Deck Design Ideas—Getting Started

If you’re planning to build your own deck, you’ll find plenty of deck design ideas online and on this site to get you started.

The more planning you do, the more satisfied you’ll be with the result,. It’s worth taking the time to investigate as many deck design idea options as you can before you make your choice.

But before you begin choosing materials and calculating dimensions, think about how and when you’re going to be using your deck. Your answers to these simple questions will determine all of the major design features of your deck:

1. Will you be using the deck for entertaining large groups of people, or just for relaxing at home with the family and a few friends?
   
   This will determine the size of the deck you’ll want to build. If you’re planning to have a lot of parties on the deck, it may be best to build it adjacent to the house, with easy access to the kitchen or living areas. If you have in mind more of a quiet place to relax on the weekends, you may prefer to build a freestanding deck in a secluded part of the garden.
   
2. Are there any privacy concerns you should take into account?
   
   There’s nothing less relaxing than feeling like you’re in full view of your neighbors when you’re sitting on your deck. It’s also important to respect your neighbors’ privacy when you choose the position and height of your deck. You may choose to incorporate a privacy screen into your design, or plant some trees or tall shrubs.
   
3. How suitable is your local climate to outdoor living?
   
   If your climate tends to be very windy, select a sheltered position for the deck. If you have a lot of strong sunlight, you may consider incorporating a shade structure into your design, or planting trees around the deck to provide shade.  For cooler climates, you may wish to include an outdoor fireplace, or gas heaters.

For more information on planning for your deck, please read this article on deck building tips.

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