BDU Decking College™

The Site is Right: Where to build your cedar or composite deck

What you will learn: Review of the natural enemies of cedar and composite decks; advantages and disadvantages of north facing decks; deck’s location in terms of convenience; deck’s location in terms of privacy; issues surrounding decks on uneven ground

Your deck will be a defining feature of your property, and you’ve probably thought a lot about many of the advantages of having an outdoor living space. But, have you thought about what kinds of factors may be the most important when considering your deck’s location?

When considering the prospect of having a deck, many factors may come to mind. Some of these may include things like maintenance, and the elements which will work against your deck once it is in place. Another factor you’ve most likely considered is that of accessibility, particularly in relation to the types of activities in which you will be engaged when your deck is finally completed. Sometimes, the decision about the final site of your deck is a throwaway thought, but it can be an important one. Location, for many a structure, remains to be one of the most important considerations as a builder or homeowner thinks about a project.

It has been well established that UV rays and weather are some of your deck’s worst enemies. There are products available which are meant to supplement your cedar or composite deck’s defenses against these natural forces, and it can be noted that many of the materials out of which composite decks are made come with a layer of UV protection. Cedar lumber, of course, has certain natural defenses which makes it very suitable for use as decks. In addition to these defenses, however, the choice of a deck’s location can add an additional level of protection, and if it is an option for you, it might be a good idea to think about which location might be best.

Strategic location for cedar and composite decks

Some ways to test a proposed site for your deck’s location is to study how the sunlight falls on your property from day to day, and from season to season. Studying the patterns of shadows across your property can give you an insight as to how much of your deck’s surface is likely to be exposed to direct sunlight at certain times of the day. General wisdom suggests that a north or east facing deck is likely to enjoy more breezes which can dry rainfall, and lessen exposure to the sun. The less your deck’s surface is exposed to direct sunlight, the less it is exposed to harmful UV rays. This can mean a lot in the long run, but, of course, must be measured against other factors. Sometimes a north facing deck can be subject to higher winds in the fall and spring months, which may limit its use. A north facing deck in more rainy regions can often mean mold growth. There may be other factors which are pertinent in any given property, for example where you have tall trees that block out sunlight and reduce wind. In this respect, you are the best judge concerning a deck’s location when it comes to the details of the property.

Accessibility and Privacy

Accessibility is a factor which may have less to do with the deck’s welfare and more to do with convenience. Accessibility has two considerations: the proximity of the deck to common traffic and activities; and how conducive the deck’s location is to the privacy of the owners and the neighbors. To address the first consideration, most decks will be used as an extension of a kitchen, a living room, or both. This is because many of the events and activities may be based around meals, and as such, your choice of the deck’s location may be academic. Also, continuity and overall design can really add value to your property as a whole. Putting your deck in an area that complements the rest of the property is very important for these more financially important reasons as well for the more immediately useful ones.

To address the latter consideration of privacy, you may wish to think about a more secluded location if you wish to use your deck as a staging area for a hot tub installation, or even if you wish to consider noise levels as they affect the neighbors. It is ideal to be able to balance off a convenient location for the deck with a location which will allow for the privacy of both the owners and the owner’s neighbors. All of these issues are important things to think about when considering the location of your cedar or composite deck.

Level Best

Another consideration for choosing your deck’s location is that of the terrain on which the cedar or composite deck is to be built. Terrain that is uneven may cause additional planning and structural considerations, depending on the slope. At times, it may be best to consider a multi-level design when choosing a deck’s location on sloping terrain. A good idea before commencing on any deck project is to consult local building codes, particularly when thinking about how the terrain will support a deck’s weight, including the weight of those using it. A strong foundation is required for any successful decking project, but particularly when you are building on sloping, or uneven, terrain. Braced posts may be required to avoid the possibility of swaying as well.

Professional installers and planners are great resources when thinking about these structural concerns. These professionals will be able to help you with your decision as to the deck’s location in general, factoring in your desires along with structural necessities. Remember, safety should always be an important concern when commencing any building project.

Discovering Potential

Choosing the location of your cedar or composite deck can be an important decision when considering long term maintenance issues as well as the issues of personal convenience. In some cases, the choices will be limited, depending on your property. But even in the face of some conditions, there are ways and means to overcome limitations. If privacy is an issue, then panels or creeping vines on a wooden lattice can be added to make sure that you achieve it. As for maintenance, seek out advice from local retailers and tradespeople about ways to overcome the problems that can be caused by excessive sun on the deck’s surface. For cedar decking, there are UV protection coatings that you can purchase to add an extra level of defense for your deck’s surface. In thinking about location when it comes to your cedar or composite deck, and considering the benefits and potential drawbacks of a particular site, you may be on your way to fully realizing the potential of an outdoor leisure space that the deck will represent.

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