Homeowners are constantly considering ways to optimize their living space. Lesser used or unused outdoor areas equal premium real estate, particularly for homes with smaller square footage. Even with the most spacious living room or kitchen space, no one looks around and wishes it to be smaller. Instead, the focus is on creating extra room, increased functionality, and more light and airiness, all of which is possible by adding a new deck.
A backyard deck makes the outside livable and usable, allowing Southern California residents to take advantage of the climate that allows being outside year-round a possibility. The deck becomes an outdoor kitchen, living room, reading nook, or play area. It can also create accessibility for under-the-deck storage. Essentially, a new deck serves as an extension of the home to enjoy in whatever capacity they’d like.
Whether the project involves building a new entertainment area, built-in storage, or both, here are a few tips to keep in mind when considering a backyard deck project and the type of outdoor building materials that work best.
Identify the Purpose of the Space
A deck serves multiple purposes. To maximize its benefits, consider how it will be used most and who will be using it. Will the area be a quiet sanctuary to relax? Or, will it be mostly a place where people gather for neighborhood BBQs and family dinners? Though a deck can serve more than one purpose, identifying a primary objective for the space will dictate the design and materials needed to fulfill the vision.
Get a Lay of the Land
The great thing about installing a deck is it transforms what appears to be unusable space and makes it into something useful. Some backyards are filled with rocks or dirt patches, which may not seem ideal for outside living. Others may have areas with slopes or unevenness to deal with as well. Building a deck over these obstacles quite literally expands the useable outdoor living area homeowners can enjoy for years.
Additionally, trees, bushes, and other landscaping may affect where the deck could and should be positioned. Since each backyard has its own unique character, acknowledging the specifics of the space will help guide the structure of the new deck.
Outline the Structure of the Deck
Once the purpose and a vision for the deck has been identified. The next step is to stage where the deck will be. Use string to outline the structure before building begins. Then, take measurements to determine the necessary amount of materials. It starts to bring the vision to life and see how much space is available for use.
For homeowners handling the build themselves, a rectangle shape deck is going to be the most straightforward approach. However, even when choosing to take on a DIY project, it’s best to talk to someone with expertise and knowledge about home construction projects. This will help maximize materials, cut down on waste, secure a design that’s realistic for the space, and protect the investment of building a new deck.
Compare Deck Materials
A fundamental part of creating usable space with a deck is choosing the right outdoor building materials. Factors such as maintenance, shade availability, and aesthetics make a difference when building and will ultimately determine how much the deck is used. Each type of decking material has its own benefits. A few recommended options include:
Trex Decking. As one of the most common choices for composite, Trex decking features nature-inspired colors that offer a clean finish and high-performance technology to keep the deck looking beautiful year after year. It’s an ideal solution for those who want a low-maintenance and aesthetically appealing option for the backyard.
Western Red Cedar Lumber. The warm color of Western Red Cedar lumber is a beautiful natural selection. It’s known for its durability and versatility, which makes it a popular choice when building a new deck. Plus, it’s also decay- and bug-resistant for greater sustainability in different climates and environments.
Redwood Lumber. As one of California’s biggest renewable resources, redwood decking is environmentally friendly natural choice and easy to restore its beauty even after years of use. The rich color creates an inviting aesthetic for a deck to make it one of the most used spaces of the home.
TimberTech Azek Decking. TimberTech Azek Decking is a go-to solution for low-maintenance outdoor building materials. The long-lasting composite decking provides the most realistic wood appearance and is available in a variety of colors. This type of building material instantly adds warmth to create the ideal outdoor living space.
These are a few of the many possibilities available when comparing which outdoor building materials to use. In addition to aesthetics and durability, ease-of-use, conservation, and environmental resistance are also factors to factor in when choosing what will work best for your deck project.
Creating an Optimal Living Space Outdoors
Creating a living area outside immediately increases the usability and value of a home. When planning to build a new deck, it’s important to compare the vision to what’s realistic in terms of sizing, materials, and the construction itself. Come talk with our specialists about ideas for your next backyard project.
We are conveniently located throughout Southern California. Visit your local J&W Lumber store and let’s discuss how to bring your deck dreams to life.