider buying second-hand pieces to save more money.

4. Comfort

Different people will use their decks for different purposes. While entertaining guests might be a common purpose for a deck, some people would choose to read books or enjoy a cup of coffee in their decks. Parents would also love spending time in their decks while playing toys with their kids. Regardless of how you’re planning to use your deck, always look for furniture that can provide comfort. It’ll be challenging for you to do anything in your deck if the pieces in the space aren’t comfortable to sit or lie on. If your budget allows it, you can choose to invest in deck furniture that comes with cushions for you to experience better comfort.

5. Cleaning And Storage

You’ll spend money on your deck furniture, which is why you’d want everything to last for the longest time possible. You don’t want to burn your hard-earned money on pieces that will only last for a month, right? When choosing deck furniture, always consider the cleaning and storage requirements. For you to maximize your money, you should only choose deck furniture pieces that are easy to clean. This is especially important if you’re a busy homeowner who has a lot of things on their plate. As for the storage, the deck furniture you choose should fit indoors or in your shed. Regardless of the materials of your deck furniture, it’s essential to keep everything indoors during the winter. Extreme cold can damage deck furniture and shorten their lifespan.

6. Make The Right Choices

Deck furniture comes in countless designs, styles, and sizes today, making it challenging for anyone to narrow down their options. You’ll likely see yourself in this situation if you’ve never bought deck furniture in the past. Fortunately, the tips in this article can become your lifesaver—simply follow all of these, and you’ll surely find the best deck furniture for your needs and budget!

Photos via: Houzz

With an outside decking area made from cladco composite cladding boards, you can have the outside area you always wanted with minimal effort. Here, we are going to look at 6 benefits to outside decking areas.

Seating Area For Guests

One of the main benefits of having a composite decking space is the ability to host guests outside. Once your dream deck is built, you have as much additional space as you need for a barbeque and outdoor furniture. If the decking is big enough, you can also make space for a hot tub or a swimming pool for additional entertainment. This is ideal for those that love to entertain others as you have all the extra space without paying an arm and a leg for it.

Makes The Home Look Inviting

In addition to the added space, it also makes the home look more inviting. Due to the versatility of the decking, you can get a decking for your home that matches the outside of the house and compliments the outside area perfectly. This can also be accompanied by an outside awning or a roofed area to protect it from the elements and make it a permanent structure. This can then be dressed with furnishings and outside heating to make it as comfortable as possible for all your guests.

Adds Value To The Home

In addition to looking nice and being great for hosting a guest, an outside area also adds value to your home if you are looking to sell. This can then be placed within the listing as a unique selling point, allowing you to list your house at a slightly higher price. However, in order for it to have any real effect on the price of your home, it should be kept in the best possible condition. This is then more likely to secure people viewing the house as this outside space is often more appealing to families.

They Are Cheap To Install

Outside decking is also cheap to install as it can all be custom cut and slotted together to create a decking of any size. This is ideal for those that are looking for an efficient way to make the most of their outside area as it can take as little as a week to have all your decking installed, meaning you can spend more time enjoying your outside space.

Extra Space

This extra space is also perfect if you are hosting an event such as a birthday or a summer barbecue at your house as you will need places for people to sit and talk as well as eat. By having the decking outside, you can then use the outside area regardless of the weather, allowing you to use your garden come rain or shine.

Space To Relax

In addition to the extra space, you can also use this area to relax. By adding potted plants and comfortable furniture, you can use this space to relax and unwind after a busy day at work. This is perfect for the humid summer nights as you can sit outside on the decking to eat dinner. This, therefore, creates the ideal space for families to spend time in the sun without being cooped up inside.

Regardless of whether you are looking to expand your decking, or you are thinking of putting one in the garden just in time for summer, there are a number of choices that are perfect for you.