Posted on Mar 22, 2009 under How to Build a Deck |
When you are planning How to Build a Deck it is vital to consider how it will be used. Plan areas for chairs and loungers for relaxing and entertaining. Think about dining areas, children’s play areas and a place for planters and garden pots.
Think about other amenities that will add to your enjoyment, such as a spa or hot tub, a fire pit, a barbecue area, or even an outdoor kitchen area with a grill, sink, refrigerator and countertop.
When you are working on how to build a deck it is always best to make a preliminary sketch. Decide the size, location of the deck, and shape of the deck. Also note utility easements, required setbacks from neighbors’ property, privacy problems, weather issues, existing landscaping, and desired or to-be-screened views. For visual interest, round off or cut off corners of rectangles and squares and add in changes of level.
Add any desired details. These include benches and tables, railings, steps and ramps, planters, and storage areas. If prevailing winds or lack of privacy will cause the deck to be unusable during parts of the day or evening, consider adding screening in the form of walls, wooden screens, or plantings. Trees or vines make excellent windbreaks.
Sketch any overhead shade structures desired, and add in other features such as a hot tub or spa, children’s sandbox, garden pool or water feature, or barbecue or kitchen area. Include water lines and any irrigation lines for spigots, fountains, ponds, and container gardens.
When considering how to build a deck it is really worth hiring a professional designer or landscape architect to go over and finalize your designs (unless of course you are aiming to feature in an episode of DIY disasters:).
Plan for any wiring or plumbing. Keep safety in mind, and make sure transition areas will be well-lit and easily negotiated.
Posted on Mar 14, 2009 under Deck Railings |
If you are thinking of buying a Deck Railings system that is ready to be attached to the deck then really shop around first.
Deck railings are a safety feature and it is vital therefore that they not only look good but also are very safe. If you use a ready made ’system’ be sure to follow ALL the directions.
Posted on Mar 10, 2009 under Deck Stairs |
If your deck stairs become very slippery when the weather is icy and you can’t get down your Deck Stairs it is possible to use items already in your pantry to clear the ice.
One thing that does work really well is table salt – but it’s expensive. If you’ve got a water softener, and you have the ‘flakes’ for it that’s even better. The only bad thing about salting steps is that it will age the wood faster as it will expose the wood to ”freeze and thaw ” cycles. It’s a good idea to also sweep the salt off your deck stairs after you’ve melted the ice.
A word of warning however – don’t use hot water – as all you’ll do is melt the ice that’s on there and make fresh ice (unless it’s above freezing).
If you want something that’s inexpensive and works very well for traction on deck stairs and also won’t harm them, get some grit and sprinkle it on. This works really well for a short term solution.
Posted on Mar 01, 2009 under Deck Ideas |
When thinking up new deck ideas it is worth thinking through very carefully all the areas that will need to be designed. The colour of the stain for the deck is important as it can effect the final experience of the people who sit on your deck. It can be a light, medium or dark stain or natural.
Some further Deck Ideas might be to have it enclosed with framed lattice at the ends & below. It is also a good idea to think through if you want it to look cool, cozy, very relaxing or zany wild and very energizing!
There are many places on the web to look for pictures that show deck ideas. The sort of things you can have around and on your deck are fantastic furniture, great lighting to create either that relaxing feel or wild energizing experience. Maybe an object of art….or a wall hanging or free standing fountain between trellis panels, also don’t forget decorative lighting.
When thinking through your deck ideas it is worth considering if your deck has a focal point?… if it does – is it outside the deck or on the deck? If outside, then the decoration should turn attention towards the outside focal point……an unusual tree, flower garden, etc. If not outside the deck, then you can create a great focal point within the decked area and have it be a real show stopper!