Tuesday 24 April 2012

Spring Projects - Backyard Decks



Decks are one of the most popular in home improvements. They are a great way to add value to your home while providing an extra space for outdoor activity and entertainment. Get inspiration for your spring project from our featured decks which incorporate the elements of great design and functionality.

Before you make any decisions about decking materials or style, you need to think about your home and the area surrounding it. First, you need to determine how much space you have for a new deck. The size of your deck is greatly influenced by the amount of space you have for it. Also think about any obstructions in your yard that may interfere with the construction such as trees or boulders. If these cannot be removed, then you must build your deck around them. If you have enough space to build a deck of your desired size, think about what you will be using it for. If you plan to use it for entertainment, hot tub or pool you may need more space than if it is just meant for family relaxation and leisure.

When determining where to build your deck think about how much privacy you want. If you are surrounded by neighbours and privacy is limited, plant some high trees around your deck – this will help block the neighbours’ view. Also, different locations provide different amounts of shade and sunlight – placing your deck in a location where you have both is preferred. Decks can be dangerous, especially for younger children, so you will need to think about safety as well. You can either choose an open deck or an enclosed deck. The enclosed deck is preferred by families with young children and will help to keep them better supervised. Railings are also important, especially if your deck is high off of the ground.

Since your deck is outside 24/7, it is subject to all of the weather elements from sun to snow. If you live in areas with heavy snow or ice, your deck may need extra support to hold the extra weight. As a general rule, you need to choose materials that will withstand all weather conditions.

When it comes to the look or style of a deck, most people want something that will match their home. For instance – if your siding is made of vinyl you may want to choose vinyl decking to complement the style of the house. Remember to keep the size of your deck relative to the size of your home – a deck that takes up the entire backyard will look disproportionate and unattractive. You can add personal style with railings and stairways, and once it is complete, your own deck décor.


Featured Homes:

Top Left: Kenna Whipple-Erkelens, Sales Representative. 630 South Townline Road, Stoney Creek. View Property.

Middle Left: Marsha and Jay Brandes, Sales Representatives. 14 Deerview Avenue, Ancaster. View Property.

Bottom Left: Rob Golfi, Sales Representative. 3669 Carver Street, Stevensville. View Property.

Right: Tracy Dmetrichuk, Sales Representative. 75 Stonegate Drive, Ancaster. View Property.

No comments:

Post a Comment