Decks by Dave Bend

Decks does not only increase the value of your home but also make a home feel larger, more inviting and more enjoyable.  It is a pleasurable place to entertain friends and family, aside from the traditional living room.  You can have a quiet spot and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life even just at the far side of your backyard.

Whatever may be your purpose of having a deck, it has to look great and enhance the overall impact of your house in terms of appearance.  You can have a deck or patio that can make passersby take a second look.  The key to achieving such is to decorate them with a theme:

Outdoor Barbecue Theme – This is one of the most popular themes for outdoor decks.  Technically, this is the function or purpose of the area.  But adding some touch and decoration to it can make it into an overall theme too.  Put some rustic furniture on your deck to give it a country barbecue look.  It will look great together with an outdoor fireplace.  You can also opt for shiny, fancy cook station style if you want an upscale or classy look.

Country Theme – This theme should have some hardwood as material to jive with.  Old barrels, wooden tables and chairs will give your deck a look of a country saloon.  You can have the chairs designed with checker patterns to add the feel to it.  To top it all, do not forget the signs and old soda bottles.

Beach Fun Theme – If you have kids, they will appreciate this theme.  Put some colourful beach chairs and sun umbrellas to set the tone.  Hang ropes, nets, life rings and sails on one side of your deck to give them a feeling like they are at ship’s deck.  To add fun to the theme, put a chest to keep things including your kids’ toys.

Secret Garden Theme – This is most suited with a deck which is constructed separate from the house on the far side of your backyard.  This theme will give it a more relaxing and quiet mode.  Construct a gazebo, a swing for two and pave it with stone pathways.  Of course, don’t forget shrubs and flowery plants.  Some trellis over the pathways will make it a more inviting place to stay to simply read a book or have a quiet conversation with your loved-ones.

The essentials which are a table and chairs should always be present regardless of the theme you decide for your deck.  Choose a theme or you can create your own.  The most important thing is that your family will enjoy spending their time on your deck.

A deck as part of the house or located somewhere in the backyard gives your property more value.  It has both aesthetic and functional purposes.  It can serve as a place for relaxation and recreation.

Deciding to have a deck may need you to take a look on the different types of decks.  There are many types of decking materials on the market and materials selected can affect the overall size and appearance of your deck.  Constructing a deck means additional expenses so you have to make sure that it will be how you want it to be.

So read on the different types of outdoor decks.  This will help you decide in choosing the materials:

1. Natural stone Decks – This is for a spectacular and classic patio.  Of the different types of decks, stone decks look outstanding.  The slabs are somewhat expensive but they are very tough and durable material.  They are not heavy as you may think and a good foundation can support it even if you want it connected to the second level of your house.
2. Hard wood Decks – This is an attractive option for those who can afford this decking material.  Hard wood is considered a luxury.  It is often expensive and often imported but is much durable than pine and other soft woods.  If you decide to have hard wood, make sure it is treated.
3. Preserved soft wood Decks – This makes use of the pressure-treated pine.  They are obtained from older pine and will not likely to bend and distort than wood taken from younger trees.  This material can last for several years if it is properly cared for.  However, despite the age of the wood and no matter how often the deck is treated, it can still go out of shape over time especially when it is exposed to extreme and changing weather conditions.  This material is not suitable on areas with a warm and damp climate.
4. Hybrid timber decks – This is wood composite material – a combination of wood fiber and plastic.  It has a similar texture to real wood and with synthetic component.  It has become popular for it does not absorb moisture and is easy to clean.  It is a lot more costly than pressure-treated wood but unlike the former, it does not warp or split.  It can last longer than timber and therefore, a better material for an outdoor deck.
5. Vinyl decks – This is trouble free and easy to own.  It has a look and feel of a wood but is easier to clean and can handle pressures.  This is a great choice for families with children.  It is also a good choice for homes located on areas with hot climates for it does not get hot to the touch under the sun.

When choosing decking materials, look into the kind of decking components you prefer.  Consider the life of deck components, as well as its maintenance needs.  Consider also your budget, style of your home, and outdoor areas.  Deciding on the best material ensures good investment.

Summer is fast approaching and we often prefer to spend our days outdoors.  Being outdoors does not mean that you have to be away from home.  As an extension of your home, a deck can provide an inviting outdoor area wherein you can enjoy anytime the weather allows.  You can hang out, be entertained and play with your kids on your deck.

A well-designed deck can make you prefer to stay home instead of going some place else.  Therefore you can save some money.  But how can you design your deck to make it a favorite part of your home?  Here are some considerations in designing your deck:

1. View and Visibility – Find a great view and have your deck constructed there but make sure that it is not highly visible.  The deck should merge into the environment of your backyard.  If you cannot find a great view, look for a spot near a beautiful garden tree.  You can have your deck exposed to the sun or on a shady area there.  If your area is near a busy street consider the use of shrubbery, walls or fences.

1. Location – Do you want your deck connected to your home or somewhere in the backyard?  Having your deck near the living room could be a problem.  People going to and fro may damage your carpets and disrupt anyone watching TV or entertaining a visitor.  Placing a door to the deck to have access both to the kitchen and the living room makes it more efficient.  Use sliding doors to make the deck more inviting from the living room and from the kitchen.

On the other hand, if your backyard extends to the woods, you can choose to have a deck by itself near some trees.  If there is a pond or lake, putting a deck that extends to the water would be interesting.  You can also have a roof deck over the garage.

1. Purpose – How do you intend to use your deck?  Your deck should be on a reasonable scale between your home and property size, as well as the size of your family.  If you don’t intend to entertain large groups, you don’t need a huge deck.  You should not build a small deck if you have a large house as well.  If you intend it to be an area for relaxation – lounging, reading, sunning or another area for dining, make sure that not all traffic from the main house merge into the deck.  Think about the activities your family loves to do when designing your deck.

1. Shape – Consider using variety of shapes when designing your deck.  It does not have to be the classic square or rectangular one.  Consider curves and diagonal lines.  You may want to connect different sections with paving surfaces as paths or stairways.  Wooden decks are often classified as informal and you can use more curves and asymmetry with it.

If designed correctly, the deck can serve as a place for enjoyment and relaxation for your family.  It also increases the value of your home.  Take into consideration the elements mentioned in order to have a good deck design.