Decks

At the turn of the 20th Century almost every home on a city street had a porch. In fact the porch became popular before the Civil war and remained a staple of American living well into the next century. But its origins go back thousands of years before our version. The word porch comes from the Latin word porticos which denotes an entryway into a temple and the Greek derivative, portico, remained one its names until Victorian times. Later on in the Middle Ages it represented the church vestibule where the populace could socialize both before and after the service.

At the end of a tough day there 's nothing like opening up the patio door and strolling out onto the deck to relax and catch the late afternoon sun. The extra space attached to your home instantly becomes the most important spot in the world and it could include a spa tub or any amount of accessories which can gratify your spare time. The domestic deck, from its humble beginnings as a square, on-the-ground platform supporting a couple of lawn chairs has grown to become the most used part of the home outside the kitchen. And this usage had led to an abundance of accessories geared to outdoor living, furniture and appliances once the domain of the home's interior. Today, there are many options to consider before building a deck.

One of the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to increase your living space is by building a deck. By spending one weekend on construction a do-it-yourselfer can learn how to build a deck and, in the process, provide a platform for extended family recreation and entertaining. Because even a simple, squared deck will enhance anyone's outdoor, patio life just by getting off the ground.

You can build a deck on a tight budget and still realize the outdoor living space of your dreams. Use these simple tricks to shave expenses and make your money go farther on a deck project. From smart deck design to DIY options, the ideal materials and a realistic size, your backyard budget should go a long way to creating an oasis just outside the patio door.

Your decking contractor wants to deliver an accurate estimate on your new deck project. But the homeowner must follow several steps to make this process smoother and more efficient. From obtaining a site survey, to learning applicable building code limitations and sketching out the existing landscape, these simple decisions and stages help to ensure the quotation process moves along. Ask your contractor for an accurate deck estimate, and then help them by doing your part.

Build a modern deck that works well for your family and adds value to your property and lifestyle. All of these features take an ordinary deck design and transform it into something unique, providing you with more to love in your outdoor living space.

Curved deck designs provide an upscale finish in your outdoor living space. If you are willing to invest the premium costs and have a contractor that can handle the framing issues, installing a curved deck is fairly straightforward. Arched accents can transform a standard deck design into something spectacular, but other deck features can achieve the same effect without the same design concerns. Talk to your decking contractor about the best options for your home and living space.

Design and build an attractive, affordable and functional backyard with a new aboveground pool deck. Keep safety features in mind and consider how to transition smoothly between your deck and the surrounding landscape. With the help of an experienced professional, a new deck will help your family make the most of an aboveground pool, enjoying months of outdoor fun and fitness in a safe, comfortable atmosphere.

Deck designs for entertainers include plenty of seating, room to mingle and a comfortable surface. They should also incorporate shade, an area for food prep (such as a BBQ), landscape lighting and a fire pit. Whether you have an expansive lawn or a small yard, this type of deck provides room for a crowd and the perfect opportunity to throw a summer party whenever the mood hits.

Sloped properties present a number of design challenges, but also offer plenty of benefits in terms of natural beauty and landscape. For yards that slope down from the front of the house - commonly known as walkout lots - be sure to follow local building codes, sink deep concrete footings and focus on stability. For yards that slope up in the rear, consider whether excavation will create better space and work with the natural shape of the hill for the optimum deck design.

Your deck can be a huge investment. That's why it's important to know exactly what materials are going to work best for your project and for your budget. Use this comparative guide to help you find a suitable decking material.

No matter who you hire to build your deck, it's up to you to choose the materials that will go into the project. Use this comparative guide to the top industry leaders in decking materials to find the best material for you deck.

If you're in the market for a new deck or you're looking to replace your old pressure treated deck, consider the alternatives to the conventional deck with these seven unique products and materials.

Planning for a deck extension or deck renovation requires careful inspection and thoughtful planning. You'll need to be sure the existing structure is sound, and think about how to properly remove any elements of the old deck that will be completely replaced (such as railings or stairs). Make sure the posts are stable and that your entire deck will meet local building codes. It's best to hire a local decking contractor to take on this project, since they have the expertise and experience required to handle the challenges. Your new outdoor living space will be everything you've dreamed of when the deck extension is installed by a pro.

Use this guide to help you sort through the mumbo jumbo of deck lighting. This way, when you hire an electrical contractor to install your deck lighting, you'll know exactly the solution that your deck needs when it comes to lighting your deck properly.

Deck design involves five basic elements - materials, size and shape, traffic flow, safety and personalized details. Be sure to include all of these in your outdoor living space and look forward to enjoying the utmost in customized comfort.

Combining a professional and creative deck design with well planned landscaping is sure to create the ideal oasis in your backyard. Depending on the grading of your property, there are certain designs and combinations that will work best. Retaining walls can be used to change the yard's contours and help the deck meet the landscaping smoothly. Finally, have one main contractor do the work and use their referrals for any services that company does not offer. This will ensure your backyard space is well designed and well built for relaxation and luxury living.

If you plan on building a deck, you don't have to settle for the average pressure treated materials. Upgrade to one of these unique decking materials for a break from the conventional and explore the other side of decking materials. Composite decking is a great way to get the look of wood; without the hassle of maintenance and upkeep. But which brand is best? Use this guide to help you find the best composite material for your deck.

Various fasteners found both underneath the deck and above hold deck construction together. From the joist hangers to deck screws and tapcons, these important elements of your deck design will make a difference. Be sure to choose a brand that has notable corrosion resistance and watch the budget to find out whether opting for stainless steel is worth the investment

The deck railing that you choose will have a major impact on the overall feel of the space. You need to follow building code and maintain safety, but keeping the beauty of your landscape in view and adding privacy are also important considerations. Have a look at what is available and choose a railing that is practical, attractive and sturdy for the best finish on your deck design.