Deck Me Out – Step Out on a New Platform this Summer
Some dream of great things, others dream of decks. Us Kiwis put great emphasis on our outdoor living, in fact 24 % of renovations in 2017 involved deck building Down Under, according to a recent Houzz New Zealand’s survey.
Not only does a well-designed deck extend our living outdoors, creating flow and uniting, it also adds value to a home. Whether you’re thinking of selling or staying, a deck investment – or a spruce up of your current one – can increase a home’s value by up to 30%, says Brett Fleming of Framed Builders.
However, before taking hand to hammer or hiring a team to turn your dream into a reality, survey your site and surrounds. The key to maximal deck impact and use, is all in the design planning. Picking your materials, factoring in protection and storage, mapping out the best construction techniques and envisioning the overall atmosphere, are all areas that must be hammered out.
Wooden you know it
Whether you’re building new or extending an existing deck, choosing local materials will keep budget and maintenance low, says Alex Leonard of Built Spaces.
“New Zealand-grown radiata pine is a great sustainable and cost-effective decking option. It’s also available in long lengths which allows for less joins and is an easily workable soft wood,” he says. “Hardwoods come in many different varieties, each has a unique look and is less susceptible to expansion and contraction. However, it is important to oil hardwoods regularly to maintain the natural look and prolong lifespan.”
For a wood alternative, composite decking – recycled plastic and sawdust – is available in many colours and is a good, low maintenance option, says Alex.
“It holds its colour and doesn’t need to be oiled or painted, and has a hidden fastening system for a seamless finish.”
Protect and store
Most outdoor furnishings are designed to endure a little weather, but for those that aren’t fully protected by deck overhangs or sails, taking measures to protect or store them outside of summer months saves in more ways than one.
For greater overhead protection and to maximise indoor/outdoor flow – no matter what the season – custom designing a shade sail, awning or drop screen for your deck, is a sound investment.
“When you are custom creating specifically to your deck space, you’re going to maximise your area, fixings will be fitted to a point that’s structurally sound and pleasing to the eye, and the colour scheme is your best fit,” explains Mike Hindrup of Taupō’s Central Trim Cover Makers.
“The options are endless. With shade sails you can have top quality waterproof PVC fabric or a shade mesh. With awnings, consider lateral arm awnings, fixed arm awnings or fixed frame awnings – even motorised options,” he explains. “With drop screens you can have a roll up option or crank operated roller tube for crank handle roll up. In the long-term it’s about what’s going to serve you best.”
Best practise
We want our decks to last but we also want to use them freely. Therefore, sound construction is important to longevity and minimal wear and tear.
Before picking up the hammer, ensure you have a supply of stainless-steel fixings, as these won’t corrode. Screwing down the ends of boards also results in a cleaner finish.
Ventilation is key to preservation too, so don’t fully enclose your deck perimeter, advises Isaac Dean of Oceanside Homes.
“If you are going to use a sheet material around the sides of your deck, include vents – these are easily cut in. Alternatively, you could opt for slats with gaps, or leave it open.”
As it stands, a compliant deck is a safer deck. “Whilst you don’t require building consent for decks under one-and-a-half metres above the ground, the law still requires you to have a balustrade if it’s over a metre,” explains Isaac.
New Zealand’s building research agency, Branz, provide an online ‘Build Supplement, Timber Decks’ full of helpful hints, advice and resource materials: www.branz.co.nz
Your space speak
With deck complete, taking a step back to study your space before venturing off to fill it, is a must. Consider, your overall coverage area, the shape of it – is it long, narrow, broad or wide? Would a bar table set work better than a regular six-seater dining ensemble?
Whatever your deck map, keeping affordability and longevity at the fore of decision making – and stylishness too – is a must, says John Collett, owner of Danske Mobler, Taupō.
“Whether it’s timber, woven wicker or aluminium it’s about finding a style and price that’s the best fit for you,” he says.
“Our outdoor furniture ranges – from lounge suites and loungers, to tables, chairs and umbrellas – come with either a five-year New Zealand-made warranty or three-year imported warranty, to ensure greater peace-of-mind season after season. Pop on down and speak to our experts about sourcing the best choices for your deck.”
An ambient atmosphere and one that best fits your family lifestyle and entertaining needs, is all important when dressing your new pad too. By lighting the way, you can change a one-dimensional space into something with character, says lighting expert Chris Brasell of Chris Brasell Landcapes.
“Before you illuminate your deck area, it’s important to step back and survey the available surfaces because lighting application must be addressed individually,” he explains. “Question whether you want to light the floor surface, or whether you’re adding light features to your vertical surfaces – or both?”
Glare control should also be a key consideration, says Chris.
“Particularly as decking areas are used as a primary social space. Glare can cause visual discomfort which may limit deck usage.”
To boost ambience and comfort further, think cushions, seat pads, planters and hammocks that marry style and function. At the end of the day, it’s your choice which design trends you choose to follow, but quality remains king – you get what you pay for.