Building a Deck? Ask Yourself 5 Important Questions Before You Get Started

Lounging in the summer sun, family BBQs, yard parties…Do your favorite summer activities have you itching to build a new deck?

If a new deck is on your summer bucket list, you’ve come to the right place. Outdoor Solutions can help you build the deck you’re dreaming of.

But before we get started designing and building a deck for you, there are 5 questions you should ask yourself that will help guide the design process and make sure you end up with a deck that meets your expectations.

1. How Will You Use Your Deck?

This is a big one. Once you know how you’ll use the space, we can make sure to include all of the features and accessories you’ll need in your deck design. Decks can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Entertaining. If your house is the hub for friend and family gatherings, neighborhood parties, kids’ birthday parties, and other celebrations, you’ll want to make sure to include some built-in seating, surfaces for guests to place their drinks, and maybe a bar area or fire pit.
Family Meals. Using your deck for outdoor meals means you’ll need plenty of space for a dining table, chairs, and a grill, as well as easy access to the kitchen and possibly a pergola to provide shade on sunny days. Or really take it over the top with an outdoor kitchen!

Pool Surround. If your deck will serve as a surround for your hot tub or pool, you’ll want to include deck lighting for safety, as well as a seating area for drying off in the sun.
Secluded Oasis. If privacy is what you’re looking for, create your own personal outdoor lounge with a privacy fence around your deck.

2. How Will You Access Your Deck?

Do you want your deck attached to your home, or would you prefer it to be freestanding? If attached, do you already have an access point from your home (such as a sliding glass door) or will you need to add one?

Depending on the design of your home, you could create access to your deck from multiple directions — below from a lower level patio, above from an upper level balcony, and so on.

Take a look at the space you’re building your deck in, think about how you’ll use it, and from there determine what kind of access points you’ll need.

For instance, if you plan to use your deck for meals and BBQs, having an access point from the kitchen would make serving dinner much more convenient. Or if you’re entertaining large crowds, having more than one set of stairs leading to the yard could help with traffic flow.

3. What’s Your Style?

There are a wide variety of deck styles to choose from — you’re sure to find something to suit your style (see our deck gallery here for inspiration).

Your deck’s design should complement your home’s architectural style as well as the landscape surrounding it.

Think about color as well. Do you want your deck to match your home’s color or stand out from it? Depending on the type of decking you choose, you’ll have a variety of colors to choose from…and if you choose to paint or stain your deck after your build you’ll have even more options.

4. How Much Maintenance Do You Want to Take On?

How much time and energy you’re willing to put into regular deck maintenance will affect the type of decking material you use. Wood decking is less expensive, but requires more upkeep (sanding, staining, and so on). On the other hand, low-maintenance decking materials like composite or plastic typically cost a bit more than wood but require very little maintenance to keep them looking great.

5. How Much Do You Want to Spend?

Budget is often the most limiting factor for deck building decisions. Your budget will affect the size of your deck and the materials you use as well as the accessories and extras you choose to include.

Take the time to research the cost of all of the factors involved in building your deck, including materials, labor, and accessories, so you can set a realistic budget.

Keep in mind that while building your own deck may save you money on labor costs up front, it also requires a lot more time, energy, knowledge, and skill than hiring a reputable deck contractor. Plus, when you hire a deck contractor, you don’t have to worry about permits and other paperwork, and they can help you find the materials and accessories needed to build the deck you want while sticking to your budget.

Building a Deck This Year? Leave the Work to Outdoor Solutions

At Outdoor Solutions, we are your local experts for decks, porches, hardscapes, and more. Our experienced team can help you design and build the deck of your dreams so you can relax in your new outdoor space this summer.