Your New Deck: What To Consider For Installation

Putting a deck on your property can greatly improve your home's curb appeal and add value to your home at the same time. If you spend a lot of time outside, then decks will benefit you and allow you to enjoy your yard more fully. If you don't spend a lot of time outside now, you can be more likely to go outside in the future if you have decks installed.

Before you have deck installation done, consider the following things. Your deck installation specialist will help you finalize the design and layout of your deck so it fits in right with the size of your yard and what you want your deck to be used for.

Materials

Do you want to use composite wood for your deck? Are you more interested in a streamlined deck made of vinyl? Decks are often made of cedar or redwood, both of which are natural wood materials resistant to rot and insects.

Do you want a rock overlay on your deck or a stone walkway around or on your deck itself? The materials you use to construct your deck will largely determine how large it can be —  a vinyl or wood deck, for example, can be easier and lighter to construct than a cement deck would be — and will determine design and cost as well.

Function

Do you want your deck to have an outdoor kitchen? A fire pit? Do you want a wraparound deck with a ramp? Should your deck have storage compartments underneath? Will your deck house a hot tub? If your deck is mainly for leisure, will it need a view?

These are all things your deck contractor will want to know so they can help you construct the best deck for your needs. All decks are built to code and in accordance with all zoning laws in the area, so keep this in mind as you design your new deck — what you would like to use the deck for and what can be legally constructed in your area may differ, but your deck installation specialist can make modifications as necessary.

Size

Regardless of how large or small decks are, they still take up part of the square footage of a yard, so make sure you size your deck appropriately. The right size deck will complement your yard without overwhelming it. Installed correctly, decks can even make yards more enjoyable to be in, even if the yards weren't previously used.

Contact a local deck installation service to learn more.