What Size Deck Should I Have?
Many first-time deck designers make the mistake of creating deck designs that are too large to fit the scale of their house and exceed their budget. Most professional deck builders use a few rules to help scale the deck to accurately fit the house.
1) A deck shouldn't be built larger than 20% of the square footage of the house it is attached to.
2) No single section of the deck should be larger than the largest room in the house.
Using these rules, get yourself a notebook of ¼" graph paper and a ruler and start sketching out your ideas. Consider designing a multi-level deck with a few separate areas to break up a large boring rectangle. Try to let deck areas flow together in a natural and simple way.
Sometimes, it is difficult to look at a deck plan on paper and understand exactly how it will look and feel in a real space. You may need to lay out the design at the location to be able to get comfortable with its shape and proportion. Use a tape measurer, a garden hose or spray paint to lay out the design's outline or footprint. Does it feel larger or smaller than you anticipated? You may want to arrange some furniture within the outline to help you visualize how the space will be used. Will you have enough space to move around the deck freely or will it be too cramped? You may need to make some changes to the plan in order to adjust your findings.
10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck
This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.
How to Build a Pergola
Pergolas add a level of elegance and shade to your landscape. Follow our step-by-step instructions for building a pergola on a deck or patio at Decks.com.
Best House and Deck Color Combinations
Whether you’re adding a deck to your home, repainting your deck, or refreshing the exterior of your home, it’s important to consider all the different design choices you have available to you, so you can choose one that makes your neighbors do a double take (in a good way!)
IRC Code Requirements For Decks
Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!
IBC Requirements For Decks
The International Building Code (IBC) regulates deck additions attached to commercial buildings. Learn how IBC requirements may affect your project at Decks.com.
Permits for Building a Deck: Why You Need One and How to Get It
Many homeowners are surprised when they are told they need to get a permit in order to build a deck. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s well worth the small investment of time and money to ensure your deck is built to code standards and in compliance with local regulations
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
10 Fence Ideas to Add Privacy and Style to Your Yard
10 Fence Ideas to Add Privacy and Style to Your Yard
Deck Design Styles
Learn how to design a deck to match your sense of style and to compliment your house.
Zipper or Hearing Bone Decking
Learn how to install a herringbone zigzag decking design by installing blocking to the deck frame.
Contractor Problems? How to Communicate with Contractors and Handle Disputes
When working on a large construction project, there are bound to be bumps in the road. Learn how to handle disputes with a contractor with Decks.com.
Questions To Ask Your Deck Contractor
The quest to find the right contractor to complete your decking project can feel overwhelming and stressful. Learn more about what questions you should ask before hiring a contractor on decks.com
Residential PSF Deck Requirements
For a residential deck, the code requires it be designed to support a minimum 40-psf live load. Learn more about how much to put on a deck psf at Decks.com.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights