How to Create a Stylish And Functional Deck

The outdoors of your house is today considered an essential element in modern homes, and it represents a part of the house that’s perfect for relaxing, connecting with nature, spending quality time with loved ones – things like that. 

It’s basically an extension of your living room.

When building a house, focus on the exterior design should be the same as on the interior, meaning if you want your house to be classy and elegant but still have a warm and inviting vibe, you need to invest time and effort in building a cosy outdoor space that has the same level of comfort, style and attention to details as the inside part. 

Choosing the right person for it should be the number one priority if you want a long-term investment that will pay off. 

How to Choose the Right Deck Based on Location and Lifestyle

There are many types of decks, and a professional would know which one is the best fit depending on the structure of the house. 

Deciding on how to design depends on many factors, such as sun exposure, yard layout, the entrance of the house, and what space will be used for. 

If you’re building a deck to enjoy your morning coffee, read a book, relax, and get sun exposure during the whole day, it is important to invest in umbrellas or any type of covering that’ll make it functional and stylish at the same time. Furthermore, if you live in a busy neighbourhood where traffic is bad, and you plan on building a deck for barbecue and family gatherings, you might reconsider that decision.  

Another important factor is the weather. 

If you live in a state where it’s snowing quite a lot (e.g., Minnesota, Michigan, Vermont,  New York, Pennsylvania, etc.), you have to choose material that can handle these temperatures – more precisely, the freeze-thaw cycles.

So, a custom deck contractor Cumberland County PA residents would hire will know all this and would build the deck accordingly.

As a comparison, if you’re in a state where summers are extremely hot and humid (e.g., Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, etc.), you might think about purchasing materials such as PVC or any moisture-resistant materials. And, of course, you’d perhaps want an enclosed deck to shield yourself from all the nasty bugs (especially those pesky mosquitoes), plus it’s easier to climate-control an enclosed deck. And a deck contractor in, say, Pinellas County will account for all of that and advise you accordingly.

This just goes to show how important it is to work with a local deck builder. 

Not only because of their knowledge of all the permits and regulations, but also all the material choices and design choices that will go into it.

Social Gatherings

As mentioned before, some people are determined to build a deck or renovate in order to make it a gathering spot perfect for family events. 

Thus, it contributes to the community by creating a sense of spirit and social belonging. Outdoor space encourages people to spend more time outside, enjoying the fresh air and nature, and socializing with their neighbours.

From summer evenings to autumn bonfires, it can become a relaxing spot for your family and increase the value of the whole house.  

How Financially Challenging is Building a Deck?

“Yeah, a deck is amazing, I totally agree. But… Can I afford it?”

Even though it is a great investment, building a deck is a financially challenging decision. 

Depending on the materials and furniture you’ll purchase and the contractor you will hire, it can be really expensive or not as much. Wood usually looks elegant and aesthetic, but requires more maintenance, while vinyl is cheaper and more durable. The best option would be a composite material that doesn’t require much maintenance but still gives off that classic natural wood look. 

Sure, going DIY on an expensive project could end up saving you a few bucks. 

But the thing is, you need to have transport for all the materials, you have to know all the materials, you have to secure all the permits, you need a proper foundation, and then after all of that, you also need to actually build the whole thing. 

Time-consuming, exhausting, AND risky.

Plus, think about all the tools that you have to buy to do only that one job. Is it REALLY worth it?

We all want to make our home as stylish, comfortable, and warm as possible, but if it represents a significant financial investment you are not ready for, you should plan every detail carefully and avoid spending more than you can afford. 

Environmentally Friendly Ideas

Regarding environmentally friendly design, many decide to focus on keeping the look as natural as possible, especially if the house is located in a green area with a lot of trees and flowers. 

You can ask the contractor to protect the tree roots and even keep the tree in part of the deck, making it look like the tree is growing naturally through the deck, as if it’s an integral part of the house. Durable materials will limit the risk of any replacements in the future, lowering the waste and resource consumption over the years. 

Adding native plants (and trees) into the design can enhance the beauty and also support local biodiversity. 

Conclusion

Some people are under the impression that building a deck for their house is just another project. But think about it – you’re basically expanding the interior square footage of your house. You’re basically making your house bigger and spacier.

Now, if someone came to you and asked you, “Hey, do you want your house to be bigger?”, you’d jump on the opportunity. But having a deck is actually exactly that.

But yeah, don’t rush into it. 

Call a (local) good-rep contractor and work with them to imagine what you want exactly. Sleep on it, and then, and only then – go for it. Go with a style that will make you do that sigh, hands on hips, and nodding with your head while thinking, “Yeah… that’s it.” It has to be nice-looking. 

And if it’s also functional? Then, you’ve struck jackpot.