How to Design Your Deck, Decks by Aaron Roberts Home Improvements, Rochester's Deck Specialist


Design & Materials Aaron Roberts Home Improvements can build a deck to your plans and specifications, design a deck that meets your needs from the ground up, or anything in between. We specialize in creative design solutions. Using state of the art 3D CAD software, we can capture your ideas and show them to you in photorealistic 3D right at your kitchen table. This allows us to make sure we are seeing the same vision, and allows us to make changes on the spot! Here are some things to think about prior to meeting with us that will assist in the design process:
	Size: The size of your deck will depend on a combination of usage, available space, and budget. A 12ft x 12ft deck (144 Sq Ft) is probably a good minimum for limited usage. Go up to 16ft x 20ft for entertaining. The maximum size is determined by the available space and your budget. Balance the size of the deck with the size of your home and back yard. Try to have a purpose for each area of the deck to avoid paying for wasted square footage.
Shape and Layout: A square deck is practical and the most efficient in terms of available space, material usage and construction time, but angles, octagons, or even curves can greatly enhance the visual appeal of the deck, adding a dramatic touch to your outdoor living space. A rectangular area near a patio door with an octagon on one end for a patio table is a popular choice.
	Levels: A single level is the most common, but two or more levels can add versatility to your deck. Consider a level for entertaining and mingling, and a raised or sunken level for eating. If you have a pool, a second level gated pool deck is a popular option. Multiple levels can be combined to make a powerful design statement, but don't over-do it or you will reduce your useable space or create walking hazards for guests un-familiar with your particular deck.
House Attachment: Decks are typically attached to the home near a patio door. The height of the deck at the attachment point is typically level with the interior floor. If the deck will attach to part of the house that is cantilevered (the floor hangs out over the foundation), special construction techniques are needed that could increase the cost of your project. Also look for dryer vents, electrical outlets, and hose bibs that may need to be moved.
	Stairs: Most decks will have at least one set of stairs, a minimum of 4ft wide. Consider multiple sets of stairs to keep foot traffic flowing smoothly (for example, you shouldn't have to walk around a patio table to get to your back yard). Wider stairs can be a nice design touch, as can cascading curved stairs (but can be dangerous and impractical if not designed correctly). Also be aware that some very specific building code requirements apply to stairs and handrails on stairs.
Decking Materials: A vast selection of decking materials is available, divided into two main categories: Wood (Pressure Treated Pine, Cedar, exotic hardwoods, etc.) Synthetics (wood / plastic composites, and all plastic decking) Composite decking products, while popular for many years, are being replaced by newer cellular PVC products that have superior scratch, stain, and mold/mildew resistence, resulting in much lower maintenance. We have chosen Azek Decking as our single "Low Maintenance" solution for a variety of reasons. Which you choose for your deck will depend on your budget, time and budget for maintenance, and asthtetics. We will show you your options and go over pricing differences at your free in-home design consultation. Click on the links to the right for more information -->	Treated Pine Cedar Tigerwood Cellular PVC Decking
Decking Direction & Layout: Typically, the decking is installed all in one direction, usually parallel to the home. Occasionally, our clients prefer the decking be installed in some sort of pattern for a decorative touch, in multiple directions to accent a change of deck levels or areas of usage (such as an eating area), or with a mitered border around the entire perimiter. While this method involves framing modifications and additional cost, it can really set your deck apart!
Railings & Balusters Railings Railings Fortress Iron Railings	Railings: Railings are required by code whenever the deck is 30" or more above the grade or a lower deck level. Handrails are required on stairs when there are four or more steps between the deck surface and the ground or another level. The design of a railing can make or break the look of the deck and many many design and material options are available, including wood, metal, and composite (both color matched and white vinyl). The four basic combinations of decking and railing are: all wood, wood with white vinyl railings, all color matched synthetic, synthetic with white vinyl. Which you choose is entirely personal preference. <-- Click on the links to the left for more information on the products we typically use.
Skirting: Skirting is available in a variety of styles, with verical board skirting being the most popular. Skirting can keep out larger pests like skunks, and when equiped with a door can provide enclosed storage.