Add a Deck to your Backyard or Home
Posted by Denise in backyard projects, tags: backyard oasis, backyard projects, decisions before adding a deck, deck mini course, deck plansAdding a deck to your backyard, home or pool is a major decision and plans must be carefully laid out to make the deck and flow of the yard compliment each other. Safety and cost are also concerns. 
photo credit: EraPhernalia Vintage (way behind. sorry!)
I have always wanted a deck and this year I found the plans that worked well with the house. I wanted a deck that would replace the 1960’s metal rook over the patio area. The deck is on the second floor and just off the dining area of the house.
By adding a deck I increased the living area by adding a usable area that is 15 foot by 25 foot. And the sliding patio doors add more light in the dining room and help blend the indoor space with the outdoor space. It’s a perfect entertaining area that extends the use of the outdoors area by several months.
I also wrapped the deck around the back of the house as a walkway. This helps me to get to the windows and wash them more easily. Deck porch boxes have been placed along the walkway deck rails for more color and that backyard oasis feel that makes the home more relaxing and inviting.
And being garden addicted I have a small container garden, complete with two small tress and a few trellises for color and shade. I now need to add a small corner water fountain to complete a relaxing atmosphere. 
photo credit: ethanmauldin
I also made sure when planning the deck that is pet safe and child safe. I do have pets and may have family that will visit so preventative measures are always best for safety. My deck sets 15 foot off the ground so the deck has rails with a brick brack filler and gates for the stairs leading the to backyard that lock.
Better homes and Gardens has a deck mini course that covers the planning process of making a deck, installation and how to ideas, and how to finish a deck.
Photos are included and there are great ideas on how to personalize the deck to fit you and your families needs.
I read all the topics and each had valuable information for my deck design and ideas. I enjoyed these following links from the Better Homes and Gardens deck mini course
Design the Perfect Deck or Patio
The deck has added a great place for watching the sun rise in the morning and to entertain. It’s probably one of the best investments I have added to the home in years.
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A porch, a deck or patio truly adds beauty to a home and these are places where you can unwind from a busy day and hectic schedules.
Great information Denise! And yes, plans must be laid out very carefully.
Diana
My wife and myself want a deck that is accessible from our kitchen. Unfortunately for now we have too many other things that need to be done before we build or have a deck built for us. I don’t think it’s a task we could do ourselves.
It would be so nice to be able to just open a sliding door and walk out from the kitchen. I am sure we would be eating more outside than we do now.
It would be great if we could get this done within the next year or two. Certainly in three years by the time my wife retires.
There is always something that need to be done to the yard isn’t there?
I had the deck design worked out for me and then my nephews did most of the work and I did the finishing touches. I saved some money this way.
And yes, outdoor cooking and living increases with a deck.
Thanks for stopping by, Denise