Factors to Keep in Mind When Planning a Backyard Deck

A backyard deck provides an outdoor space where you can relax in the fresh air with a book or tablet. Before you get to enjoy a proposed deck, however, you'll need to make many decisions. Here are several factors to keep in mind.

Materials

The decking material will affect not only the appearance of the structure but also the maintenance load it requires. You could choose timbers like jarrah, redgum or treated pine. Some woods naturally repel termites and rot better than others, which is an important facet. Though, in any case, decking timber is often treated to make it tougher. Wooden decks need regular finishing over the years, thus adding to their upkeep. On the plus side, you can rejuvenate the deck with re-sanding to remove dents and scratches.

Other products are available that simulate the appearance of wood. Composite decking is made from a blend of wood products (like sawdust), plastics, and other elements. Alternatively, you could choose PVC decking, which is made from specialised plastic. These alternative materials usually aren't susceptible to termites and rot, and they don't require much ongoing maintenance. They may be perfect if you don't want regular upkeep. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, think about how the decking will fare in a fire. Some plastics may be unstable in some situations.

Attached or Freestanding

Do you want the deck to be an outdoor area that seamlessly blends with an indoor space? If so, you could build it attached to your home with bifold or sliding glass doors between the two areas. In this way, they'll feel united, and you can easily move around between the inside and outside. With an attached deck, it's easy to add walls using decorative wooden infills or other screens to make the patio area feel like a room.

Another possibility is to build a freestanding deck in the backyard at a distance from your house. When surrounded by trees and foliage on all sides, a freestanding deck will let you relax in a natural setting and get away from the house. You could even build the deck around a tree that grows in the middle, immersing the space in nature.

You might also build a freestanding deck on a spot with a stunning view that's not visible from the house. Or you may want to avoid being watched by neighbours as you're relaxing on the deck. On a sloping property, a deck is a way to level areas, making them more accessible. The deck builders may have a soil analysis done to make sure the structure is sitting on stable ground and won't sink.

For more information, contact deck builders near you.

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