Planning a Patio and a Deck

Building a home requires proper planning and precise work. The home of your dreams cannot come to fruition without carefully planned designs and architecture. Every area of the home must be designed for optimal use, convenience and beauty.

Deck and patios are an extension of your home. This, the planning required for these structures requires as much attention to detail as the rest of the house.

There are several things to consider prior to building decks and patios. Some of the basic elements that need to be considered in the planning of a patio or a deck are:

* Digging post holes. Before starting to dig the post holes, check with your local authorities for current building regulations. The type of soil, the depth, the strength of deck posts and their footings are all regulated by local codes. Deck posts must be stable; they should be able to withstand frost and moisture while remaining steadily rooted even in soft soil.

* Deck or patio foundation. The foundation of the deck or patio must be created with extreme diligence as it is what will support the entire deck or patio.

* Ledger. Installing the ledger is a crucial step in the planning and building of decks and patios.

* Deck posts. Another important thing to incorporate in a patio or deck plan involves installing, marking and cutting the deck posts.

* Joists that need to be hanged.

* Deck boards and railings.

* Stairs.

* Deck or patio pattern and architecture, which can be complex or simple.

* Deck or patio seating.

* Planters, shade structures, lattice works and privacy screens.

* A spa, which is an optional deck or patio structure.

* Practicality, convenience, type of home and the home owners preferences. These all need to be considered in the deck and patio plan and design.

A well-designed deck or patio can contribute to turning your house into a home. A plain, ordinary house can be transformed into a gorgeous home with a properly constructed deck or patio. Thus, it is important to remember that in building any deck or patio, careful attention must be put into planning its construction.

Home page

Where to buy patio and deck furniture
A store where you can buy outdoor decor and furniture

DIY Basics
A look at some tips before you do it yourself

Designs & Accessories
Examples of designs and accessories to add to your deck or patio