8 design considerations for building a deck
Photograph: Onal Kothari, Pixabay
Are you planning to have a deck for your home? This is the best place to spend quality time with friends and family. Architect Onal Kothari gives the factors to help you plan your deck perfectly.
1 Lifestyle:
Start with the general idea of how the deck will serve to enhance your life. What are the prime functions, purpose and uses? You would want a deck that would increase your gathering and dining area. It could also be your next outdoor kitchen cum hangout station because you love to grill outdoors or have a pool or spa.
2Location:
The next pick point should be to spot the perfect deck space in your property. You can decide the location of the deck by the size of lot, microclimates, sun orientation, wind flow, view and privacy with reference to your neighbourhood.
3Calculations:
Calculate the areas, traffic and evaluate the budget. Plan a deck that not only allows enough space to enjoy activities, but also offer comfortable foot walkway within your budget.
4Materials:
Be selective with your deck materials such as finish materials; decking, railing, fascia and the furniture. The material you choose is directly related to the look you want your deck to reflect. Also, keep in mind that the material your select should have low maintenance.
5Shape and size:
People prefer a deck that is no longer than 20% square foot of the home. Design with a theme and area that overwhelm your home visually and functionally. Follow the line, rhythm and architecture of your home.
6View:
How would you feel if you wanted to enjoy the cherry tree from home interior and then you fnd a deck railing and roof blocking your vision? Or you decided to keep your kitchen outdoors but after the deck setup, you found this big wall blocking your communication with the surrounding. Miserable right! To avoid these hindrances, plan the view from inside and outside the home to have the perfect deck.
7Lighting:
Unless you live in all mornings, you will likely enjoy your deck in evenings if you have perfect light settings. Light creates an ambiance which is hard to escape with. It offers more relaxation and more connection with the home.
8Plan the extras:
Extras may be optional. Railings, roofs, fencing, planters or other deck structures, anything little extra to your deck should not be large extra to your home. It must maintain the harmony of the home.
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Onal Kothari
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