Decks are undeniably a great addition to any home. It is just what you need to make your residence stand out from the rest. Decks offer an excellent place for you and your guests to relax, have a barbeque, or even watch a game. Apart from your backyard, you can build decks in the following places: an unused driveway, over a garage, unused side yard, and in your front yard.
The good thing about decks is that you can fit them into almost any space. The design and type are determined by where you want to place it in relation to the house. Lately, people have started embracing the idea of having bright colours on their decks as these colours tend to enhance the ambience of the home.
The following are the different types of decks you could use to renovate your backyard:
Type #1: Attached Deck
An attached deck is a type of decks that’s similar to a patio. The only difference is that a deck is mostly made out of wood and is a bit raised. Attached decks are commonly placed behind or at the backyard of U-shaped or L-shaped houses. An attached deck can act as the bridge for both exterior doors in a U-shaped or L-shaped house. You could have a roof over your deck if you want to make it a more usable and livable outdoor space.
Type #2: Detached Deck
A detached deck is also known as an island deck. Since they are detached, these decks can be placed anywhere you like on your property, but be sure to make them easily accessible. An island deck is an excellent choice for areas that have a rocky, bumpy or uneven terrain.
Type #3: Multi-level Deck
This type of bridge is suitable for properties that are relatively large or landscapes that experience rapid changes in elevation. Just as the name suggests, multi-level decks involve a series of decks built on varying levels. Paths or steps usually connect the multi-level decks. These decks should be an automatic choice if your residence is built on a slope, hill, or a rocky landscape. By just looking at the terrain of your backyard, you can tell if it needs a multi-level deck or not.
Type #4: Swimming Pool Deck
If your yard happens to have a pool, having a deck that goes around it will be of great benefit to you because most decks are made of wood, which is slip-resistant and does not burn a swimmer’s feet the way concrete does. A wood decking will add that natural feel to your pool. Swimming pool decks will require you to do regular maintenance using deck finishing products to prevent chances of the wood developing splits and splinters, which can hurt if they get into your feet or hands.
Type #5: Wraparound Decks
This type of deck shares a lot of similarities with a wraparound porch, the only difference being that a wraparound deck has a more uneven structure. Some parts of this type of deck can be larger than others, giving it an exciting look in terms of structural design. Some of the pros of a wraparound deck are; it allows an individual to follow the shade or sun depending on what feels right at the moment; it also provides extended living space, and; when you open the access doors, the general circulation of air throughout your house improves.
Type #6: Side Yard Deck
Side yards are the most neglected spaces in most residences. Instead of just using it as a regular pathway, why don’t you renovate it and turn it into a more usable space? Since side yards are naturally private, a side yard deck would be a great space for lounging and can act as a dining room. You can add to the privacy of a side yard deck by placing container plants and a privacy screen around it. Make your side yard deck even more unique by having a hot tub in it, especially if the yard is next to a bedroom.
Type #7: Entryway Deck
An entryway deck is similar to a front porch, only that it is not completely covered overhead. This deck involves the use of platforms and wood steps as part of the overall architectural design. Some entryway decks have built-in planter boxes and benches. They can be built by connecting a few wooden steps leading to the door. To make this deck more interesting, place the wooden platforms in an uneven pattern. Some of the wood steps can be larger than others and feature different designs.
One thing you should remember is that after building a deck, maintaining it is paramount to ensure longevity. The decks mentioned above can be customized in ways that might even seem impossible to some. All you need is a bit of creativity and a few guidelines to make it work.
