Deck Building

6 Home Deck Building Considerations

When you are in charge of building your own deck, you can have it take whatever shape you like! The biggest hurdle is making it fit your budget and site conditions. At Long Island Elite Landscaping, we can help you plan and budget an upcoming deck building project. Here are seven considerations for any deck building project.

1) Consider the Purpose & Function of the Deck

The first step in any deck building project is to consider the purpose and the function of the deck. Decks are inherently versatile, multipurpose spaces. In order to get the most out of your new deck, aim for a design that reflects your interests and activities. Whether that is entertaining friends and family or having a quiet outside space, you have the chance to choose how you spend time on your deck. Do you want there to be sun? Or do you prefer the shade? If you are planning on including an outdoor kitchen and/or grill, then you will need to accommodate space for tables and chairs.

2) Choose the Materials Wisely

It is important not to choose the cheapest decking and materials when starting a new deck building project. You will be sacrificing long-term satisfaction for an upfront discount that could come back to bite you! There are ways to save money on the project, but skimping out on the materials is simply not how to do it. If you look only at the price point of the materials, then you will be sucked into a project where you will likely run into repair issues down the line. You will want to strike a balance between budget and materials and we will help you properly plan it out. For starters, composite decking can be a better value than wood and other materials since it lasts a long time and needs only a little maintenance.

 3) Consider the Location, Size and Design of Your Deck

Site conditions have a big influence on the deck’s design and placement in a yard. When a yard is sloping, then perhaps a raised deck with stairs or a multi-level deck is the way to go. If the yard has mature trees, then we must determine if they are obstacles or if they could become central to the overall design. We must also think about the deck’s relationship to the house. Do you want it to connect at the back or the side? If the deck is serving as a front porch, then include design features that complement the façade. If the deck is leading to a swimming pool, the we must plan for an area where you can dry off and catch some sun. Lastly, the overall scale of the deck is important. We have to consider the area as a whole and proportionally plan it out.

4) Do Not Ignore Code & Permit Requirements

When you hire Long Island Elite Landscaping, we will make sure to not ignore any code and permit requirements. Getting a construction permit is not just a legal requirement, but also a way to improve the overall design of the deck by consulting with building authorities. Many are happy to offer basic advice, address questions, and provide drawings of important construction details. We will follow the law and building code and reduce the risk of project delays and stoppages. You will not need to make expensive corrections when you turn to us, because we will make sure all laws, codes and requirements are met.

5) Utilize Deck with Lighting, Furniture & Storage

The right lighting makes your deck safer and more inviting to guests. Low-voltage lighting is popular for a deck because it is compact and easy to install. Modular light offers a clean and professional look as it integrates seamlessly into posts, railings, deck boards, and stairs. There are many options to choose from and our team can help you decide.

The furniture you place on your deck should be comfortable, good looking, and weather resistant. However, this endeavor can get expensive pretty quickly. Before spending the money on the outdoor furniture, we recommend you experiment with the furniture you already have or buy inexpensive pieces that you can replace once you get a better feel for how you use the space. You want this to be right!

For storage, we recommend installing box benches with hinged seats. If you have a raised deck, then there might be enough room below to store tools, water toys, or seasonal equipment.

6) Choose a Trustworthy Contractor

Contact Long Island Elite Landscaping for Professional Deck Building

When you choose Long Island Elite Landscaping, we can provide you with the best in deck building. We will work with you every step of the way and plan out the deck building project from beginning to end. Contact us today and get a deck building estimate.

Get Deck Building Estimate

When you reach out, we can discuss the parameters of the project with you. And once we have a handle on the deck, we can provide you with a quote for the work.