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!

If you’re looking for some inspiration, take a look at some of the stunning home expansions that have been completed using composite decking!

Extend Your Living Space With: A Raised Deck or Balcony

A raised deck or balcony can help you make the most of the space around your home without disturbing your garden, ideal if you have a small garden or simply want to make the most your second storey.

Spaces that are raised above ground level tend to offer uncompromised, spectacular views of the surrounding area, meaning a raised deck or balcony the perfect addition to homes in scenic places. Many people choose to add a contemporary glass balustrade around the perimeter of their raised deck or balcony because the clear glass panels enclose the decking making the space safe without compromising the view at all.

Raised decks and balconies can also be advantageous for people seeking to expand their outdoor storage space. The area underneath a raised deck or balcony can be used for an infinite amount of applications. Simply add a door to create a secure garage or shed, or leave the space open and create a covered seating area or store things which need protection from the elements below.

The reasons to choose composite decking to create your raised deck or balcony are countless, but crucially, it offers the look of real wood without requiring continuous costly and time-consuming maintenance. Your composite decking raised deck or balcony will look great and require very little of your attention once it’s installed, meaning you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Create a Covered Seating Area or Garden Room

If extending upwards and outwards isn’t for you, why not consider adding a covered seating area or garden room? This is a great way to extend your living space so that outdoor living becomes accessible all year round.

In the warmer months an awning or veranda can help you enjoy your outdoor area all year round and  provide shade for your decking and patio furniture, creating the perfect spot to host a barbeque, set up a paddling pool or enjoy the peaceful summer evenings. In the colder months a veranda or garden room can transform your decking into a sheltered sanctuary where you can enjoy outdoor living whilst being protected from the elements.

If you’re feeling particularly creative, you could even make benches out of decking to create a seamless seating area with a contemporary finish.

Composite decking is ideal for use in outdoor seating areas and garden rooms that will see a lot of footfall because it’s incredibly durable. Unlike timber decking it won’t splinter rot or warp.

Add a Swimming Pool or Hot Tub

For a touch of luxury and relaxation, add a pool, hot tub (or both) to your garden and complement them with composite decking walkway.

Pools and hot tubs can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Some people opt for a hot tub shelter so that they can make the most of it all year round. Unfortunately, whether your pool or hot tub is enclosed or not, it’s likely that the surroundings will become damp as people climb in and out. That’s why it’s important that you choose a walkway that can withstand damp conditions.

Traditional timber decking has deep grooves which can collect water and become incredibly slippery. Composite decking, however, is moisture resistant taking in as little as 1.2% of surface water so you can enjoy your relaxing pool or hot tub area with minimal risk of a slip or fall.

Besides being slip-resistant, composite decking is a great choice for around a pool or hot tub because it doesn’t crack and splinter like other materials. This dramatically reduces the risk of injuries as people meander around barefoot.

Extending your living space is possible regardless of whether you have lots of garden space or not. Hopefully, this blog inspires you to make the most of the space you do have by investing in high-quality, low-maintenance composite decking.

Perhaps you already have the deck that you prefer and are looking for ways to bring it to life and create a fun, inviting place to hang out. You can easily create the backyard of your dreams with some creative ideas and planning ahead.

Plan an Outdoor Oasis

One of the best tricks for a designer decorated home is not only to focus on your interior but also the exterior living spaces of your home. If you are feeling adventurous and enjoy the warmth of a cozy fire on those cold winter nights, why not consider an outdoor fireplace as part of your deck design and build?

Photo: Atlanta Decking & Fence Co

Consider hiring an experience decking company that can create your dream deck from the bottom up. A living area with a fireplace, dining area, hot tub, and campfire pit are just some of the things a deck patio builder can create for you.

Backyard BBQ’s and Cookouts

A carefully planned backyard and deck makes the perfect place for hosting backyard bbq’s and cookouts. These can actually be stressful to plan, so make sure you have all of your food and dining essentials bought ahead of time. Learn which meals you can prepare the night before or free a week in advance of your party. Specialized recipes for outdoor parties will ease your tension as you prepare to host. Everything from cheese-stuffed burgers to oil and vinegar slaw are available for you to browse through and select to satisfy your guests taste buds as they enjoy your beautiful deck and backyard.

Photo: BK Interior Design

Save Your Grass with a Deck

Foot traffic is a stress causer for even the best maintained lawns. This is where a deck can help keep your backyard in great condition, as foot traffic can create paths, which lends itself to grass deterioration. With your deck, less foot traffic will occur on your lawn as people relax and enjoy the amenities. No longer will it be necessary to have furniture on the lawn.

Photo: AZEK

Our homes are not designed to create stress. It is where we go to unwind and appreciate the simple pleasures in life with family and friends. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to research the options available for having a living space outdoors to create memories that will last a lifetime!