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by Judy ChristophersonAs the weather gradually warms up, we anticipate the times we will spend in the backyard with family and friends. Those moments can be even more special when we have a place that is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Here are some ideas to help you design a deck that will provide a special place for this summer's sitting, reading, eating and sharing special memories.
Where should a deck be located?
A deck serves as an additional room and should be located off the kitchen or nook so that food transport is simple. The kitchen is also ideal because the floor covering is generally more durable and can take the traffic with less maintenance. Otherwise, if everyone is traveling across the carpet in the house to get to the deck, the rug begins to show wear and soil quickly.
What level does the deck connect with the house?
Carrying trays of food and drinks down a set of stairs is at best inconvenient and could be a safety issue. That's why it is best to have the deck at the same level as the floor inside the house.
Where is the maximum access to the sun, and do you want maximum access?
Decks which are on the north and east sides of the home are often very cool, even cold. If the decks are on the south and west sides of the home, they will be warmer. Decks which are exposed to the heat can be temperature-controlled by adding trellises with vines, adding shrubs around the edge, or adding umbrellas or awnings which can be added or removed as necessary.
Remember that sun cannot be added, but shade can be created!
Decide the function of the deck
Is it a grand entrance to the garden, the pool or the house? Is it simply another room for quiet summer breakfasts for two? Is it a place to read or to suntan? Is the deck for those noisy family affairs which need more than one seating area, or is it a place to cook as well as eat? Make these decisions to determine options for the
deck.
Some things to consider about the deck size
Include allowances for walking and seating space (measuring with the chairs pulled out as though
people were seated). Remember to include storage space for cooking tools and equipment such as the barbecue; resting spaces for trays, and possibly an
extra heating element for steaming vegetables; and finally, a storage area for the chairs and tables when they are not in use.
The next step is to determine the budget
Include the choice of initial, as well as finishing, materials, the overhead awnings, umbrellas etc., as well
as the aesthetics, such as flower containers and built-in seating.
Choosing furniture and accessories
Materials that are exposed to the elements should be durable, aesthetically pleasing, safe, and in character with the rest of the home. In other words, do not select a very busy Victorian table and chairs with a very straight- railed rough cedar deck and plastic pots. Be discriminating and take the time to consider what goes together. Then rework the dream list, if necessary, to match the pocket book.
Some accessories that could be added to give the deck maximum use could include lights (decorative and functional), heaters, fireplaces, extra wide stairs, insect control devices, screens and a hot tub. Furniture needs to include chairs, tables, counters, coffee tables, and even swings. Add accessories for privacy such as screens and trellises.
The final step is to include planters and their plants. Choose plants that grow easily where you live. Be creative. Don't just settle for what everyone else is doing, but choose plants that have visual interest and reflect your personality.
Add sculptures that are in character with the style of the deck and house. Avoid too many small unrelated figures and pots. Instead, look for pieces that are interesting and a a focal point.
Now you're ready to sit back and relax in the warm summer months to come on the deck of your dreams.
~ Judy Christopherson has been an interior designer as well as a builder for over 20 years. She lives with her husband in Vancouver, Canada. In addition to her decorating articles Judy wrote about A Mother's Legacy.
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