Simple Deck Designs

There are several different styles and shapes to a deck design that can easily be incorporated to add a great deal of enjoyment to the outdoor living area. The simplest type of deck design that can be built is a concrete deck or patio design that leads off the back off the house or from a set of deck stairs and steps. Concrete decks are best suited for those houses which are level with the ground as you walk out to the backyard. Of course the only problem with a concrete deck is that it does not offer a great appeal to the eye and does not add much to the look of the backyard landscaping design.

Instead, many home landscaping owners who would really like a deck that adds value and character to their home, spend time and money investing in a wooden deck. Depending on how far your house is set above or below the ground, a concrete slab can be placed there to bring the deck up to level or deck stairs and steps can be added to bring the deck down to the house level. Wooden decks also offer the opportunity for expansion later on, if you or a future homeowner should decide to make the deck wrap around to another part of the house, or to extend further out into the yard.

Before you get started with big landscaping plans for your wooden deck, it is best to check with your city or county zoning laws. Most counties will have rules and regulations regarding how large of a deck you can create, what the dimensions need to be and if there are any other regulations such as attaching the deck to the house or having a freestanding deck. Keep in mind that you will most likely have to require a building permit for your deck, which will result in additional charges before you can get started building your dream deck or even add on a small deck railing.

Of course the easiest solution to building a wooden deck would be to hire someone to do the work for you. Unfortunately prices for building a deck can start out at $500-$1000 for a small deck design but can escalate to a few thousand dollars or more for an elaborate deck with multiple seating areas and a deck railing or deck stairs and steps. Keep in mind that hiring a professional to do the job usually means getting quality work and having the deck finished in a matter of days. On the other hand, if you have at least an entry level knowledge of carpentry, have extra time available during the spring and summer months and would like to take on the project yourself, there are many knowledgeable sources available that can help you through your successful landscaping ideas. One of the first decisions you need to make before starting a do-it-yourself deck project is to determine whether or not you will add a freestanding or attached deck. Often those who choose to do it yourself will choose a freestanding deck because they do not want to deal with the matter of attaching the deck to the vinyl siding or the brick sides of the house, although an attached deck offers easier access from the house.

Another important decision will be talking to hardware stores to determine what type of wood will work well outdoors and be able to withstand possible rain, snow, sleet, or even windy conditions throughout the years. Of course, no matter what deck design you select, you will need to varnish, stain and put a finish on the wood to protect it from the outdoor elements, but there are some types of wood that will do better outdoors than others. Along with determining what type of wood to use, you will also want to research landscaping software programs, landscape articles or deck design books to have an actual plan or design in mind before you begin cutting and nailing boards together. This will help you to visualize the project before you get started and will give you something to help keep you on track as you go through the summer working on your deck project.

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