A new deck can give you a brand new way to enjoy your backyard. You might be looking for a place to grill on the weekend or you might be imagining a big dining table for family gatherings. Or you may just want a comfortable spot to sit at the end of a long day. No matter what you have in mind, though, the right design starts with how you intend to use the space.
As an Allen County deck company, we work with homeowners to make those early decisions before construction begins.
How an Allen County Deck Company Approaches Design
We like to start by talking about what you want to do outside. Consider how many people you will entertain and how you plan to use the space. Will you need access to the backyard? How important is privacy?
Questions and considerations like these influence the layout long before it’s time to choose the color of the rails. Once we work through these questions with you, it’s then time to evaluate the property itself. A deck should work with the home’s existing doors, elevation, and exterior appearance.
Choose a Layout That Fits Your Home and Yard
A single-level deck can be a wonderful choice when you want one large, flexible area for everyday use. Multi-level decks give you another possibility, particularly on sloping yards or when you’d like distinct areas for different activities. You might have a dining space near the kitchen, a separate section for lounging, and stairs that lead directly to the yard. All are possible.
Placement matters as much as layout does. If you build a deck that’s too large for the yard, it may be less useful than a smaller design made with careful planning. We consider both the deck itself and the things around it, like landscaping and access points. That way, the deck feels like it belongs.
Compare Decking Materials and Maintenance Needs
Wood and composite decking can both be good options. Pressure-treated wood has the familiar appearance many love and it’s very adaptable. It doesn’t hurt that the upfront cost to install is lower. But the trouble is that you have to maintain it, which many homeowners don’t want to do.
Composite decking is very popular, even more than it was in decades past. The maintenance needs are lower and you can also choose from many colors and finishes. It also lasts longer than pressure-treated wood. It’s also more expensive.
There is no single best option. You need to consider appearance, budget, maintenance preferences, and the project itself. That is a decision we can help you talk through.
Find the Right Railing Style
It sounds like a relatively minor detail, but railings play a big role in how decks look. Wooden ones tend to pair well with traditional homes. Metal railings are more at home with contemporary exteriors. You can also choose composite options that coordinate with the decking material itself.
Color, profile, and the view from the deck also deserve consideration. A railing that looks excellent in a catalog may have a different effect once it's placed around your entire outdoor space. For elevated decks and stairs, applicable building requirements influence the design as well.
What Should You Look for in Allen County Deck Builders?
The first thing you will want to see is a track record of success. Experienced Allen County deck builders should be able to show you examples of completed work, and they should also be able to describe how they coordinated the project. Look especially closely at projects that resemble the kind you’re wanting to do.
Pay attention to how they communicate, especially early on. You want to walk away from the initial meeting with a clear sense of what goes into the design process and what is included in the project scope.
Also ask about permits, construction requirements, and warranty coverage. Reassuring and specific answers to questions like these can tell you a lot.
Let's Build Something Beautiful, Together
If you're planning a new deck in Allen County, we'd love to hear about your ideas. Call Craig Whitman and his team at 855-931-4746, or connect with Archadeck of Fort Wayne online to discuss your project.
