Size and Shape of Your Outdoor Deck
Aside from the obvious drawback of adding to the cost of the project, a bigger deck will require more maintenance, gobble up prime space for gardening and other activities, and make it harder to achieve a look that fits the style of your house. A large deck, for example, will make an average-size house look smaller; a small house is liable to be overwhelmed.
Whether your deck will comprise one activity area or several, plan carefully so that you build only what you need. Make a list of all the ways you plan to use the deck, and determine approximately how much space you'll need for each of them. Use your deck plan to map out likely locations for your activities. For a deck to accommodate an eating area for six, a lounging area (that can double as a secondary eating area during larger gatherings), and a cooking area, you will need between 150 and 200 square feet.
Avoid built-ins that force you to use space in only one way--unless you're sure you're going to be using them a lot. For example, a permanent fire pit surrounded by built-in benches may seem like a wonderful idea, but unless you intend to use it more than a dozen times a year, you may want to consider using a portable fireplace and the chairs from your patio set instead.
A deck can be divided into separate areas for dining, lounging, grilling or even a garden potting area.
One-Room Decks
It's often helpful to think of the various activity areas of a deck or yard as "rooms." Decks, therefore, can have one or more rooms. Versatility is the operative word if you're planning a one-room deck. If the space is small, opt for small-scale, lightweight furniture that doesn't take up a lot of room and can be easily moved, folded, or stacked; a grill that can be moved easily in order to free up space for other activities; and wide stair treads that can double as seating. Multipurpose furniture, such as a bench that doubles as a table and has storage below, is worth considering. Hammocks can quickly turn a small deck into a napping place, but integrate the support posts into your design so that you won't have to deal with a hammock stand.
If you need a large deck, plan on using planters, screens, and trellises to create cozy areas as you need them. Otherwise, big decks can feel unwelcoming when you want an outdoor breakfast for two. Canopies and gazebos can create a sense of enclosure as well.
Multiple-Room Decks
You might feel that some deck activities are mutually exclusive and need their own dedicated space. In such cases, you may want two or more "rooms" for your deck. You may not want to be beside the grill or dining table, for example, while you're trying to sunbathe or use the spa. Similarly, an on-deck play area for children might be better separate from adult entertainment areas. Sometimes homeowners choose multi-room decks for needs other than space. For example, you may want to capture a view or take advantage of a sunny exposure with your second deck room. Such decks often wrap around one or two corners of a house. Multiple rooms can be separated by changes in level, jogs in the footprint of your house, planters, trellises, privacy screens, and even drapes.
Choose a Shape
The design of your house and backyard are often the deciding factors when it comes to selecting a deck shape. In fact, it's a good idea to start the process by deciding whether your deck is a "house deck" or a "yard deck." In the first case, the deck is closer and more connected to the house, typically raised 4 feet or more. A yard deck is more connected to the landscape. It's generally close to the ground and may incorporate planting beds and other natural features, such as trees and rocks. In general, house decks will look better if they echo the shape of the house, which in most cases is rectangular or square. Yard-oriented decks can take on more irregular or organic shapes. Curves and polygons tend to lend themselves to decks that are transitional, or somewhere in between house- and yard-oriented. Such shapes may also be useful when connecting a series of deck "rooms."
Go Slow on Curves
There's no question about it; curves are sexy. When it comes to decks, however, use caution. Curves are often expensive to produce and rarely relate to the architecture of a house. Bowed shapes off one side of a square or rectangular deck--especially when half-round windows are present--are an exception. Gentle curves also fit right in when there are natural curves in the landscape, such as round tree crowns, glacial boulders, or the edge of a pond. Curved deck shapes can also help integrate a ground-level deck with a hilly terrain.
You will want your deck to fit with your lifestyle, the neighborhood and environment. Plan to build an outdoor deck size that will be in proportion to the rest of the house.
About the Author:
Matthew Millsap is a home improvement expert. He believes in consumer education. If you need more information or are looking for quality shape and size of please visit http://www.buildingcompanynumber7.com
Article Marketing
9 people like this article
