Looking for something to do while cooped up indoors this winter? Now is the perfect time to start planning your outdoor home improvement projects for spring! A deck is a fantastic addition to your home that will provide you and your family with more functional living space and give you more of a reason to be outdoors when the warm weather comes around. Here’s a helpful step-by-step guide to planning a new deck this year:
Step #1: List Your Wants and Needs
One of the best ways to make your planning process easier is to determine up-front exactly what you want and need from your new deck. Decide what you want to use the deck for: Entertainment? Relaxation? Dining? This will help you lay out the plans and make the best use of the space you have. Do you want a portion of your deck screened-in? Will you have one level of deck flooring or multiple levels? If you have children, you should also take into account the safety requirements your deck should have.
Step #2: Pick the Deck Size and Location
The size of your deck greatly relies on the amount of space you have to work with. If you have a large yard, you can choose between a big or small deck. If you have minimal space in the back of your home, you’ll want to utilize it efficiently with your new deck. Professional deck builders are a great resource for this phase of planning because they can come to your home, assess the available space, and easily come up with a number of deck designs for you to choose from that will maximize your outdoor living space.
Step #3: Choose Your Decking Material
When it comes to the material your deck will be made of, you have a few main choices:
Wood
- PROs: a classic and natural look, economical, and stays cool in the summer
- CONs: requires a lot of maintenance (restaining, resealing), can stain and rot easily
Composite
- PROs: available in many designs, colors, and textures, very eco-friendly, easy to clean
- CONs: a bit more pricey than other options, can host mold and mildew
Vinyl
- PROs: plenty of color choices, low maintenance, long lifespan
- CONs: cannot be stained or painted, reflects heat
Step #4: Call in the Experts
Once you’ve got a pretty good idea of what you want your deck to look like, it’s time to call in the professionals to finalize your plan and make your ideas come to life! North American Deck & Patio is a professional deck builder in Annapolis, Maryland. We are experts in the industry and have been in business for over 25 years. Contact us and let us help you get started with your new deck plans today!
