Things To Know Before Building a Deck

A deck can be a perfect oasis for enjoying company and relaxing. A deck can be diligently crafted to fit your specific needs but requires considerable planning and decision-making before a project can break ground. This week, we’re telling you everything you need to know before adding a deck to your home.

Purpose and Function

Decks are versatile spaces that can be used for entertaining, outdoor dining, relaxation, and so much more. The first thing you should do is identify the purpose and function of your deck and design the space accordingly. For example, if you want a shady area, a deck should be placed under trees and feature an awning, but if you want to use it to work on your summer tan, it should be placed in an area with all-day sunshine. If the deck will be a place for hosting barbeques and parties, ensure easy mobility between the space and the kitchen.

Location

Determining the function of your deck will help you figure out the ideal location. You should be sure that you’ll be able to scale the deck to the size of your property, maximize your view using the scenery around you, and have easy access to bathrooms and kitchens.

Privacy is an essential factor that should be considered in the planning process. Sometimes, there is not a perfect spot for a deck that’s 100% private. If you have to settle on a location that may be in view of neighbors or the street, you may consider adding privacy measures such as screens or fences.

Budget

Your budget is another critical factor that will impact what you can do with a deck realistically. The cost of materials, size, permits, labor, furniture and lighting add up quickly. Make a spreadsheet of every projected expense and call around for a few different estimates for the above expenses.

Materials

Wood is the obvious choice for decking material, but there are quite a few options to choose from that affect maintenance and cost. The most weather-resistant option is pressure-treated woods like pine, cedar, and redwood. If you’re looking to be eco-friendly composite materials made of recycled wood diners are easy to maintain but will be more expensive. Plastic planks are another great option that resist rot but tend to get very hot in the sun.

Choosing a Contractor

Choosing the right contractor can be challenging. However, a trustworthy contractor can help ensure you know the local codes and regulations and will typically take care of the logistics for you. Our Guide of questions to ask before hiring a home contractor will safeguard you and your home from fraudulent contractors and a deck-building disaster.

Conclusion

Building a deck doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Have more questions about adding an outdoor addition to your home? Contact us today!

June 27, 2022 0

Patio vs. Deck: 9 Questions to Ask Yourself

Dreaming of an outdoor entertainment space where you can spend the lazy days of summer enjoying some solace in nature, or hanging out with family and friends amidst the smell of burgers being grilled to perfection?

Not sure whether a patio or deck is the best option to achieve this dream?

Here are nine questions that you should ask yourself when trying to decide whether a patio or deck is right for you.

Deck at Horton Group’s 66 High Street luxury condos.

1) What is the difference between a patio and a deck?

A patio is level with the ground, while a deck is on a raised platform. Typically patios are made of concrete, but can also be made of brick, pavers, stone, or tile. Decks are usually made of wood, composite wood, or vinyl. Decks are required to have railings while patios often do not have railings.

2) What is my budget?

If you’re on a tight budget, then a patio will typically be your cheaper option. Since patios are level with the ground, there is no added cost to build a platform. However, decks will typically have a higher return-on-investment (averaging 72% in 2020). If you are concerned with the resale value of your house, it is worth considering paying more for the deck.

3) Do I want to DIY it?

For safety and building code reasons, deck construction is better left to the professionals. If you want a DIY project, you’re better off going with the patio, but hiring a professional is still recommended.

4) Is my property sloping or hilly?

If your property is not on level ground, a deck will probably be a better option for you, especially if you want a deck that you can access through an interior living space. If your heart is set on a patio, you can always level out the land – but keep in mind this requires additional time and cost to complete the project.

5) Do I need to get a permit?

In many places, you need a permit in order to build a deck, as you are adding an additional structure to your home that must be safely built up-to-code. It depends on the location, but you often don’t need a permit to build a patio. Always check with your municipality to ensure you are following guidelines.

Covered patio at Horton Group’s 21 Palms construction.

6) Do I want my outdoor entertainment space attached to my house?

Decks are almost always attached to the house. Patios can be attached or located anywhere on your property. It’s up to your personal preference whether you want a structure attached to your home or something a little farther away.

7) How much maintenance am I willing to do?

Typically there isn’t much maintenance to perform on a patio other than to keep it clean and repair any cracks. The amount of maintenance you will need to perform on a deck is dependent on the material. Vinyl and composite decking are long-lasting and should not need much beyond cleaning. Decks made out of wood will need to be sanded and resealed regularly.

8) What kind of view do I want?

Since decks are raised, they can provide an awesome view of the landscape, but if you do not want any rails blocking your view, a patio might be a better option for you. A patio is also the better option if you prefer your outdoor entertainment space to be immersed in your landscaping, such as surrounded by gardens, fountains, or simply nature.

9) What about a pool?

If you have or want a pool in your outdoor space this will be a huge factor in determining whether a patio or deck makes more sense for you. A patio can easily make a great entertainment space around an inground pool. If you have an above-ground pool, you can build a deck around it.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when choosing between a patio or a deck for your home. These include budget, ROI, local building codes, typography, personal preference, and other features that you want to include such as a pool. It’s important to ask yourself these nine questions to make the best decision for you.

July 5, 2021 0

Spruce up your Outdoor Living Space

We’ve all been spending more time at home, and many are making the most of this time to clean, organize, and even complete some DIY projects.

Now that the weather is warming up, we can all start utilizing our decks, porches, and patios, giving us a change of scenery and making out homes feel more spacious.

Keep reading for tips to spruce up your outdoor living space.

Replace hardware.

How old are your doorknobs, house numbers, and outdoor light fixtures? Dingy fixtures can bring down the entire curb appeal. Replacing hardware creates a new style at a low cost.

Add some color.

Sometimes all it takes to spruce up an outdoor living area is to add a pop of color. This can easily be done with some fresh flowers and planters, which are readily available this time of year. If flowers aren’t enough, consider repainting your doors, or add a colorful outdoor rug to your space.

Power wash your deck or patio.

Winter elements can leave your deck or patio looking dingy. Power wash your outdoor living space for a quick revival. You can also give a fresh coat of paint or stain to the deck if needed.

Clean up your patio furniture.

Don’t stop with the deck and patio – clean up your patio furniture. A deep clean might be all it takes to brighten up a table and chairs. Want to add a bit more comfort? Get new seat cushions or opt for some bright pillows that make seating more comfortable.

Set the mood with outdoor lighting.

Efficient lighting allows you to use your outdoor space after the sun goes down, adds security, and can change the entire vibe. Accent lighting highlights beautiful landscaping, while bistro string lights set a fun mood.

Add in some fun.

What does your dream backyard look like? Yard games, a new grill, outdoor bar, or firepit can all be easily incorporated into your living space. You can involve the whole family by taking on some DIY projects and designing the space together.

Working on your outdoor space now will give you time to enjoy it during the summer. What outdoor projects are you taking on right now?

May 5, 2020 0