At plcplus.ca we specialize in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan, but we also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area.
Deck Saskatoon design is a very individualized process. A key consideration should be your home’s design to avoid having an oddly styled residence. Every metropolis has evolved its distinctive design aesthetic over the years, as we have seen. One builder borrows a concept from another, and finally, your city takes on its flavor. Then, you can choose from many producers who have produced as many as 2–10 product designs. Over the past five to ten years, there hasn’t been a shortage of ingenuity in the deck industry.
Site & views – house, yard, elevation
The most typical error in deck design is to simply attach a deck to an existing ledger board or to replace an old deck with a replica. Your alternatives will be restricted, and the flow of creative thought will be stifled. Ledger boards and decks are sometimes an afterthought for home builders. It might not even be securely fastened.
The main entrance to your deck will be the front door. Your deck’s initial height will depend on where your door is located.
Guardrails are unnecessary for low decks (less than 30″ above grade). They appear to be large and squat. Although hidden from view, the ground beneath a low deck may serve as a haven for insects or small animals. Consider ventilation because a low deck will be more mold and mildew resistant if it has more room to “breathe.”
Higher decks will appear lighter, like a platform that is floating. Long stretches of stairs and guardrails are frequently essential. High decks provide a chance to display views of the surroundings. The area beneath the deck is ideal for storage or as a covered area in inclement weather.
What kind of vistas do you have to work with—a gorgeous mountain top covered in snow or a drab water tower? Spend some time in the area throughout the day to get a sense of the type of daylighting you may anticipate. Have you got any trees that cast spotty shadows? If not, adding a shade feature could be a good idea. Is your yard sloped or flat?
Establishing your Wants and your Needs
Most people wish to create their deck but sometimes do not know where to begin. We advise you to begin in this manner. Consider looking at the big picture. Don’t obsess about small details. Put your imagination to use. You are not working hard enough if you still say, “I want a deck just like our last house.” Think large and boldly without fear. Having your private terraced oasis, opulent veranda, or another outdoor area would be enjoyable. This strategy typically produces better results than building a deck that looks exactly like your neighbor’s.
You won’t be able to fully realize all of these visions, but it will be worthwhile if you can incorporate a few of them into the final design. Now, let’s figure out what you need to build your dream deck. Do you require access to the backyard from an elevated patio door? Do you require a safe place to store your grill? Do you require a location for outdoor dining, relaxing, and entertaining during the summer? Recognizing and negotiating your needs and desires will be essential in communicating your design intentions.
Traffic and Stairs
Consider how people will walk across your deck. Check that your furniture and grill arrangements do not obstruct movement. Your stairs and house door should be easily accessible from any area of your deck.
On taller decks, guardrails will usually define the perimeter. For a low deck without guardrails, a small rail or seats can help direct traffic and maintain vistas. Aisles must be present throughout the deck’s internal sections for circulation. Changing the direction of decking can be an effective way to divide spaces. A subtle cue to direct people’s movement path is to point diagonal decking in a specific order.
Your deck stairs will serve as an anchor for your deck and a primary point of access. Measure the height of your deck and use our Stairs Calculator to figure out how many steps you’ll need. Long stairs can be wrapped around a patio or separated by landings to make them less awkward. Because of limited headroom, landing stairs beneath a deck frame should be avoided.
Multiple levels can be used to move people across your deck in novel ways gracefully, but be aware that drastic elevation changes are unsightly and dangerous. Tripping hazards can be caused by steps that form irregular angles or are challenging to see. Consider stepping down around an angled corner with a cascading wrap around the stairs for low decks to help blend the deck into the yard.
Decking Choices
Choosing the right decking for your design is a critical decision. Some people prefer the look and feel of real wood over man-made materials such as cedar, redwood, or exotic hardwoods. Others prefer low-maintenance materials that come in a variety of colors and textures. Researching decking materials is essential for making the best choice for you and your lifestyle.
Hidden fasteners eliminate the need for screw or nail placements on the floor. For composite decking, reverse trim head composite screws are preferred over nails for holding strength and preventing mushroomed screw holes.
Wood decks will need to be stained to prevent cracking and warping. Natural to deep reds, browns, and grays are among the stain colors available.