There are a number of reasons why you should consider building a deck onto your home if you are looking to invest in a home remodeling project. First of all, a deck allows you to enjoy your yard in comfort, whether it’s visiting with friends, enjoying a BBQ outside, or watching your kids play in the back. We know how important outdoor living is to Birmingham residents. Secondly, adding a deck to your home is a great way to increase its value, especially in terms of your home’s curb appeal. As you begin planning out your deck, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind:
Decide how large the deck should be
There are a number of things to consider when figuring out the size of your deck. First of all, how much space is available? You don’t want your deck to take up the entirety of your yard, after all. Then you’ll want to think about how you plan on actually using it. Do you plan on using it for personal enjoyment? Or will you be throwing large social gatherings that will involve a lot of guests making use of your deck? If you don’t need a large deck, then there’s no need to have one. It will just result in you having to do more maintenance than necessary. You should also remember that the larger the deck is, the more you will be paying for both materials and labor.
Decide what decking materials to use
You have a number of options when it comes to the style of your deck. Just remember to pick something that is not only functional, but that also compliments the style of your home. If you are looking to use wood materials, then consider redwood or cedar. These woods won’t be as easily damaged as other wood materials due to the fact that they have a natural weather resistance. Most other wood materials will require sanding and sealing on a periodic basis. Another alternative is to use a composite of wood and plastic, which does not require sealing or sanding in order to be weather resistant.
Don’t forget about deck safety features
Most decks are not built at grade level, which means that you’ll need a railing installed. Before having railings installed, make sure to check local building codes to make sure the railing is at the right height. If your deck is going to be on the second level of your home and you have a stairway that leads up to it, you’ll want to implement a few security measures such as alarm sensors to keep potential intruders at bay. Make sure your deck is securely footed. You’ll also want to make sure it is securely attached to your home. Deck failure can be catastrophic.
Decide how the deck will be accessed
This is more important than it sounds. A deck that is difficult to get to won’t be used very much. If its up against the house, you’ll want to make sure that there’s an entrance that leads from the deck outside to the inside of your home. Consider sliding doors or even a rolling screen. You should also put in some steps from the yard to your deck as well.
Consider deck accessories
A deck can serve many different functions in family life. Popular accessories include pergolas, planter boxes, built in lighting, gas lines for outdoor kitchens, and even a place to put a hot tub – the latter of which will require additional structural reinforcement. No matter what you decide, a deck is a welcome addition in many a home.
Building a deck is a great way to improve the value and enjoyment of your Birmingham home. Be sure to keep these factors in mind when planning your deck. Give the deck building experts at Better Built Craftsman a call and we’ll gladly help you design a beautiful, functional deck that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
