The Right Site For Your Wood or Composite Deck

The Right Site For Your Wood or Composite Deck

You’ve probably thought how a new deck can redefine the image of your property or what impact it may have on your outdoor living space. But, have you given a thought to the factors that affect the location of your deck?

Installation Considerations

When you decide to build a new deck, there are some important things to consider: maintenance, the elements that affect your deck after it is put together and how accessible it is depending on what purpose you intend to use it for. It is important for you consider the placement of the deck before you start building it as it is very important.

In order to protect the wood parts of your deck from extreme weather conditions and UV rays, you can use products designed specifically for this purpose. In the case of a composite decks, there are materials which come with layers of UV protection.

Strategic location for wood and composite decks

One way to determine whether a place is suitable to host your deck is to check its exposure to sunlight and harmful UV rays. You can check daily how the sunlight falls on the appointed place. By studying the patterns of shadows across your property, you can learn for how much during the day your deck is likely to be exposed to sunlight. This way you can properly protect your deck’s parts against the harmful rays of the sun.

It is thought that a deck facing north or east is exposed to more breezes. This is a good thing as it lessens exposure to the sun and dries rainfall faster. There are times when a deck facing north may have its use limited because of the higher winds in the spring and fall. Also, in the rainy regions the deck is subject to mold. Another factor is constituted by tall trees that can block sunlight and reduce wind. You are the best judge in deciding the place for your deck as you know your property the best.

Accessibility and Privacy

In the case of accessibility, you and your convenience are the most important rather than the welfare of the deck. There are two things which you have to take into consideration: the distance of the deck from the general activities and common traffic, and how does the deck’s location affect your privacy.

In the first case, you can build your deck as an extension of your living room or kitchen. The reason for this is that your deck will be used for activities revolving around meals. Also, by placing your deck in an area where it improves the design of your house or property, it may raise the value of your home.

In the second case, a more appropriate location for your deck is somewhere more secluded or private if you wish to install a hut tub or if you wish to have a quiet place where you can retreat and relax.

You also have to take into consideration your neighbors and how the position of your deck affects them. The ideal location for your deck is a place where it suits you best and doesn’t disturb your neighbors.

Level Terrain

The ground on which you will build your deck is also important and must be taken into account. In the case of slopping terrain, structural preparations and additional planning may be required. In this case, a multi-level deck design works best.

Before starting your project, it is recommended to check with the local building codes, especially when you are unsure about whether the terrain can support the weight of your deck. A successfully built deck requires a strong foundation especially when you decide to build it on uneven or sloping ground.

Seek Advice

If you are unsure about something regarding the planning or the building of your deck, it is best for you to seek guidance from professional installers and planners. They can help you about whatever structural concerns you have. They can also send you in the right direction concerning the best location for your deck or concerning the safety of your work.

Discovering Potential

There are other important factors such as long-term maintenance or personal convenience issues which you must follow when planning the location of your deck. It may be the case that your property limits your choices but there are ways to overcome these impediments.

If you need more privacy, you can add panels or vines to your deck to improve it by some degree. In the case of maintenance, it’s best for you to seek professional help to guide you in dealing with the sun. You can also buy UV protective coatings to shield your wood of your deck from the harmful rays of the sun.

When you consider the location for your deck, take into account the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen place. By doing so and by preparing accordingly, you can make full use of your deck and of the place where it is set.