Now that you’ve decided to install a small deck or large deck on your property, there are plenty of important decisions to be made. It’s no small feat to make amendments to real estate, and prudent planning always guarantees the best results. Never rush your decking project, and be careful to evaluate your space meticulously. Paying attention to the tiniest of details, such as exact measurements, ensures that your outdoor living space looks professional and complements your home.
FAQ for Finding The Right Size Deck
There are several questions to consider when trying to determine the best size of your deck, such as:
- What’s the best size deck for my yard?
- What’s the best size deck that will look good with my home?
- What’s the best size deck for my budget?
- What deck shape, style and color works best for my space?
- What deck size does local building codes allow?
- Will I need an outdoor fireplace?
- What size do I need for outdoor entertainment? Will I be able to accommodate extra guests?
- How much patio furniture or outdoor equipment am I planning on using?
- Is my deck located in a place that receives little or large amounts of sunlight?
Our deck designers can help you answer questions as you start to plan out your custom deck.
How Are You Going to Use the Outdoor Deck?
A general rule of thumb builders suggests that determines the size of your deck is what function it’s going to serve. Bear in mind that this structure is pretty much always raised. If you’re planning to turn a flat space in the garden into a larger deck with plenty of space for entertaining a number of people, a patio may be a more appropriate solution.
If you’re looking to create a deck design space on a slope or around a preexisting focal point such as a pool or beautiful tree, an outdoor deck is a perfect solution. Likewise, if you wish to admire the view from a particular area of the backyard or space as an outdoor extension of the home, a new deck is a chic and contemporary addition to any garden.
A fenced deck area that you step straight out onto from inside the house is also a practical solution for giving kids or pets somewhere safe to play outdoors. You’ll also want to consider the placement of outdoor furniture as well.
Determine The Decking Height
Once you have determined what function your roofless living space is going to serve, deciding how raised you would like the area to be is integral. By the nature of the construction process, decking is always elevated from the ground. If you wish to have a space flush with a door that leads to the yard, this is a fantastic option. You can even construct a multi-level deck on the second floor of your property and use the space underneath as an extra relaxation area or even for storage.
In general, it’s advisable to be slightly conservative when designing your deck. It’s much easier to add an extension than to tear out the whole thing and rebuild it. You wouldn’t want to spend time and money fixing pipelines or the septic tank that had been hit during the construction. That said, you must make sure the space is big enough to fulfill its purpose. Some people use a deck design tool when designing their dream deck. When building a deck with PWHI we help walk you through every step of the process.
Make The Most Out of Your Space
There are a few rules that the pros refer to when surveying a property for new decks. The first is that the size of the primary area shouldn’t exceed the size of the largest room in the house. You should avoid constructing a space that is larger than 20% of the square footage of the whole house. Following these handy rules prevents a spacious deck from dwarfing the house.
It’s also essential to have a visual idea of your limited space and plan where your outdoor furniture, BBQ, planters, string lights and anything else you’ll position on the platform is going to fit. As part of the preparation process, measure out the amount of space you think you’ll need. Place the items you’ll put into this space in the layout you envision. Remember, when people are using chairs and tables, the furniture takes up more space than it does when tucked in. You’ll also need to consider if you’re going to use a large outdoor round dining table or something smaller.
Taking into account the amount of sunlight the area receives is also important. If you want to use the deck for entertaining in the evening, you’ll need to make sure there is enough light to see and move around safely. But, if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sunshine during the day, you’ll want to find a spot that gets plenty of sun.
What Are the Average Deck Sizes?
Every homeowner has a slightly different idea of what defines a large gathering of people. For smaller decks that fit a table for four to six people to sit around, about 200 square footage of deck boards is required. This size allows space for guests to relax and move around, but these small decks won’t accommodate much more than a simple sit-down dinner for a few people.
The average deck size is between 300 and 400 square feet. This size provides enough space for around 10 people to have a sit-down meal. You’ll also have enough room for an outdoor grill, plants or even something unique like a hammock or hot tub. When constructing a more substantial outdoor space, we recommend incorporating multi-level designs. This makes the area more visually impressive and enables the designation of different areas for distinct activities while still following local regulations on the limit of square feet, you can build.
How to Get Your Dream Deck?
If you think you’ve visualized the perfect outdoor space for your own deck or would like further advice on a deck plan, deck boards, and decking materials, our professional deck builders have the solution for you. Get in touch with our deck designers at Prince William Home Improvement through our contact form to discuss the next landscaping steps toward making your dream backyard a reality.
