One of the primary reasons most people buy a lakeside home is to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Adding or replacing the lakefront deck on your property is a great way to increase functionality and curb appeal. Designing a lakefront deck requires careful planning to ensure you get the perfect outdoor space for your home and family.
There are many elements to balance when designing a lakefront deck. The first step is to think about how you plan to use it. To get the most out of your new deck, aim for a design that reflects your preferred activities and interests. Do you entertain large groups frequently? Do you like to sunbathe or relax in the shade? Is privacy from neighbors an issue? Do you want a hot tub, outdoor kitchen, or other amenities incorporated into your outdoor living space?
The design should also match the existing exterior of your home because an architecturally beautiful deck can still look out of place in the wrong environment. It’s often easier to balance these kinds of interrelated elements with the help of online deck design tools. Consider the following 8 design tips as you begin designing your dream deck.
- Choose the Right Size for Your Property
Scale your deck project appropriately to your home and property, while ensuring it is large enough to accommodate your needs. Many architects and builders recommend that a deck should be no larger than 20 percent of the home’s square footage, so it doesn’t overpower it visually. If you and your family spend a lot of time outside, you can build a multi-level deck with several smaller areas to create a more aesthetically pleasing effect. Working with an experienced deck designer and builder is the best way to ensure your new lakefront deck is the right size and style for your home and property.
- Select the Right Location
How you want your deck to function will determine which spot is best. If you envision entertaining groups, easy indoor-outdoor access to your kitchen and bathrooms is important. Placing the deck where you’ll have a mix of sun and shade for comfort is also a good idea. If you have several options for placement, you’ll need to weigh the following: the size of the area, the deck’s proximity to various entrances of your home, your options for privacy, and the view of the location.
3. Customize It For Your Lifestyle
Ideally, your new deck will be a natural extension of your home. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as outdoor dining, entertaining, or simply lounging and enjoying the beauty of the Lake of The Ozarks. Using every inch of available space to create functional living space is important. Think about how you intend to use your deck. Do you entertain large groups or prefer smaller gatherings? Do you want a hot tub, outdoor kitchen, or built-in seating area incorporated into your new deck? An experienced deck design and build company can help you create a space that suits your lifestyle.
- Plan for Storage
Storage is one of the most easily overlooked features people consider when designing a deck. Whether you use added storage for putting away outdoor cookware and seat cushions, or just keeping gardening tools out of sight, good storage options will improve the functionality of your deck. To add both storage and seating, consider installing box benches with hinged seats. Box seats are a great place to store outdoor accessories during inclement weather. If you have a raised deck, there may be enough room below to store water toys, seasonal items, and tools.
- Visual Appeal
A well-designed deck that seamlessly integrates with the overall look and feel of the home will be more valuable than one that looks out of place. One of the biggest advantages of owning a lakeside property is the scenic views it has to offer. To take full advantage of your waterfront view, building a multi-level deck that can deliver varied views of the scenic landscape is a great idea. This can be especially important if you plan to sell your home in the future.
- Safety is Paramount
Your deck’s foundation needs to be sturdy enough to support the deck’s entire structure as well as the weight load on top of it. If your lakefront lot has a slippery slope to navigate, incorporating non-slip steps and secondary handrails is a good idea. Good lighting will make your deck safer and more inviting. Low-voltage lighting is popular because it’s compact and easy to install but there are many options to explore. For a clean, professional look, install modular lighting that integrates seamlessly into posts, railings, and stairs. Solar powered lighting options are also available.
- Consider an Underdecking System
Adding an underdecking system can increase your home’s outdoor living space and create a dry functional space. Gain a completely new room or storage space underneath your upper level by having an underdecking system installed. Whether you use it to store seasonal decorations or outdoor toys, or create a warm, dry spot to lounge during a summer rain, incorporating an underdecking system into your new deck is a great way to expand your outdoor living space. Choosing an experienced contractor to install your underdecking system will assure your space is used to the fullest advantage and is constructed to the highest standards.
- Decking Material Options
Today’s homeowners have more options than ever when it comes to deck materials. Hardwood, pressure treated, and composite decks are just a few options available. While many homeowners like the look of natural wood decks, many are choosing low maintenance composite decking materials. Composite decking eliminates the need for staining or resealing your deck. In addition, issues with peeling, splittering, and rot will go away. The only maintenance high-quality composite decks require is an occasional washing to keep them looking their best.
Start Planning Your Dream Deck Today
Whether you need to replace an aging deck or build a whole new one, there are a lot of factors to consider. A professionally built deck can significantly increase the value of your home, especially in the Lake of the Ozarks area, where outdoor living is an integral part of the lifestyle. A well designed deck adds value by expanding your family living area and increasing the quality of enjoyment to your backyard space. A custom built deck can also be combined with a dock to create a seamless, holistic entertainment experience that includes a myriad of fun waterfront activities for homeowners at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Choose RainTight for Your Lake of the Ozarks Project
RainTight has unique solutions that allow you to enjoy your existing deck, patio, or porch regardless of the weather. Our team has decades of experience designing and installing custom-made underdeck systems, screen rooms, and patio covers. We can create a custom design that increases the value of your home, blends seamlessly with your existing architecture, and provides years of enjoyment.
RainTight’s headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in O’Fallon, Missouri. Since 2007, we’ve served clients throughout the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. We are also pleased to serve clients in the Lake of the Ozarks region. Contact us online or call us at 636-242-5753 to discuss your needs and schedule a free consultation.