From quiet mornings breathing in the fresh air to creating countless memories with friends and loved ones, adding a deck to your home is more than just increasing property value; it’s creating a space where life happens.
A new deck is an extension of your home, where meals are shared, stories are told, and memories are made all in the fresh air, sunshine, or under the stars.
A masterfully crafted deck can be the hearth of your home, setting the stage for limitless backyard adventures.
While building a deck means spending more time enjoying nature or with loved ones, it also means investing in your home and property. Not only does the addition of outdoor living space enhance the beauty of your home, it actually increases the value of your property as well.
To us, that’s a win-win.
When adding a deck to your living space, there are a range of things to consider — cost, dimensions, materials, and more. We’re with you every step of the way, from beginning to end. That’s why we have outlined everything you need to know as you begin building your deck.
DECK SIZE OPTIONS
At Atlantic Outdoors, the first thing we encourage you to consider when building a deck is the shape and size of the intended space. Depending on what you’re dreaming of using this outdoor space for, our skilled craftsmen are ready to custom design the deck that fits your vision.
So when you think of having a deck, what comes to mind?
Outdoor Dining — If you want to expand your eating area by building a deck, a 12 ft. by 12 ft. size would be our recommendation. This is an ideal option for anyone who wants to add some patio furniture or picnic table to their outdoor space — it’s a great size for embracing nature, enjoying a meal, or relaxing with a glass of wine.
Entertaining — If you dream of inviting family, friends, and neighbors over to party on your porch, gather around the fire pit, or spend time together in the great outdoors, go for a larger option. For those looking to host and entertain, we recommend building a deck that is 12 ft. by 16 ft. or larger.
Grilling and Smoking — For those looking to level up their grill game or jump into a new hobby, like smoking meat, a larger deck would be our recommendation. Remember, you need extra space to fit your grill or smoker, along with furniture and room for company. Take a look at your property and see if building a deck that is 12 ft. by 16 ft. or larger would work for your home.
Relaxing — No matter which size you decide, once you have finished building your deck, you’ll be able to kick back, relax, and enjoy your new space. However, if you plan on adding a hot tub or swinging deck furniture, we recommend planning accordingly. For anyone looking to increase their relaxation with a hot tub or extra large furniture, we recommend building a deck that is 12 ft. by 20 ft. or larger.
The best stories shared are firepit stories with your loved ones. An excellent outdoor feature any time of year.
Most deck materials come in 12 ft., 16 ft., and 20 ft. lengths, so as you begin designing your dream deck — whether you want a standard-size deck or something a bit bigger — keeping these measurements in mind can help you create a space that is as cost-effective as it is relaxing.
DECK MATERIAL OPTIONS
When it comes to building a deck for your home, one thing you might not realize you need to consider is the materials you use. These will play a large part in the look, feel, and longevity of your outdoor space. At Atlantic Outdoors, our goal is to provide you with the ideal deck for your unique needs, and that includes sourcing the right materials.
Pressure-treated Materials — If you look at your home and know that, for one reason or another, this is not your forever home, but you would still like to build a deck to increase the property value and embrace the outdoors, then we recommend using pressure-treated decking with vinyl railings. One of the primary concerns with wooden railings is their tendency to warp over time, which can compromise the overall structural integrity and safety of your deck. Combining materials is a cost-effective solution for those who are keeping an eye on their budget.
Capped Composite or Capped Polymer Materials — For those who plan on staying in their home for a longer period of time, we recommend building your deck with higher quality materials such as capped composite or capped polymer decking and railings. These decking materials are:
- Extremely dense and durable
- Less prone to warp, crack, or split
- Maintenance free
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to staining or fading
ADDITIONAL DECK FEATURES
Now that you’ve determined the size of your space and chosen your ideal materials, there are still a few things to consider before you step out into the warm sunshine and embrace all of the benefits of your new deck.
Railings
Railings are a vital addition to any deck as they vastly increase the safety and stability of those enjoying the space, and they can also play a major role in the overall aesthetic of your deck and property. Plus, did you know that having visually pleasing railings has been known to increase home value?
At Atlantic Outdoors, we have a wide range of railing options to help you bring your vision to life, including:
- Vinyl railings
- Aluminum railings
- Vinyl with aluminum balusters
- Bartop railings
- Cable railings
Vinyl railings are our most popular choice, followed closely by the bartop option, but if you’re looking to preserve your view, check out the cable railings. Our selection makes it easy to find the right fit for your space and design preferences.
Additional Features
Because your deck will be an outdoor extension of your living space, there are a few other factors to keep in mind as you begin planning your build.
- Under-deck Options — Beneath your deck, you have the option to add storage, for things like patio furniture in the winter or gardening equipment. You can also consider adding an under-deck rain guard, which shields the area below the deck from the elements, further expanding your outdoor living space.
- Screened-in Porches — Adding a screened-in porch to your space not only provides shade and privacy but can also extend the amount of time annually you can enjoy your deck.
- Outdoor Heating — Don’t let the winter deter you from enjoying your deck. Adding an outdoor heating system allows you to make the most of your outdoor space, even in the colder months.
- Roof-over Options — Whether you’re working from home or just want to elevate your deck, roof-over options allow you to create a space that is truly relaxing and comfortable. From sound systems and outdoor televisions to lighting and ceiling fans, adding a roof-over option to your deck means combining next-level comfort with the great outdoors.
From increased property value to unpredictable weather changes, including some of these features when building your deck is one way to make sure your dream deck is as functional as it is enjoyable.
If you’re still not sure about which style to choose or which features to add when it comes to designing your deck, don’t worry — we have a variety of options and have helped many of our customers build the deck of their dreams.
Just take a look at our catalogs for a bit of inspiration:
- Azek/Timbertech Catalog
- Keylink Railing Catalog
- Superior Railing Catalog
- Placid Point Lighting Catalog
- Inlight Lighting Catalog
A MEMORY-MAKING INVESTMENT
We know that a deck is more than just where you store your grill and patio furniture — it’s a place to make memories. However, financing an invaluable space like this can be tricky. That’s why, at Atlantic Outdoors, we won’t let that stop you from making your dream a reality.
We have tools designed to help make budgeting simple and easy, so we can get to work and you can start enjoying your new deck.
- Use our deck cost calculator to get a rough estimate of your new deck installation. By entering some basic information, you can get an idea of what your project will cost.
- Need additional support? Visit our website to learn more about our financing solutions and find a payment plan that suits your budget or feel free to contact us now with any questions or concerns.
BUILDING THE DECK OF YOUR DREAMS
From stepping outside to welcome the morning and playing games with family and friends in the afternoon to cooking dinner on the grill or stargazing into the night, building a deck means creating lasting memories for the rest of your life.
A superlative deck space can be the perfect place to have your morning coffee and devotionals.
We understand that building a deck might seem complicated at first. Tackling the details of size, materials, aesthetic features, and the financing of this addition to your home might feel overwhelming, but trust us, it doesn’t have to be.
With Atlantic Outdoors’ custom design and installation process, what once was frustrating can now be excitingly enjoyable. With careful planning and attention to detail, our expert craftsmen will take extra care to create a deck that is the perfect extension of your home, providing you and your loved ones with endless hours of enjoyment and relaxation.
It’s time to stop looking out the window and dreaming of what your property could be. Turn your daydreams into a reality and build the ideal outdoor oasis for your home.
We’re here for you every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Get a FREE estimate today!