Building a deck may seem like a piece of cake when compared to other rooms in the house. However, a deck can make or break the overall design and feel of a home.

Building a deck can sometimes be more difficult than other rooms in the house like bathrooms and spare bedrooms. This is because there are a lot of factors and stylistic elements to consider before anything can be built.

When building this type of outdoor area it’s important to take the time to research and determine exactly what it is you want to achieve with such a space. This way, the design can be stylish, functional, and in keeping with the rest of the house.

5 things to consider when building a deck

Erecting this kind of structure is a lot harder than one may initially think. This is because decks inherently have many purposes, need to be in a prime location, and include a lot of elements in the overall design.

While this may seem overwhelming, breaking down the process into 5 key considerations can ensure that the finished product is up to building codes and personal standards when it comes to design and functionality.

1. Purpose

All deckings have a different purpose. For example, they can be used to extend indoor spaces outdoors, they can frame a pool or exist as an area to store a barbeque and outdoor dining sets.

Working out the purpose will ensure that the deck is built to make these functions easier, rather than harder. Determining the purpose also means you won’t have a structure that doesn’t work with the flow of the home or outdoor space.

2. Location

There are many places around the residence for decks to go, however, the location has to make sense in relation to the motivation for building such a structure in the first place. This means determining the location based on how you want to use the desk.

Other elements that will determine placement could be proximity to the residence, view, privacy, and even the overall size of the lot. The best location is one that enhances functionality.

3. Budget

The money will stand in the way of just about everything – even outdoor structures. Before building and designing starts, a budget needs to be determined. This ensures that this little extension doesn’t end up costing you a fortune.

When devising a budget, factor in things like, size, intricacy, and materials used. Budgeting ensures you are left with an end project that you planned and designed for, rather than something that stays incomplete because you ran out of money.

4. Materials

The materials used can make or break the durability of decks. Although it’s historically the original and most popular choice, wood is not the only decking material available. Showing how materials should be chosen based on function and durability.

There are weather-resistant woods like cedar, pressure-treated woods like treated lumber, hardwoods like teak, and even composite decking options to choose from. It should be noted that materials should be chosen based on the location of your deck.

5. Design

When it comes to building deckings, the design is another important consideration. This element is broad as it involves everything from style to the size and shape of the structure. Many of these elements will be decided by the budget and space allotted to the deck.

Deckings should be a functional outdoor room that enhances the overall beauty of the property. Therefore, when determining the style, you should consider how it complements the architecture and coordinates with the surrounding landscape.

Building a decking right

An outside area can make or break the overall blueprint and style of the property. That’s why it is important to research and take the time to plan out the construction. This way, you will have a perfect home.

When it comes time to building extensions, many people opt to erect or renovate a decking. By doing the groundwork to get the design right the first time, you can potentially save a lot of money down the line.