How to Create an Initial Deck Design

When the best site has been determined for theInitially, take the time to draw a base map which
construction of the deck, it is time to put possibleis a plan of the existing house and property. If it
ideas down on paper in the form of an initial deckis possible to locate architect's drawings or deed
design. Gather as much information as possible.maps that show the actual dimensions and
Study deck designs in how-to-design-it books.orientation of the property, this step can be
Browse through home improvement magazineseliminated.
for additional information and ideas. Visit the decksCertain base map data is important. Measure the
of relatives, friends and neighbors for inspiration.area where the deck will be located. Make a rough
Take photographs if needed.sketch first and then transfer the information to
The important task is to design a deck thata more refined scale drawing. The dimensions of
works. Good looks are never enough with such anthe lot, the location of the house and other
outdoor living space. The deck must survive harshstructures such as a pool, garage, storage shed
weather conditions, blend in with the architecturalor hot tub, the position of doors, windows and
style of the home, coordinate in some mannerinterior house walls, the path and direction of the
with interior rooms and be sturdy enough to lastsun, fencing or privacy screens, utility lines such
for years to come. To achieve all of these goalsas water, gas, sewer and electricity, the direction
it will be necessary to use appropriate materialsof prevailing winds, existing trees, shrubs and
and construction techniques. Durable andgarden beds and any obstructions beyond the lot
affordable materials that comply with the localthat might affect sunlight, the view or privacy
building codes and provide the look that is rightshould be included.
for the house are a must.Place a sheet of tracing paper over the base map
Ensure that the plans are as complete as possibleand sketch in a possible deck shape or
to minimize confusion later no matter whether theconfiguration. Examine it and evaluate its strengths
construction is being done by a homeowner or byand weaknesses. Repeat the process trying
a contractor or builder.different configurations or modifying ones that
It is not necessary to be an artist in order toseem to have possibility. Don't confine ideas to
design a deck. The process is more science thanrectangles or single level decks. They may not be
it is art. The deck's basic surface pattern andthe best or most interesting choices in the long
substructure should be drawn in plan view as seenrun. Experimentation and imagination will pay off
from above, looking straight down. Theeventually in a more satisfactory deck design.
arrangement of the deck substructure should beOnce a deck shape that seems to work has been
drawn in plan view as well as elevation view increated, figure the deck's actual size and confirm
which it is seen straight on from 1 side. Railingsits shape and placement on the site. Refine the
and other vertical deck parts are best drawn inscale drawing. Consider traffic patterns. People
elevation view. Any attachments or detailshould be able to move smoothly from the house
features should be drawn from the view thatto the deck and from the deck to the yard. If
most clearly shows their construction. Threenecessary, open up a house wall to improve
dimensional detail sketches can often work bestcirculation. Avoid creating traffic patterns that run
for these.through the middle of outdoor spaces. Plan them
To reduce the deck's plan to paper size, it shouldso they flow along the perimeters of these deck
be drawn to scale. A typical scale might be 1 footspaces.
of actual deck reduced to 1/4 or 1/2 inchTaking the time to do the research, to do careful
depending upon the size of the deck. A simpleplanning and using some imagination in the intial
way to do this is to use graph paper where adeck design process will eventually lead to the
certain number of squares would equal 1 foot oncreation of an outdoor living space that will satisfy
the deck. If a larger drawing area is needed, tapethe needs and lifestyle of family members and
sheets of graph paper together.guests for years to come.