Photo By: Omega Construction and Design, Inc.

There are many features to consider when planning your decks such as the size and elevation change of your yard, your home size, and style, door locations, existing features in the yard, what you want to do with it. Put some thought into it and you will be even more thrilled with the results.

Choose the Size

First off you need to figure out how big to make the deck before you plan anything else about it. To do this you need to consider your yard and your house. You want the deck to fit the house, and you probably don’t want it to take up all of the usable yard space you have. Only you can tell what size would really work well for you. If you plan to throw parties you may need to go bigger, if you just want a spot to sit a small deck could be perfect. Some houses will have a deck simply to give you a place to go where you don’t track in dirt, others may have one that goes all the way around the house or that you could fit 100 people on. It’s up to you just remember you will want it usable and attractive.

Phtoto By: Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLC

Plan any Features

Next, you will want to plan for any features you want the deck to have. Maybe you want a spot for the grill? If you are at the beach you may want to add an outdoor shower. Do you want to inlay an above ground pool or hot tub? What features will make the deck and yard your own? You will need to know this so you can plan on where to run water and electricity. You may also want some shade. Adding an umbrella or small roof can give you a place to hide in the summer. Some fancy decks even have a second story so you can see out into the ocean or across a valley.

Design Basics

Without a degree in civil engineering it is hard to design a deck specifically for a load you think it will have, plus you never know what the future will hold or what may rot to weaken the structure. To get around this you need some basic but detailed guidelines and you also need to make sure to use the right type of saw for this kind of woodwork. The normal deck plan uses 4×4 posts to support it, with joists made by 2x10s and decked in 2x6s. Normally pressure-treated wood is used for long term durability but you can get a type of wood like the cedar that will last longer, or paint and seal normal pine. There are also composite options that will last a long time and give you color options. The 4×4 posts will need to be concreted into the ground to give you a solid structure to work with. If you have any height to your deck you will want to add rails and potentially cross members to the 4x4s for stability. You will also need to consider how you are getting off of the deck if it’s more than 1 foot or so off the ground. Include steps in several locations if the deck is large. This will make traveling around the yard easier.

Photo By: BK Interior Design

Decorate

Lastly, you will want to plan on how to make the deck look good. You may want to add lights on the corners or wrap the handrail in string lights. Planter boxes may give the deck some life. Furniture with outdoor cushions can give you excellent seating or dining options while also adding some color to your deck. Do not forget to consider the landscaping around your deck. A flower bed separating the deck from the grass is common. Add steppingstones on common paths coming on and off the deck.

Photo: Porch Light Interiors

Even if it is winter, everybody is waiting for warm, sunny spring and summer days. During this time, you can spend amazing moments outside, having a pool or barbeque party, relaxing picnics or simply sunbathing in your back yard, if you are that type of person. In order to create the perfect environment for quality outdoor moments, you will need the best furniture and accessories. If you have already chosen and tested them, you might have noticed that you cannot use any type of fabric on your outdoor objects.

What is Sunbrella Fabric Like?

For swings, terrace sofas and bench cushions you will need a fabric that can stand sun, rain, wind and keep the initial colour and details. Sunbrella fabric is most commonly known as the material which outdoor umbrellas are made of. Robust and resistant, it reaches the need for durability in bad weather conditions. Next, we can see some reasons that will make you love Sunbrella. It’s great for all of your decorating ideas for the outdoors where you need a sturdy and heavy-duty fabric.

Photo: Porch Light Interiors

It Does Not Fade Easy

The dying way makes the fabric keep the colour even if you place your pillows and umbrellas in the hot sun. Each fiber is coloured with an UV-stable pigment that will make colour pop every year.

UV Rays are Blocked by Sunbrella

Sunbrella comes with a lot of advantages that can make your patio a lot more comfortable. The material can block up to 98% of dangerous UV rays. Even the Skin Cancer Foundation recommended it as an excellent choice for outdoor umbrellas. Remember that darker colours are even more effective.

