Have you ever attempted a great “staycation?” Instead of having to book flights, pack bags, and wait in security lines, all you have to do is simply take time off work and stay home.
Now, if your backyard situation is less than ideal, you risk finding yourself stuck in the house, and plugged into the television. But what if your backyard became the preferred hang-out spot for your friends and family? What if just being home was a reason to celebrate?
Many people feel as if their home life has deteriorated into simply staring at a different screen from the one they see at work. Family time is basically nonexistent, and each person does his or her own thing even when everybody’s at home. What if there was a fun and rewarding way to bring all of your family members together in a common area?
It’s also a shame that so many Americans spend little to no time outdoors. Some advertisements encourage adults to start by spending a whole five minutes outside per day!
Time spent outdoors benefits your physical health through vitamin D absorption, fresh air, and greater opportunities to exercise. It also boosts your mental and emotional health by promoting mental clarity, reducing stress, and balancing your emotions.
What if the solution to lack of family time, insufficient vacation funds, and little or no time spent outside was as simple as walking out into your backyard? In reality, it is. By creating a backyard space that’s appealing to you and your family, everybody’s more likely to get outside, together, and have healthier, more affordable time off work.
Though the kitchen might be the heart of your home, the deck can become the soul of your outdoor living space. Below are several essentials to know about deck installation and other improvements to your backyard living space.
Design Ideas
The first thing to consider when you design a deck is the overall size. How much space do you have in your backyard? Does the deck need to be large enough for a dinner table or just a few chairs?
Will you want to cook and barbecue in that space? Are you considering the installation of a hot tub or garden bed on the deck?
Before you can go to work on the construction, you have to evaluate the needs of yourself and your family. How does each person visualize the deck space, and is it all doable within your budget?
The main purpose for your deck installation is to improve your family’s outdoor environment, so take stock of whatever you need to feel ready to go outside. For many individuals, the deck needs to be easily accessible from the home, and preferably the kitchen, in order to be frequently used.
For example, a kitchen that has a sliding glass door or french doors that open out onto the deck makes it easy for you to get outside with your morning coffee, evening cocktail, or weekend snacks.
Material
Perhaps the most challenging, but vital, element of deck installation is material. Your main consideration will be choosing between a wooden deck and a composite one. All decks will use pressure-treated lumber for their support, but the material employed for the surface and railings could be different.
With wood, you’ll likely be choosing between cedar, redwood, or other hardwoods for the deck surface. Although natural wood decks are beautiful, they require a lot more maintenance than a composite. The main reason people choose wood-surfaced decks is because they offer an initial cost saving.
Composite decks are made from PVC or vinyl and can be manufactured in a variety of different designs. You can get different styles of woodgrain, colors, and overall “feel.” Composite decks are typically chosen because they require little to no maintenance and are safe for bare feet.
Only you can decide what is best for you and your family. How long are you planning to live in the house after the deck install? Wood decks will need to be restained roughly every two years and will need a full resanding and staining every six years or so.
Composite, on the other hand, requires almost zero maintenance and will remain barefoot-safe all summer long. After 10 years of deck maintenance, you will have more than recouped the cost difference between wood and composite. Even with the best care of a wooden deck, you run the risk of cracks and splinters, which pose a threat to the bare feet of summer.
Return on Investment
If you know how long you plan to live in this residence, you can calculate the value of a deck investment. Wood is a great way to boost your home’s value, especially if you plan to move out before you’ve put a lot into maintenance costs.
For most people, the return on investment for a deck lies somewhere between 70 and 85%. For anyone looking to sell their home within the next few years, but not immediately, this represents a pretty good ROI.
You’ll be enjoying more time outside, greater pleasure from just being in your home, and benefit from a resale value boost when it’s time to move on. If you’re looking at a deck installation primarily for a resale boost, however, you may want to choose a different home renovation project.
But people who are not planning on moving anytime soon, or ever, may want to look at composite. In the long run, composite is a much better deal and can guarantee more time enjoying carefree summer days outdoors instead of doing home maintenance.
If you expect to be living in that house permanently, you don’t have to worry about the return on investment. In that case, the deck installation is primarily for the improvement of your quality of life.
Contact Iron River Construction
If you’re considering taking on a deck project at home, it may be time to call in the professionals. Contact Iron River Construction for information about material types, cost, and design options. We are happy to help you create the backyard home environment your family deserves!
