Did you know that patio decks became a defining feature of homes in North America during the 1950s and 1960s, the boom years following World War II when times were good, and families seemingly had more disposable income than they knew what to do with? It was during the era of cars with tail fins and early Rock and Roll that homeowners became obsessed with using their backyards for entertainment, and built patio decks to add space and value to their homes. Today, that trend continues, and whether you’re an accomplished do-it-yourselfer or are looking for a company to do the work, the outdoor construction specialists at Toronto decks and fence are here to help.
Toronto decks and fence has been the premier outdoors contractor in the Greater Toronto Area for more than 10 years, serving hundreds of satisfied customers in Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Maples, Markham, and surrounding communities.
Here is some advice to keep in mind when building a patio deck.
- Location is always important, because a patio deck can serve an important role as a unifier between your home and outdoor space. This means that a patio deck is typically built off a family room, kitchen, or some other easy to get to common area. For the most part, a home’s north side receives less direct sunlight than the south, but also gets hammered by wind and falling temperatures in the cooler months. The flip side is a patio deck facing south will likely get extreme heat during the hotter months.
- A patio deck always features a transition point between a house and the outside, usually with exit and entry points for the house and into the yard.
- Don’t forget the plan for a patio deck should take into consideration your existing architecture, landscaping, and the size of the deck that meets your needs. In most cases, the size of the deck accounts for most of the cost of the project, but accessories like planters, seating, railing, and lighting all need to be factored in, too.
- Consider building a patio deck about the same size as your living room or family room, and look for deck plans of similar dimensions. For beginning DIY folks on a limited budget, a smaller deck is the best option.
What about building materials?
The most common types of wood and composite materials used for a patio deck are Cedar, Redwood, and Cypress; chemically treated, or pressurized, wood such as pine or fir; and Plastic, Vinyl, Wastewood, and Rubber to make synthetic lumber for many outdoor projects.
Before any decision is made, we recommend you take your time and review patio deck plans that fit your style, needs, and budget. There are many plans available at home improvement retailers, the library, and online – so choose carefully. You may find, however, that working with a reputable outdoor construction company will save you time, effort, and money in the long run.
Toronto decks and fence offers cutting-edge deck design and installation services for traditional landscaping, decks, gates, and other outdoor projects to match any architecture. For or free estimate or for more information about the company and its services, please call us today at 416-238-2589 or visit us online 24/7.