Beyond the standard BBQ deck on many houses, sundecks are typically an aftermarket addition. As with any bespoke construction endeavor, the more planning goes into the process, the better the final product. The first step in constructing your new sundeck is not hammering in the first nail but rather drawing the first line in your sketchbook.
Those utilizing the deck should perform the initial planning, whether doing the construction themselves or hiring someone else. Even though this is the point at which a professional designer would be most helpful, most homeowners already have a solid sense of what would work. Creating a “plan view” or “bird’s eye” sketch of the deck is an excellent first step in figuring out its design. Simply add the shape of your desired deck to the line depicting your house’s wall. Try your hand at it a few times. It’s completely in pencil, so feel free to experiment with curves and angles. Given that most decks are intended for recreational use, it stands to reason that strict adherence to perfect tips throughout the planning phase could not result in the most functional sun deck. The best rooftop patios have a whimsical design.
Think about levels while you walk the “footprint” of your favorite artworks to get some fresh air and exercise. Just one step up or down may make a massive difference in how a deck looks and feels. Once you estimate how big your deck will be, you need to think about where people will enter and exit it and if steps will be necessary.
Joists support most deck surfaces, so it’s necessary to consider deck heights alone. If you live in a wetter environment, you should raise the bottom about eight inches (20 cm). Railings are an even more pressing issue. Any deck surface two feet above the ground must have a railing installed for safety. You’ll need a higher guardrail if you’re taller than six feet. Any change in level on a deck, in my opinion, should be marked. Some use planters and other obstacles to indicate changes in height.
After you’ve thrown together a rough outline of the building’s shape and height and resolved any issues with access and railings, you may evaluate whether or not a covered space is necessary. Decks can be used for more of the year if covered. We have a phrase for that where I come from: “More bang for the buck.” Your deck’s overall design, including the roof, should not be in visual conflict with the structure it is attached to. Maintaining aesthetic consistency while building your deck is essential.
The deck’s surface material is the primary design consideration. To keep things simple, you can choose between membranes and wooden slats. Fans of natural materials often choose slats. Cedar planks with a thickness of at least 1.25 inches (3 cm) and a width of 6 inches (15 cm) are usual for decks. Treated boards and tropical hardwoods are only two examples of the many wood finishes available. Rot resistance is a must-have quality in any deck board, so keep that in mind while selecting. Staining a slatted deck surface is standard practice and serves two purposes: it lessens the likelihood of wood decay and keeps the wood looking new for longer. When working with treated lumber, it is essential that any saw cuts also be treated.
A vinyl membrane is a primary substitute for wood. This membrane design may be purchased in a wide range of colors and textures, and unlike a slatted surface, it will just need to be cleaned occasionally rather than re-stained. A membrane surface also has the added benefit of preventing moisture from penetrating the sections below. Vinyl membranes over enclosed living spaces are becoming increasingly acceptable as these finishes improve.
If your deck is exposed to the outdoors, whether it is covered in wood or vinyl, you should take precautions to prevent the growth of weeds. This should be done as soon as the deck’s footing supports are in place if it is only slightly above ground level or “grade,” as doing it after installing other support frames will be more challenging. Since water is meant to flow through the spaces between the slats rather than draining off like a membrane, preventing weed development is especially critical when using slatted surfaces. A little effort now will save a lot of time later on weeding, thanks to the high-quality landscape fabric and gravel we employ.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of deck design, we can move on to the finer points. I haven’t suggested looking online for inspiration since, in my experience, the specifics of the construction site end up dictating many of the factors we’ve previously addressed. Also, some people’s imaginations can be stifled if they constantly stare at photographs. Of course, this is only one method; other people may find that studying the minutiae of successful decks helps them get started on their own. Regardless, looking at how other people have dealt with the various deck design issues might be helpful, especially when considering railing choices. Many of these exist. Wood railings are a popular choice for decks because of their natural beauty, but they require regular maintenance (staining), much like a deck made entirely of wood. Aluminum rails are commonly used as a substitute for wooden ones. The benefit of these is that they require very little upkeep; a simple wipe is all needed to keep them looking new for years to come. In light of the fact that sundecks are intended for relaxation and enjoyment, it is prudent to give some thought to reducing the time spent maintaining the deck.
Now that you’ve given your deck’s details some thought, it’s time to move on to the next stage of the design process: construction. You can start working if you’re sure of your carpentry abilities. In that case, look at the decks and carpenters in your neighborhood. They’ve likely constructed multiple decks, and their experience will be invaluable. At this point, you should also find out if a deck permit is required in your area. Not all inspectors will provide guidance, but those who do will likely share how they would handle particular problems, which can help novices avoid making critical errors.
One of the most essential structural decisions you’ll have to make while constructing a deck is whether or not to connect it directly to an already-built structure. Waterproofing is the primary cause of this problem. If a membrane surface is being used for both the main building and the deck, it is more practical to “hang” the deck frame from the main construction, with the membrane continuing up the wall of the main building. This will aid in making sure water is kept outside of a building. However, if slats are employed, it becomes far more challenging to keep cleaning water and precipitation out of the structure. In this case, we place a line of footings beside the house wall, leaving a space of roughly an inch and a half (2.5 cm) between the deck and the cladding. This will make it appear that the deck is an integral part of the main structure, and the unaltered cladding will continue to provide the same level of protection it would, with or without a balcony. Adding a second row of footings for support is an extra cost, but so is the time and labor required to remove cladding before attaching deck framing. Also, when a deck and a building are not joined together, the deck is far less likely to rot out the structure, a common issue that often requires costly repairs down the line.
Like any other construction project, the design of a deck must be grounded in a guiding principle. It should be aesthetically pleasing, weatherproof, and closely matched to the original piece. Also, it is never a good idea to speed through a building project’s design and construction phases. Keep in mind the primary purpose of a sundeck at all times: making the most of free time; take your time, but do determine and gather your supplies as quickly as feasible.
Hunterstruct Construction, owned by Ken Hunter, is a Vancouver-based construction company that serves clients in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Interior of British Columbia, and the Sunshine Coast. This Vancouver sundeck builder features some of its finest work on its website, Hunterstruct.com. The company’s sundecks are well-known for their practicality and aesthetic appeal. Our dedication to construction is evident.
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