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How to Create an Initial Deck Design

When the best site has been determinedmap which is a plan of the existing
for the construction of the deck, it ishouse and property. If it is possible to
time to put possible ideas down on paperlocate architect's drawings or deed maps
in the form of an initial deck design.that show the actual dimensions and
Gather as much information as possible.orientation of the property, this step
Study deck designs in how-to-design-itcan be eliminated.
books. Browse through home improvementCertain base map data is important.
magazines for additional information andMeasure the area where the deck will be
ideas. Visit the decks of relatives,located. Make a rough sketch first and
friends and neighbors for inspiration.then transfer the information to a more
Take photographs if needed.refined scale drawing. The dimensions of
The important task is to design a deckthe lot, the location of the house and
that works. Good looks are never enoughother structures such as a pool, garage,
with such an outdoor living space. Thestorage shed or hot tub, the position of
deck must survive harsh weatherdoors, windows and interior house walls,
conditions, blend in with thethe path and direction of the sun,
architectural style of the home,fencing or privacy screens, utility
coordinate in some manner with interiorlines such as water, gas, sewer and
rooms and be sturdy enough to last forelectricity, the direction of prevailing
years to come. To achieve all of thesewinds, existing trees, shrubs and garden
goals it will be necessary to usebeds and any obstructions beyond the lot
appropriate materials and constructionthat might affect sunlight, the view or
techniques. Durable and affordableprivacy should be included.
materials that comply with the localPlace a sheet of tracing paper over the
building codes and provide the look thatbase map and sketch in a possible deck
is right for the house are a must.shape or configuration. Examine it and
Ensure that the plans are as complete asevaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
possible to minimize confusion later noRepeat the process trying different
matter whether the construction is beingconfigurations or modifying ones that
done by a homeowner or by a contractorseem to have possibility. Don't confine
or builder.ideas to rectangles or single level
It is not necessary to be an artist indecks. They may not be the best or most
order to design a deck. The process isinteresting choices in the long run.
more science than it is art. The deck'sExperimentation and imagination will pay
basic surface pattern and substructureoff eventually in a more satisfactory
should be drawn in plan view as seendeck design.
from above, looking straight down. TheOnce a deck shape that seems to work has
arrangement of the deck substructurebeen created, figure the deck's actual
should be drawn in plan view as well assize and confirm its shape and placement
elevation view in which it is seenon the site. Refine the scale drawing.
straight on from 1 side. Railings andConsider traffic patterns. People should
other vertical deck parts are best drawnbe able to move smoothly from the house
in elevation view. Any attachments orto the deck and from the deck to the
detail features should be drawn from theyard. If necessary, open up a house wall
view that most clearly shows theirto improve circulation. Avoid creating
construction. Three dimensional detailtraffic patterns that run through the
sketches can often work best for these.middle of outdoor spaces. Plan them so
To reduce the deck's plan to paper size,they flow along the perimeters of these
it should be drawn to scale. A typicaldeck spaces.
scale might be 1 foot of actual deckTaking the time to do the research, to
reduced to 1/4 or 1/2 inch dependingdo careful planning and using some
upon the size of the deck. A simple wayimagination in the intial deck design
to do this is to use graph paper where aprocess will eventually lead to the
certain number of squares would equal 1creation of an outdoor living space that
foot on the deck. If a larger drawingwill satisfy the needs and lifestyle of
area is needed, tape sheets of graphfamily members and guests for years to
paper together.come.
Initially, take the time to draw a base



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