Help With Designing Decks & Patios

Know Building Codes

• Find out any restrictions on construction or remodeling from local building authorities. Figure out if a deck or patio must be constructed a certain distance from property lines, for example. Inquire about permits needed or required inspections during construction or afterward. Don't assume that you can install an outdoor kitchen on a patio without following building codes. Ensure it's allowable to construct a deck without informing your neighbors.

Review Options for Materials

• Research building materials. Investigate different types of wood, options for building a deck foundation and paint or stain that will give the desired effect to patio posts or decking. You might want to construct a deck on premade pilings. Look at patios and decks at the homes of friends to get further ideas. Look for ways to make a deck or patio fit your home's architectural design. You can, for instance, use brick over concrete for an upscale patio near the front entrance of your home.

Learn Construction Basics

• Obtain deck and patio design books and magazines. To fully understand the details involved in selecting a deck or patio to construct, you must become familiar with basic steps to deck or patio designing. Go online to research this information as well. For example, a concrete patio surface must slope slightly to skirt water away from the house foundation. You need to understand these types of principles even if you hire someone to perform much of the work.

Soften the Space With Plants

• Design a deck or patio space with landscaping. A concrete patio can look harsh without a border of shrubs or flowers. A large deck without containers of plants can also look too austere. Sketch plants and landscaping pockets along the borders of a patio or deck during the planning process.

Design a Cover Space

• Create a deck or patio cover in the planning stages. You may want to construct the porch cover as part of the house roof design to provide stability during storms. Another option is to install a fabric awning or retractable awning that can be extended or retracted by remote control. Before you choose an actual design for a deck or patio porch roof, envision how your family will use the outdoor space. If, for example, you do a lot of outdoor grilling, you might not want to place a fabric awning directly over this cooking space. Move the grilling area further into the yard space to lessen the risk of fire.