Site & Views – House, Yard, Elevation – Decks.com

Site & Views - House, Yard, Elevation

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The house door will serve as the primary access to your deck. The position of your door will determine your decks initial elevation.

Low decks (less than 30" above grade) do not require guard rails. They look relatively squat and massive. The ground under a low deck will be concealed to view but can become a home for small animals or insects. Consider ventilation, the more a low deck can "breathe" the better to prevent mold and mildew.

Higher decks will appear more lightweight like a floating platform. Guard Rails will be required and long stretches of stairs are usually necessary. High decks offer an opportunity to showcase views of the surrounding landscape. The space underneath the deck is a great place for storage or a screened in area for rainy days.

What kind of views do you have to work witha breathtaking snow capped mountain peak or an ugly water tower? Spend some time in the space at different times of day to get an idea of what kind of day lighting you can expect. Do you have any trees that provide spotted shade? If not you may want to incorporate a shade feature. Is your yard flat or sloping? Do you have a pool, patio, hot tub or garden?

A good design will accentuate the advantages of the site whereas a poor design will bring attention to its flaws. The shape of your lot may affect the size and positioning of your deck. Landscaping, small trees, vents, and AC Units can be adjusted if necessary. Sometimes large trees can be framed around to preserve within a deck design.

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Site & Views - House, Yard, Elevation - Decks.com