Photo: Via Houzz

Mold Does not Stand a Chance with Sunbrella

Sunbrella naturally resists mold, since there are many available waterproof options. This is a big advantage, because outdoor décor elements are always exposed to rain.

Sunbrella is easy to Clean

The material is very practical, therefore it can easily be cleaned even with soap and water. If you need to clean it even deeper, you can use bleach without any concern, because this solution will not cause fading.

Photo: Susan Cohen Design

The Fabric Comes with Warranty 

Customers need to feel confident on the product they are about to buy, so producers give us an extended warranty certificate of up to 5 years. According to them, in this time, the fabric will not lose the colour, resistance and practicability due to usage conditions or natural factors like sunlight, mold or chemicals from the atmosphere. You can use it with confidence in any outdoor space or weather conditions.

If you choose Sunbrella, there is no doubt that quality will come first. Next to that, you have the possibility of choosing your favourite from many amazing patterns and colours, turning your outdoor décor into a different place with every new Sunbrella item.

Photo: Traditional Home

If you take the time to setup the space and use high quality items, such as Royal Covers, you will find that creating this tranquil, inviting space is not only possible, it is actually much easier than you imagined.

If you are ready to transform your outdoor area into an inviting paradise, use the tips and information here.

Create a Pergola

Even though there are some homeowners who have a skylight in their living room, there is nothing that can beat the comfort of natural, warm sunlight. Creating a pergola is a quick redecorating idea to enjoy your patio throughout the summer as fall months. You can place your well-cushioned furniture under a pergola and have an instant space that brings the comfort of your living room right into your outside area.

Create a Seating Wall

When you first think about it, there is no way that a stone wall is going to be even close to as comfortable as a couch. However, if you add a few oversized, fluffy pillows, you may be surprised about what you can create. This type of feature provides plenty of seating for guests and allows everyone to enjoy the fresh air outside.

Add an Outdoor Bar

An exterior bar is a patio must-have for summer entertaining! It offers the perfect spot to relax, eat or settle down to have a drink with family or friends. The best part is, you don’t have to worry about anyone walking all over your clean floors inside with their dirty shoes. Everything you need or that your kitchen has, you can stock outside in your new bar. This will help you keep everyone refreshed and minimize damage to your carpet.

Install a Hammock

Every backyard space needs a location where you can take a nap and there are so many easy decorating ideas to create the perfect sleeping nook. One of the best ways to implement this into your space is by putting up a hammock. These are always handy and something everyone in your family can use and enjoy. Consider hanging one (or several) in a pergola. This gives you some shade and helps add a bit of class to your outside area.

Install an Outdoor Fireplace

If you want to create a cozy space to spend time even when it is cold outside, then all you need to do is install an outdoor fireplace. This is a great decorating feature, surrounded by all types of fall foliage will not only be functional, but also extremely beautiful. This is something that is probably going to become your new favorite spot.

Hang Up some Lights

If you want a way to really set the mood, then lighting is a must. This is one of the easiest ways for you to bring the inside- outside. You can hang up just a few light fixtures from your patio or pergola and maximize the function and look of your outdoor space. Keep in mind, there are a large array of lighting options to choose from, so be creative. A word of caution, however, is to make sure you purchase exterior grade lighting so that your fixtures are not damaged by rain, snow and other natural elements.

Soft and Comfy Seating

Today, furniture manufacturers have gone a long way to create exterior quality furniture that looks good enough to go inside and that is ultra-plush. Now you can enjoy all the comforts of your living room thanks to this amazing furniture that is available. Chances are, once you get comfortable you’ll have no reason to go back inside.

If you are trying to create an amazing, inviting outdoor area, then make sure to keep the tips here in mind. These tips will help you create a space you never want to leave. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get an inviting space, just make sure to implement these tips and enjoy the many rewards that are seen.