What Size Deck Should I Have?

Many first-time deck designers make the mistake of creating deck designs that are too large to fit the scale of their house and exceed their budget. Most professional deck builders use a few rules to help scale the deck to accurately fit the house.
1) A deck shouldn't be built larger than 20% of the square footage of the house it is attached to.
2) No single section of the deck should be larger than the largest room in the house.
Using these rules, get yourself a notebook of ¼" graph paper and a ruler and start sketching out your ideas. Consider designing a multi-level deck with a few separate areas to break up a large boring rectangle. Try to let deck areas flow together in a natural and simple way.
Sometimes, it is difficult to look at a deck plan on paper and understand exactly how it will look and feel in a real space. You may need to lay out the design at the location to be able to get comfortable with its shape and proportion. Use a tape measurer, a garden hose or spray paint to lay out the design's outline or footprint. Does it feel larger or smaller than you anticipated? You may want to arrange some furniture within the outline to help you visualize how the space will be used. Will you have enough space to move around the deck freely or will it be too cramped? You may need to make some changes to the plan in order to adjust your findings.
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 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.
Leftover Deck Board Ideas
Have leftover deck boards after building your deck and don’t know what to do with them? Get inspired with 10 ideas for leftover decking from Decks.com.
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!
Permits for Building a Deck: Why You Need One and How to Get It
Many homeowners are surprised when they are told they need to get a permit in order to build a deck. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s well worth the small investment of time and money to ensure your deck is built to code standards and in compliance with local regulations
How to Build a Deck in HOA Community
Some housing developments are a part of a Home Owners Associations (HOA) that requires you to receive permission from them before building a deck...
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
What Size Deck Should I Have?

Many first-time deck designers make the mistake of creating deck designs that are too large to fit the scale of their house and exceed their budget. Most professional deck builders use a few rules to help scale the deck to accurately fit the house.
1) A deck shouldn't be built larger than 20% of the square footage of the house it is attached to.
2) No single section of the deck should be larger than the largest room in the house.
Using these rules, get yourself a notebook of ¼" graph paper and a ruler and start sketching out your ideas. Consider designing a multi-level deck with a few separate areas to break up a large boring rectangle. Try to let deck areas flow together in a natural and simple way.
Sometimes, it is difficult to look at a deck plan on paper and understand exactly how it will look and feel in a real space. You may need to lay out the design at the location to be able to get comfortable with its shape and proportion. Use a tape measurer, a garden hose or spray paint to lay out the design's outline or footprint. Does it feel larger or smaller than you anticipated? You may want to arrange some furniture within the outline to help you visualize how the space will be used. Will you have enough space to move around the deck freely or will it be too cramped? You may need to make some changes to the plan in order to adjust your findings.
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.
Hanging String Lights
Hanging string lights on a deck is a great way to enjoy summer nights. Learn how easy it is to hang any type of string lights on a deck with Decks.com.
Grey Composite Decking
Get inspired by our collection of grey composite decking ideas and images. Find the best grey deck designs to fit your home and personal style with Decks.com.
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!
Permits for Building a Deck: Why You Need One and How to Get It
Many homeowners are surprised when they are told they need to get a permit in order to build a deck. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s well worth the small investment of time and money to ensure your deck is built to code standards and in compliance with local regulations
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.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights