To Deck or Not to Deck?

Decking can be an excellent way of managing exterior space, adding value, and even creating new living space. On the other hand – It can be expensive and isn't always the right architectural move for some homes. 

So, is a deck right for you? Read on for more information.

The Logic of Decking

The truth about decking is that it’s the planning stage that decides the positives and negatives.

For example:

• • Location: Where do you want to put your deck? Is it obstructing the view or natural light? If the deck faces west, does it shade the house from the summer sun? If it faces away from the road, are you giving yourself a great view of backyards and nothing else? Check these issues thoroughly, because you’re paying for the result.
   
• Is the deck overlooking a neighbour? Even a good neighbour may not want you looking over their fence. Consider your deck’s location and height in relation to neighbouring properties before building.
   
• Cost: A deck doesn’t have to be a particularly expensive investment. Depending on its size and the amount of work involved, installing a deck can be very affordable. Just remember, the size of your deck shouldn’t be an arbitrary decision. Whether it’s big or small should depend on what’s right for your home and garden. Also, be aware of the expression “affordable”. Make sure your deck is actually affordable for you and not at the expense of quality materials or features that you want.
   
• Appearance: Some decks add a fantastic look to a home, others don’t look like much at all, and some can look completely out of place. Talk about design issues with your architect or designer before spending a cent. If you’re building a new home, compare your decking ideas with new home designs and see how well they match.
   
• Values: Decks add two types of value to your home. One is valuable space which can be measured in dollar terms. The other type of value is a combination of comfort and functionality. A good deck delivers lots of usable outside space, plenty of room, and a nice haven for relaxing.
   
• Is a deck the right option? The alternatives to a deck is usually a patio or an alfresco. An alfresco is an outdoor area that naturally flows from inside to outside the home as it is built under the same roof as the house. In contrast, patios are an additional structure that can be priced down to the last cent and deliver a lot of space. Compare decking with other options to see which one will deliver more space, functionality and other important values for your home.

Trying to Find Your Dream Home?

Choosing your dream home with the perfect outdoor area can be very challenging in today’s hot property market. Find inspiration from McDonald Jones’ new home designs and our broad range of Alfresco Cabanas. Contact us online or call us on 1300 555 382 to ask our experts for more information.