8 Things To Consider When Building A Dream Deck

1. Purpose of Your Deck

While planning a deck, many of the design decisions you make will impact future choices. That’s why it’s important to begin by thinking about the purpose of your deck. Do you want to entertain guests? Cook for your family outdoors? Make a space for gardening? Is it a private area, or a community meeting place?

Different functions require different amounts of space and different kinds of deck accessories. Not sure where to start? Browse through Trex Deck Lookbooks to find examples of a diverse range of decks to serve as inspiration!

2. Budget

It’s far easier to answer questions about design after answering a few questions about your budget. Budgetary considerations are reflected in every decision from the material you choose to the intricacy of the deck. That might mean adding railways, built-in seating, deck lighting, or even choosing an eye-catching pattern for your decking boards, such as herringbone or a geometric inlay. Your budget can also affect the size of your deck, and whether or not you choose a contractor or decide to make it a DIY job. In short, it’s a good idea to define your budget as early as possible in the design process. To get an idea of what your budget should be, use an online material cost calculator to get a quote. 

3. Location

The size of a property usually has the greatest impact on deck location. But if you have several potential options for placement, you’ll need to weigh several different concerns. The first things to think about are practical questions: the size of the area, the deck’s proximity to various entrances of your home, your options for privacy, and the view of the location. The second thing you need to consider is weather. That includes considering wind exposure, the amount of rain/snowfall you expect, and the availability (or absence) of shade.

4. DIY or Contractor?

On a long list of deck building things to consider, deciding between hiring a contractor or undertaking a large DIY project is usually the single-most important consideration. That means it’s worth carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

Pros of Working with a Contractor

● Working with a licensed professional can help ensure the quality of your deck.
● Contractors sometimes get better pricing on materials than private individuals.
● Any good contractor is intimately familiar with building codes, and many handle permitting.
● It’s often much faster to find a TrexPro or another contractor specifically qualified and experienced for the job.

Cons of Working with a Contractor

● It can be more expensive to add a deck to your house if you pay for the help of experts.
● It can be time-consuming to vet numerous contractors before committing to hiring one to build your deck.

Pros of DIY

● Building your own deck allows you to maintain complete control over every aspect of the project.
● Completing a DIY project comes with a sense of accomplishment.
● The skills you exercise or develop can be applied to future home improvement projects.
● It’s easy to find a retailer that carries professional quality DIY materials.
● The total cost of your deck can be greatly reduced if you don’t have to hire labor.

Cons of DIY

● If you don’t know what you’re doing, building a DIY deck can be expensive if you do something wrong and a professional has to fix it.
● It might be necessary to rent or buy new tools, which can make DIY less cost-effective.
● You may need to learn about local building codes, or learn how to use new tools.
● DIY typically takes longer to complete than hiring a professionals.

5. Deck Design

Designing a deck involves many interconnected variables. For instance, determining the size and shape of a deck means striking a balance between budget and location. Even with an unlimited budget, for optimal aesthetic proportions, your yard should be at least twice as big as your deck.

The design should also match the existing exterior of your home because an architecturally gorgeous deck can still look out of place in the wrong environment. It’s often easier to balance these kinds of interrelated elements with the help of tools like the Deck Designer.

6. Deck Accessories

Deck accessories are more than finishing touches, they can actually fundamentally transform the character of your deck. Some examples of the various components you might add include:
● Railing
● Lighting
● Hot-tub
● Planter boxes
● Outdoor curtains
● Built-in seating
● Pool Table
● Projector screen
● Deck gates
● Roofs & partial enclosures
● Pool shower
● Under-deck storage
● Under-deck drainage system

7. Building Codes

Whether you’re building the deck yourself or hiring someone, it’s worth learning a little about necessary permits and other legal requirements necessary for remodeling or adding to residences. Doing this research before purchasing materials can save you a lot of time and money. Building codes, permitting, and other red tape varies by region. However, in most cases, blueprints need approval from your local governmental body.

8. Storage & Seating

Storage is one of the most easily overlooked features people consider when designing a deck. Whether you use added storage for putting away outdoor cookware and pool towels, or just keeping gardening tools out of sight, storage options can help shape the experience of your deck.

The same can be true of seating. Decks are usually structured as a social space. That means you’ll need to put thought into how many people will use your deck at any given time, and where those people are going to be. You might also want to plan your seating and storage around other kinds of deck enhancements, such as:
● Trex Fire & Water products
● Trex Outdoor Furniture and Kitchens
● Trex Pergola
● Trex Cornhole