“I really want a deck,” she said, “but we can’t settle on what kind.”
We were working on a deck out in Huntington recently, and one of the family’s neighbors was passing by. A conversation struck up, and I got pulled over to give some advice. But mostly, the homeowner didn’t know where to start.
It made me think: do Long Island homeowners know all of their decking options? There are several options, so I wanted to go over the basic types of decks you will come across.
Why Your Deck Choice Matters More Than You Think
Your deck enhances your outdoor space, your curb appeal, and your overall experience with your home.
You want to get it right. (Quick note: this is exactly the heart of what that homeowner in Huntington was getting at; it’s nerve-racking to make a choice on a deck.)
Ultimately, the deck type you select depends on your home and your town’s building codes. The process Boss Decks follows begins with a discussion about how you’ll actually use the space. How do you entertain? Do you have large groups over or just a few close friends? Do you just want a space to drink your morning coffee outside? Then, we move on to things like the terrain: the slope of your yard might push you toward a certain deck type.
These types of questions will help you select the right kind of deck for your home.
Understanding Basic Deck Categories
Most decks fall into a few main categories based on their height and attachment to your home. Let’s start here:
Ground-Level Decks
These decks sit close to the ground (you probably gathered that from the name), usually less than 30 inches high. They’re perfect if you want a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Ground-level decks work well with ranch-style homes and split levels where the main floor is already close to grade.
We do these from time to time — it’s usually for families with children where the kitchen connects to the backyard. The parents, for good reason, don’t want steps on their decks since they have young kids. These decks also have good flow, and they’re safe and accessible.
Raised Decks
Raised decks are elevated significantly above ground level, often connecting to a second-story door or providing views over obstacles like neighboring fences. If your home sits on a slope or you want to take advantage of a view, a raised deck is probably your best answer.
Multi-Level Decks
Sometimes, one level isn’t enough. Multi-level decks work well when you have different outdoor activities in mind or when your property has natural elevation changes. We use them to create distinct zones — maybe a dining area on the upper level and a lounging space below.
RELATED: 4 Unique Decking Ideas That Will Transform Your Backyard
Popular Deck Shapes
Let’s move on to deck shapes. The different design options have specific benefits. The one you choose should match your property and align with your vision for your outdoor space.
Rectangular Decks
Rectangular deck designs are by far the most recognizable. They’re practical. They utilize space efficiently while offering simple construction methods that can match almost any home. This type of deck is budget-friendly, too.
Square Decks
The compact design of square decks produces an enclosed atmosphere that rectangular designs can’t achieve. Their compact design makes them perfect for both small yards and private outdoor spaces.
Square decks are great if you plan to do a lot of dining outside. Square designs naturally guide people to gather around dining tables.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Outdoor Kitchens
L-Shaped Decks
These deck designs allow homeowners to create additional deck space by encircling their home’s corner areas without exceeding the boundaries of their yard. An L-shaped deck layout is good for households that require separate outdoor spaces, allowing you to grill and relax, or do whatever you want, wherever you want.
Wraparound Decks
Wraparound decks encircle your home, maximizing your outdoor space.
The maintenance costs and construction expenses for these types of decks are higher. But they do give you the most room and encourage you and your family to make use of them.
Curved and Angled Decks
A deck design becomes more eye-catching when you incorporate curved elements together with angled corners. These deck designs prove most effective when you need to navigate around natural features or want to establish a natural-looking aesthetic.
They do require an expert deck builder. They’re not easy to pull off.
Special Considerations for Long Island Properties
Living on Long Island requires special attention to particular factors for your deck design. Salt air is one issue. The coastal winds are nice for relaxing, but they can wear down decks and other items you might want to store on them.
That’s why composite materials, such as Trex and Timbertech, are always our go-to choice.
For any other hardware, it’s got to be stainless steel. Many wood decks deteriorate quickly around here because homeowners fail to consider how quickly the salt air will break down their wood deck.
Then there’s the need for drainage systems. Many homes lack the slope to create the runoff you’ll need. These solutions should keep in mind that we’re situated on what is mostly a large sandbar (but there are some towns we work on that have some clay soil).
You’ll also want privacy built in. You’ll want sightlines but also some spots where you can relax without feeling watched by neighbors. An L-shaped deck design creates natural privacy areas, while multi-level decks achieve privacy through elevation changes. We offer free deck designs, allowing you to visualize how this would look on your property.
Our design team can add privacy screens to railings and help you consider strategic landscaping elements to establish natural boundaries.
Our sometimes unpredictable weather patterns are another factor to consider. The deck must be able to withstand both nor’easters and humid summers; it must outlast May’s humidity and then thrive through winter’s freezing storms.
Quick Summary
At the end of the day, pick the deck design that’s going to best fit your lifestyle. An expert can really help pair your vision with the right type of deck. They’ll also be able to help you navigate our weather and runoff needs.
There are many deck designs you can choose from. The deck types and shapes you’ll come across the most are ground-level decks, raised decks, multi-level decks, rectangular decks, square decks, L-shaped decks, wraparound decks, curved decks, angled decks, floating decks, and two-level decks.
Best of luck. Call us if we can help.
