Whatever the season, there is something special about sitting outside on a deck, whether in the early morning mist or the twilight hours. Adding a deck not only adds value to your property, it adds living space that can be used much of the year.
A Deck Can Be Almost Anything
The design options are extensive. A deck can be significantly elevated off a walk-out or second story, or it can be a low platform that simply defines an outdoor space. It can hold an outdoor eating area, a fire feature, or even a basketball hoop. Decks are flexible structures that meet a variety of needs, and the low-maintenance materials available now make upkeep a snap.
Decks And Patios Work Best Together
Some of the best outdoor spaces use both: a deck off the kitchen for grilling and morning coffee, stairs down to a paver patio for a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, and plantings that tie the two levels together. The space under an elevated deck can become a shaded, dry patio of its own.
Things To Think About Before You Build
- How you’ll use it. Dining for eight needs a lot more room than two chairs and a grill.
- Sun and shade. A west-facing deck gets hot in July; plan for a pergola or shade trees.
- Permits. Raised decks usually need a building permit, so plan ahead (winter is a great time).
- Getting down to the yard. Wide stairs that land on a patio or walkway make the whole yard more usable.
The photos here show how F&W has connected decks, steps and patios on Central Illinois homes.
Rather have a pro handle it? F&W has provided hardscapes for Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, and Champaign-Urbana, Illinois properties since 1989. Call (309) 664-2666 or request a free quote.