Thought and planning will help you to match the needs of your family with a deck you will enjoy for many years to come.

Questions to ask yourself:  Do I  plan to entertain on the deck?  Will the children need an outdoor area for play? Just how much time will my family spend on this deck?

Once you begin to answer such questions like these, you can begin to plan how large the deck will be, what shape and work on any design details that will add a visual picture to match the style of your house.

Lets get even more detailed:  (see below)

How much entertaining?  Will you be throwing many parties?  So how big should the deck be?  Will you need more seating  and or furniture to accommodate your guests?

Perhaps some built in seating or benches would be a good idea.  Also decide if there will be enough room for guests to converse easily on the deck.  And how about the need for nighttime lighting for security and atmosphere.

Eating and Barbecue:  You would want a large enough deck for a table of sorts and chairs or benches.  Approximately  a 12-13 foot square is  comfortable for seating 4 at a table.  Also plan how you will move food from the kitchen to the deck. Make sure there is 2 feet of clearance on all sides of the barbecue.  Some like to put the barbecue on a surface that is fireproof, such as tile, brick and metal.

Plants and water:  If you  design the deck with wood planters , allow for proper drainage. Tip In your design take into consideration if the deck will be blocking any  outdoor water faucets. It's always easier to move them before work begins.

Pool or Spa:  If there is a connecting pool or spa, will you need deck room for sunbathing .

Privacy:  When the deck is elevated, this can expose nice views or not so nice views.  So try to visualize what advantage or disadvantage an elevated deck might mean.  You can  always get on a step ladder  that is close to the height of the deck and better visualize what things would look like.

Next: What about deck angles, colors, use of trim boards, More....

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