Deck Ideas for Cape Homes

Beach-Side Decks

• Cape homes located right next to the beach can experience flooding during a Nor'easter storm. Prepare in advance for the possibility; build your deck on stilts, putting it at a second or third floor level abutting your home. The stilts, railings and deck flooring should be made of durable wood, such as redwood and treated pine to protect against rot. Redwood and other durable woods also make good deck furniture material for the same reason.

Ground-Level Deck

• Homes on the Cape are still in danger of high winds during Nor'easters even if they aren't located directly on the coast. Ground-level decks made with natural stone like granite and sandstone can withstand any weather the Cape dishes out, however. Add natural stone furniture to your deck and reduce the need to take it indoors before a storm hits. According to the Cape Ann Museum, granite is part of the Cape's history due to the peninsula's granite quarries, so you have convenient access.

Floorless Decks

• Eliminate the expense of deck replacement due to weather and wear by installing a "floorless" deck. Use your ground as a deck. Play it up by adding natural stone and wood furniture; tree stumps can serve as seating. Slice them into thin pieces to make stepping stones. Put down pebbles as a deck border, with tall grasses planted just beyond to simulate deck railings. Place a rudimentary table made of stone into the area and you have a deck with potentially zero replacement cost.

Screened-In Decks

• Install a screened-in deck on your Cape home to reduce insect attacks as you and your family enjoy the outdoors. According to the National Park Service, insects such as biting flies, chiggers, mosquitoes, sand gnats and ticks are commonplace in Cape locales. Protect your family from the illnesses and aggravations insects can cause with a deck screened from top to bottom.