Adding a deck to your home offers a great number of benefits. With a deck, you’ll have a nice outdoor area to enjoy and will increase your overall living space quite a bit. Taking on a deck project, whether you decide to do it yourself or to hire someone, is quite an investment. This type of building endeavor is significant and requires adequate planning, time, and money. Therefore, it’s important that you have an understanding of what to know about adding a deck in Maple Ridge. Read on for an overview and specific considerations.
Property Layout
First, you’ll need to assess the property surrounding your home in order to decide whether the layout is appropriate for a deck, or perhaps, a patio. a combination of both might also work for you. a deck is usually made out of wood or some sort of fabricated composite material like wood. if your home is situated on a hill or on property that is uneven, a deck can provide you with a nice level area for spending leisure time. it can also be raised and is great for multiple-story homes or for those that sit high above the ground. a patio is a structure that is built on the ground itself. it can be constructed of material similar to those used in decks, but it is also often made out of concrete pavers or natural stones. it’s easier and less expensive to construct a patio on a level surface to avoid having to build a retaining wall or other leveling structure. If your door is level with the ground, a patio is a good fit for your needs.
Purpose
After considering the layout of your property, you’ll need to determine the intended purpose for your deck. Knowing how you will most frequently be using your deck will help you to determine the best size and structure. You will likely have to work within the constraints of your budget, but a deck can be quite extensive in its form in order to allow plenty of room for cooking out and entertaining. It can even accommodate a full outdoor kitchen, movie viewing area, or water feature. Features like an arbor or pergola can be added to provide privacy and to direct the flow of usage.
Accessibility
Another consideration before deciding to build a deck is how you will access your new structure. If you already have a door in place leading to the proposed deck area, you’re ahead of the game. Otherwise, you’ll need to factor in the cost of constructing one. Also, deck placement should be conveniently located to the kitchen and bathroom if you will be entertaining a great deal.
Building Materials
There are a number of materials from which a deck can be constructed. Your choice will impact the cost of your project, but it can also determine the money and time you’ll need to spend in the future on maintenance and replacement. Wood used to be the leading choice in decks, but that has changed as technology has led to the development of more natural looking composite board. In a region such as the Maple Ridge area that experiences extreme weather, real wood will need to be stained every few years to keep from breaking down and to remain nice looking.
Style and Aesthetics
Finally, you’ll want to plan the general look of your deck to be sure it complements your home and the surrounding landscape well. A deck building professional such as Alair Homes will be able to advise you in this aspect. You don’t want your deck to look like an afterthought. It should seem like a natural extension to its surroundings.
Final Thoughts
There are a number of extras you can add to your deck, as well. Structures to keep out the elements or to block excess sun, you can install a covered porch, awning or other structure. A raised deck can be waterproofed with integrated panels beneath it in order to convert the area below into storage. Lighting, electrical outlets and plumbing can be added, as well.
A deck can add a lot of enjoyment and possibilities to your home. It will hold its value in the resale market and is a feature many buyers desire. So it’s well worth the investment.