Deck Planning 101

Entrances and Exits

Often, a deck is connected to a home, but you can put it anywhere you like.

• Are you planning to have a single entrance point, multiple entrances, or a stand-alone deck?
• If you'd like multiple exits, think about where to place them for easy access to the yard. But bear in mind, you may lose valuable square footage with too many exits.

Single Access Points

• Sometimes your property will limit access to your deck to just one point off the house. So where should it be?
• Placing your deck off the kitchen area is a very popular option. This makes entertaining a manageable inside/outside affair.
• Some homeowners opt to build their deck off of a bedroom.
• For single-story decks, low transitional stairs can help make a deck feel more expansive .

Multiple Access Points

• Maybe your home has several potential entrance points to your deck.
• Multi-level and/or wraparound deck configurations work well if you want to be able to step onto the deck from upstairs and downstairs.
• If you have a second-story deck, multiple staircases usually work best.

Stand Alone

• Trex® decks will go wherever you want them.
• Placing a stand-alone deck adjacent to a pool can help maximize the space in your yard.
• Building a stand-alone deck over “problem areas” in your yard can turn a mud pit into a gorgeous outdoor space.