Ideally, your future deck should be an outdoor reflection of your family’s lifestyle. While you could consider a small deck intended solely for relaxing, other options may provide more areas for enjoyment such as an outdoor kitchen, a spa, and/or several seating areas.

Here are 7 tips to help you plan your perfect deck:

1) Desires and Wants: How will use your deck? Do you plan on outdoor dining and entertaining? Just relaxing? Adding a hot tub? Would you like built-in seating? What about storage below deck? Would you like to cook on your deck with an outdoor kitchen or gather around a fire pit with friends and family? Your needs and furnishings (think outdoor furniture footprints, grill, storage, etc.) will help determine the size and design options for your deck.

2) Show Off a Beautiful Vista: What does the view look like from the back of your home? Do you see a lake or pond? Gardens? Woods or other natural habitat? Imagine taking advantage of that beautiful view with a new deck. How accessible do you want it to be? Often, folks want easy access right off their kitchen or family room.

3) Keep it Cool: If your backyard lacks shade trees, consider a pergola or roof overhead. Adding ceiling fans and lights will make for an enjoyable evening.

4) Keep it Private: If your home is a little too close to the neighbors, a privacy screen on your deck should do the trick, and trellises for climbing plants are sure to enhance the beauty of your deck.

5) Complementing your home: A deck that blends with the architecture of your home adds value now — and in the future. The style of your home will dictate the deck materials (see #6) and accents to use in the project. New decorative and functional products such as  powder coated aluminum or copper balusters help optimize a view, are easy to maintain, and add real beauty to your home.

6) Popular Deck Materials: There are three popular choices to consider for durability, maintenance and cost when selecting a deck:

– Pressure treated wood decking. Many homeowners prefer the look of a traditional pressure treated wood deck and the price is quite affordable. This decking material will generally last about 15 to 20 years. You will need clean and stain your pressure treated deck every couple of years.

– Hardwood Decks: Tigerwood, Ipe (pronounced ‘eepay’), and Philippine mahogany are examples of tropical hardwoods. These exotic, rich-grained woods are extremely hard, very durable, are naturally resistant to rot and insects and can last 40 years or more.

– Composite decking has gained a solid reputation for its performance, ease of maintenance and longevity. Atlanta Decking prefers Fiberon® composite decking, which looks like natural wood and is eco-friendly and toxin-free.

7) Landscaping, Lighting & More:  Did you know that spending 5 percent of the total value of your home on landscaping can add 15 percent or more to the value of your home? You may want to add plants and trees around your deck’s exterior. Deck lighting can include wall sconces adhered to an exterior wall, accent lights around the perimeter, or even solar post lights that require no electrical work. If you do use electrical lighting, consider putting switches indoors for convenience — and consider using dimmers and timers.

Interested in building a deck or replacing an old one? Let’s talk.