If you are planning on adding a deck to your home, you need to determine how large the deck should be. Your trusted deck contractor Quaker State Construction has put together a guide to help you determine the right deck size for your home.
There are several things you need to consider before getting started. We recommend starting out by determining your budget. This will help you prevent overspending and can give you an idea of what materials are in your price range.
You’ll then move on to deciding whether you want the deck attached to the home or built on a separate area of the property. Keep in mind that the location of your deck will have an effect on your budget. Detached decks are more expensive to build than attached decks.
You also need to take local building codes into consideration and be prepared to obtain a permit before you can add a deck to your property. We also recommend only hiring a licensed deck contractor and leaving the construction to a team of professionals. When searching for a deck contractor, check their license, insurance, and their references.
You also need to consider how you want to use your deck, which will dictate the size. You can transform your deck into any type of space, from relaxing to entertaining. In our experience, many homeowners use their decks for social gatherings, but others may use them as storage space or an extension of their garden. Your deck’s functionality is entirely up to you and your imagination.
If you have a larger space to work with, then we recommend building a large deck that can be used for additional seating and entertaining, whereas with a smaller space, you could create a relaxing lounge area for yourself and your family.
As mentioned above, the size of your deck will be determined by its functionality. Here are some different deck functions to choose from and how they should be sized to accommodate your vision:
Grilling
If you plan to dedicate your deck mainly to grilling, it will be sized differently than a deck for dining or lounging. Think about the size and type of grill that you have. If you have a gas barbeque, you won’t need as much space as you would need for a charcoal grill or smoker. Gas is the safest grill option and does not require a large space for clearance. When you choose your grill, your deck size will need to accommodate not only the grill but the space it needs to be safely away from your home.
Dining
If you want to use your deck as an extended dining area, you need a larger deck. You will need enough space to comfortably accommodate a dining table and chairs. You should also consider how many people you plan to regularly host, which can also affect the dimensions of the deck.
If you plan to have a larger group, you will need to put more safety and protective measures into your deck. Our expert team will make sure there are the proper supports and flashing installed to support a larger group.
Lounging
If you want to use your deck mainly for relaxing and lounging, then you need to plan the size of the deck around your chosen lounge chairs and any tables you plan to include. You want to be able to accommodate the chairs and other furniture while also having enough room to navigate the deck comfortably.
It’s also important that the size of your deck complement your home. We can help you size your deck so that it is proportionate to your home while accommodating your needs. To get started, contact Quaker State Construction today!