Loading

Space Planning

Think about how rooms of a house serve different purposes and are arranged together to form a complete living environment. You should begin to think about your deck this way. Most decks will be composed of a variety of spaces to accommodate various activities. How these spaces are designed and creatively organized will determine the spatial layout of your deck.

Deck Space
PinterestSave


The more versatile your deck design is, the better it can accommodate change. We encourage people to use a composition of different smaller spaces instead of building one large space. This will allow for more general flexibility and less wasted space. When combining deck areas consider how you want them to intersect and overlap for the best functionality and flow.  You may want to add a shade feature or porch roof over certain areas of the deck.

The space you use for dining and entertaining will be considered your primary space. This area is usually the largest space on the deck. Plan for a minimum of 12' x 12' for a table set. You may want to elevate this area or change the decking direction. A grilling area can be placed in an out-of-the-way niche or bay.

Don't forget about the area under your deck. This often overlooked area can be finished with a water drainage system to create an alternate area to enjoy on rainy days. Add a concrete patio floor and screened walls to add further comfort. The area below your deck also can be utilized for storage.


Popular Design Articles
How to Design a Deck

10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck

This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.

How to Design a Deck

How to Build a Pergola

Pergolas add a level of elegance and shade to your landscape. Follow our step-by-step instructions for building a pergola on a deck or patio at Decks.com.

How to Design a Deck

Deck Design Styles

Learn how to design a deck to match your sense of style and to compliment your house.

Next Step: Planning Articles
Building Permits

IRC Code Requirements For Decks

Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!

Building Permits

Building A Deck Over A Septic Tank

Building a deck on or near a septic tank is not the best idea and can result in a damaged or punctured tank. Learn more about building near a septic tank at Decks.com.

How to Hire a Contractor

Questions To Ask Your Deck Contractor

The quest to find the right contractor to complete your decking project can feel overwhelming and stressful. Learn more about what questions you should ask before hiring a contractor on decks.com

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

How to Design a Deck

Space Planning

Think about how rooms of a house serve different purposes and are arranged together to form a complete living environment. You should begin to think about your deck this way. Most decks will be composed of a variety of spaces to accommodate various activities. How these spaces are designed and creatively organized will determine the spatial layout of your deck.

PinterestSave


The more versatile your deck design is, the better it can accommodate change. We encourage people to use a composition of different smaller spaces instead of building one large space. This will allow for more general flexibility and less wasted space. When combining deck areas consider how you want them to intersect and overlap for the best functionality and flow.  You may want to add a shade feature or porch roof over certain areas of the deck.

The space you use for dining and entertaining will be considered your primary space. This area is usually the largest space on the deck. Plan for a minimum of 12' x 12' for a table set. You may want to elevate this area or change the decking direction. A grilling area can be placed in an out-of-the-way niche or bay.

Don't forget about the area under your deck. This often overlooked area can be finished with a water drainage system to create an alternate area to enjoy on rainy days. Add a concrete patio floor and screened walls to add further comfort. The area below your deck also can be utilized for storage.


Popular Design Articles
How to Design a Deck

10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck

This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.

How to Design a Deck

How to Build a Floating Deck

Did you know that floating decks are much easier to build than standard decks? View step-by-step instructions for building a floating deck at Decks.com.

How to Design a Deck

Porch Roof Options

Learn more about designing a deck with a porch roof.

Next Step: Planning Articles
Building Permits

IRC Code Requirements For Decks

Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!

Building Permits

IBC Requirements For Decks

The International Building Code (IBC) regulates deck additions attached to commercial buildings. Learn how IBC requirements may affect your project at Decks.com.

Contracts

Contractor Problems? How to Communicate with Contractors and Handle Disputes

When working on a large construction project, there are bound to be bumps in the road. Learn how to handle disputes with a contractor with Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic