Building a new deck for your home? How exciting! Of course, since you’ll use that space for parties, grilling, and fun for years, it pays to make sure your deck fits your lifestyle down to the last detail. Picture a relaxing structure with beautiful decoration features, cozy built-in furnishings for sunbathing, or a fancy grilling station with all the latest high-tech gadgets.
You can have it all, as long as you get clear on what you want your dream deck to be like. These tips can help!
What Will You Use Your Deck For?
First of all, think about how you’re most likely to use your deck, so you can plan its design to match your vision of outdoor living.
Consider How You’ll Cook Outdoors
Do you prefer a movable grill you can bring out in summer and store in winter—meaning a plain deck may be best? Or would you like a full outside kitchen with a sink and built-in grill? In that case, features like a grill hood, cabinets, outdoor fridge, and more might be handy!
How Many People Will You Host?
If you like large parties or big family gatherings, a spacious deck with plenty of furnishings will be key. You might want a multi-level deck to create cozy seating ideal for entertaining many guests.
Factor in Amenities
If your dream deck includes a hot tub, a fire pit, built-in planters, or other special features, include them in your deck design. Ensure there is room for them, as well as room to walk around them.
How Will Your Home Design Affect Your Deck’s Design?
To create seamless outdoor living, your deck will need to fit well with your house’s architecture and layout. Your goal is to create a beautiful space that looks good and gives you the lifestyle you want at the same time.
Create Harmony Between Your Deck and Home
To help your deck look like a natural, beautiful part of your house, invest in materials that blend well with your home’s exterior. Match deck posts and railings to the front porch you already have. If your house has decorative features, look for ways to mirror those features on your deck too.
Build Where It’s Convenient
Think about how you’ll access the deck. Would you prefer to have a deck in your backyard or your side yard? Do you need steps or a pathway? There are no hard and fast rules—so if you’re not sure what to do, just ask! Our team will listen to your goals and help you achieve them as we design and install your deck.
What Can Your Yard’s Size and Shape Accommodate?
As you craft the deck of your dreams, you have to get practical. The deck you build should fit naturally into your house’s outdoor area.
Design for the Yard’s Slope and Acreage
A broad, grassy yard with lots of acreage can accommodate a large, one-level deck with ease. But if your available land is small, oddly shaped or sloped, a multi-level deck can help you maximize the space you have.
Gather Ideas from Pictures and Research
Browse Pinterest, online magazines, and contractors’ galleries of finished projects for ideas to implement. If you have neighbors who have a similar yard, check out what they’ve done with their deck—you can likely do the same.
How Much Sun or Shade Would You Like?
Some folks love a sunny deck where they can drink in refreshing rays and vitamin D. Others prefer a shady area that invites cool relaxation during the dog days of summer. Both needs can be accommodated with a little pre-planning.
Orient Your Deck to Maximize Sun or Shade
Consider how the sun moves across your yard at different times of day. Is it sunniest in the morning, or is it hit with the sun’s harsh rays in the hot afternoon? Does your home have large, leafy trees that cast long shadows? Place your deck where you can enjoy the sun and shade your yard already provides.
Add Permanent or Temporary Shade Features
Even if your yard seems perpetually sunny, you have options! Install a permanent deck roof with built-in fans and lighting. A pergola allows partial shade, fresh breezes, and a place for vines and roses to climb. Retractable awnings and deck umbrellas let you control when and how much sun or shade your deck gets.
Would You Like a More Open or More Private Space?
As you fine-tune your deck’s design, consider your privacy preferences. After all, an outdoor living space can make it easier for neighbors and passersby to peep into your yard.
Leverage Your Existing Landscaping
Perhaps your home already has mature trees and tall shrubs that keep your yard relatively protected from the view of strangers. If so, you may not need to invest much in added privacy screens. If not, planting large bushes and small trees can help to provide a sense of natural seclusion.
Add Privacy Screens
If your yard doesn’t have natural features that block views, consider adding privacy walls. These structures can be installed around all or part of your deck to give you a soothing shelter that people outside your yard can’t see.
Install a Tall Fence
Attractive fencing is another way to create a more secluded yard, especially if you want your deck to feel roomy while also having a sense of solitude that allows you to fully relax. Plus, a fence with a sturdy locked gate adds a measure of security to your yard too—a bonus!
Enjoy Relaxing, Refreshing Outdoor Living with a New Deck for Your Chicago Home
As you plan your ideal deck, you’ll also want to consider other factors—such as maintenance needs, materials, and budget. Our team at Siding & Windows Group will make the planning process fun and enjoyable, as well as practical! Catch a vision for how a new deck (or porch) can give you relaxing outdoor fun all year round!
