3 Tips for Designing Your Own Deck or Patio
Designing your own deck or patio can be a daunting task, but with the help of industry experts and a few tips, you can custom-design your outdoor transitional space in no time! Here are three tips for getting started:
Gather Ideas
We find that many of our clients gather their ideas from online websites such as Pinterest, TV specials on HGTV, or magazines and other publications. Take some time to figure out what architectural styles you like and don’t like, and what features pop out to you.
This phase is simply meant to gather ideas to focus on a direction for your plan. Jot ideas down as you come across them, cut (or print) out pictures, and make a pros and cons list to identify what’s important to you. You may want to consider creating an inspiration board on a piece of paper board or digitally on a site such as Pinterest. These ideas will help you make faster decisions down the road.
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Define the Purpose
Believe it or not, this is one of the most crucial steps you need to complete before ever picking up a pencil to design your deck or patio. Take some time to answer: what will your deck or patio be used for? And be specific!
Do you plan to host BBQs for family and friends? You may want to design an outdoor grilling area and seating area large enough to accommodate them. Do you want a backyard oasis and additional privacy to enjoy the weather without neighbors’ prying eyes? You may want to consider a privacy wall, trellis, or other feature of some sort at the edge of your new deck or the property line. How about an intimate setting where you can enjoy family meals or conversational seating around fire pit?
It all comes down to how you want to use this deck or patio and what environment you want to create for yourself and your guests. Once you have the purpose in place, you can then begin the planning process!
Tailor the Design to Your Budget and Backyard
After gathering some ideas and defining the purpose, you then need to get detailed about how the design can meet your budget and fit with your backyard, not the other way around. Let’s face it – not every picture-perfect deck or patio will look as great in your backyard as it does in the media.
If you have a small yard or budget, it’s not realistic to expect a grandiose deck or patio. You also have to consider the architecture of your home to pair a custom deck that is not completely out in left field in terms of design. For example, a log cabin deck will not pair well with a modern, contemporary home.
You also have to evaluate your available space and plan for the traffic areas of the deck or patio accordingly. It may be best in this case to have your outdoor furniture already picked out to know how much space is available and how much deck or patio you need to build.
Other considerations may include:
- Shape and size of your deck and patio
- Materials that fit best with your taste and budget (wood, composite, PCV, etc.)
- Furnishings you already have or plan to get
- The view you want from the deck or patio and from inside the house
- Additions, such as pergolas, screened-in decks, privacy walls, fireplaces, fire pits, railing planters, built-in benches, etc.
Work with Maryland’s Premier Deck and Patio Builders
If you’re overwhelmed with the available market options and the logistics of how to design your own deck or patio, contact the professionals at Select Home Exteriors. We will work step-by-step with you to custom design your dream deck!