BDU Decking College™

Decking Dreams: Choosing deck designs

What you will learn: decks as a year round feature; multi-level decks and uneven terrain; unity of design when choosing a deck to complement the rest of your property.

The addition of a deck can mean a great deal of value to your property, ranging from the increased resale potential to the aesthetic benefits, and to the functionality that leads to more enjoyment of the property as a whole. A great advantage to the addition of a deck is the range of options you have when thinking about how your deck will complement the rest of your property.

Deck plans: multi-season

Your deck may be meant to serve more than one purpose, and may also be meant to serve in all seasons. A deck design may also take deck activity in these different seasons and climates into account. Traffic demands, structural additions such as awnings, enclosures, and canopies for shade, along with seating requirements and other elements important to the deck design start with the intentions of those likely to use the deck. The idea that a deck may used by people with different needs at different times of the year, or just a single season, is an important consideration. It may be worthwhile to incorporate these requirements into a deck design. It is a good idea to envision these elements as you choose your deck plans, so that the completed project reflects the desires of those who will enjoy the deck in winter as well as in the summer months.

Deck plans: multi-level

In the case where you are looking to provide access to a deck from multiple floors of a house or building, or perhaps if you are looking to install a deck on a site that is characterized by sloping terrain, it may be worth your while to consider a set of deck plans that takes these multi-level requirements into account. A set of deck plans that incorporates a multi-level design offers a number of advantages which may be in line with the kinds of functionality needed. A deck of this sort can feature both covered and uncovered areas, meant for both enjoyment in the shade as well as in the sunshine. Allowing for access from top floors as well as ground floors adds an extra dimension of convenience to your choice of deck. Along with how attractive your deck will be, this increased functionality and accessibility contributes further value to the property.

Deck plans: natural transitions

One thing to keep in mind of course, similar to the types of issues you considered when thinking about the purposes your deck will serve, is continuity. Whether your deck serves multiple levels or multiple rooms, or only is meant to access a kitchen or living room, the importance of visual unity in deck design can actually have impact on how your property will be valued when the project is complete. Visually, a deck which doesn’t fit with the rest of an exterior can become a real minus to the overall effect an otherwise attractive property once had. It is important to make a seamless transition from one structure to the next by considering a set of deck plans which will be complementary to the way the rest of the property is laid out. In this context, beauty pays off in more than one respect, and along with functionality, the unity in a deck’s design should inform every decision you make when it comes to deck plans.

Obviously, there are a great many considerations when choosing a deck plan which will best suit the characteristics of your property. It is also vital that any deck plan you choose be compliant with local building codes. Always make sure that this information is established before you commence your project.

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