Posted by Bealing Roofing Comments Off on Tips for Customizing Your Deck Uncategorized

Decks are a fantastic addition to your home. Their uses are almost limitless. From outdoor family gatherings to a place to relax and kick back for some alone time, decks are an ideal home improvement project. There are a number of things to consider while designing your dream deck. Review the following tips for customizing your deck and you will be well on your way to having a vision to relate to your contractor. 

How will you be using your deck?

What are you using the deck for? Whether you plan on having numerous cookouts to entertain family or friends or just a place to relax and have a cold drink, your deck’s use will determine a number of things. If you are leaning towards hosting barbecues or parties you will want to make sure you have the room for a prep area, a serving area, and certainly room for  a grill. Creating an oasis for relaxing? Make sure you include plenty of room for lounge chairs, perhaps a low table, and a fire pit for chilly nights (if local codes allow it).  

Location

This one is really important. The last thing you want to do is put your deck on the wrong side of your home. Be aware of any bushes or trees that may be in your way. They will need at minimum trimmed and worse case removed entirely. Keep an eye on where the sun rises and sets during the summer. This will be the peak usage season for your deck so you want to make sure you know how the sun will impact your new outdoor living space. 

Some general guidance for the sun. South-facing gets the most sun all day. East-facing gets morning sun. West-facing will have sun in the afternoon. North-facing gets very little sun. Also remember if your options are limited you can always add trees to shade the deck or purchase an awning to serve as a shelter from the sun. 

How tall?

Consider height when you are customizing your deck design. Too tall and it may conflict with other structures. You may also put yourself in a position where the neighbors see too much of you or you see too much of them. 

Decking patterns

There are countless patterns you can use when laying decking. Standard, diagonal, herringbone, nested square, the list goes on and on. Consult with your contractor who can give you some ideas and show you some examples of various decking patterns.

What materials to use

How much time do you want to spend maintaining your deck? If you go with standard pressure treated wood you will need to seal it every few years. Cedar has a more natural look and is also rot resistant. Composite decking has become more popular as it has become more affordable. Install it and you’re done with little maintenance required. 

If you are looking to custom design the deck of your dreams, Bealing Roofing & Exteriors, Inc. has expertise to make your dream a reality. Give us a call today.