You’ve got a vision but no idea where to start when it comes to building and designing your deck. The layout and design of your deck is important when it comes to fitting in with your home as well as your lifestyle. Before you get started putting nail to wood, here are a few tips for designing your ideal deck.
Things You Should Consider
Before you begin designing and building your deck, there are a few things you need to consider.
- Know the condition of your yard before you start designing. Is the ground flat or is it slightly sloping? Is it mostly grassy, or is there a lot of foliage? Is the soil loose or packed? These are all things that should be evaluated as you plan out your deck. Having an idea of any unexpected challenges and disadvantages can help you better prepare the design of your deck.
- Be informed of any limitations or setbacks for your home. Check for any local building codes or permits you may need to build your deck. A setback is the amount of space you must have between your property line and your home. Setbacks may determine the size and layout of your deck. If you have a homeowner’s association, be sure to check with it in addition to the local codes.
- Be conscious of how much space you have to work with. If you have big plans but not a lot of space to put a large deck, consider a multi-level deck. Adding a second level—or even a third—allows for you to build up instead of building out. Add stairs from one deck to another to give the illusion of having much more space while also adding a fun and unique flare to your deck.
- No deck is one in the same. When it comes to designing your deck, it’s important to know beforehand how you plan to use it. Your plans for your deck will ultimately decide its layout. Before you get started, decide how you want your deck to be used. Will it be an entertainment space that requires a lot of room for furniture or guests, or will it be more of an intimate setting for no more than two? Once you have decided what you want out of your deck, it’s time to start planning.
Designing Your Deck
The best way to begin making your vision a reality is to sketch a plan of your deck’s layout. Whether you’re using your deck for entertainment or as a quiet getaway, keep in mind how big you want your deck to be. It should be large enough to allow for access to the door and landing in addition to space for high traffic areas and any furniture you plan to add. If your yard is sloped, be sure to include this in your designs and account for the severity of the slope in order to make sure your deck will be stable.
Before you begin building, locate your deck footings. An easy way to locate the footings is to start with the frame of your deck first. Building the frame can give you exact measurements of where your supporting beams will be placed and where the footings should be dug. Once your frame is complete, mark the footings with paint or a flag and then remove it to dig.
Sloping yards can create a challenge for finding proper deck footings. When building on a slope, use your measurements to dig your first set of holes for your deck footings on the level ground. You may plan to place your second set of footings in the slope or at the bottom of your slope. Either way, all footings—including the footings in level ground—must be fortified with concrete. Fortifying your footings with concrete will provide for safer deck support. If your slope is extremely steep, it may be beyond what you can do and may require the help of a professional.
Once your deck is complete, decorating it with cozy furnishings and fun décor not only brings your outdoor space to life, but it also makes it an area you want to spend time in. When adding the finishing touches to your deck, think once again of how you plan to use it. If using it to entertain, outdoor sectionals or a patio conversation set is ideal. For more intimate settings, small space sets can be a better fit. Will your deck be in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight or a lot of rain? Consider adding a pergola or awning to protect against the elements, so that you can enjoy your deck no matter the weather.
When it comes to your home, you want the best, and a deck can be a wonderful addition to your home and a fun way to enjoy your backyard and the people you share it with. As with any big home improvement project, do your research. Have a plan for what you want your deck to look like before you begin building. Know your limitations, and don’t be afraid to reach out to a qualified professional. 
Aliyah Robinson
Home & Yard Magazine
