Homeowners looking to expand their outdoor living space or add value to their property often opt to build a deck. It’s widely considered a valuable addition to a home as it optimises the available space while boosting aesthetic value and functionality. Moreover, those who love spending time outdoors can enjoy it in the comfort of their homes.
According to 2019 data from the Queensland government, 6% of Australian homes have a deck or balcony, with higher numbers reported in their locality. A good reflection of how many property owners choose to use their space for a beautifully designed outdoor living space. Â
If you’re thinking about building a deck in your home, here are some of the factors you can consider to ensure that you’re making the most out of your property space:Â
Purpose
It’s helpful to identify the purpose of building your deck before construction. This way, you’ll have a better idea of the space you’ll require, the amenities and furnishings you’ll need, and other essential aspects of your project. Â
Here are some of the most common functions of a deck in a household:Â
- Entertainment areaÂ
- Leisure spaceÂ
- Outdoor diningÂ
- Area for plant or flower cultivationÂ
- Pet loungeÂ
Some decks can be designed to cater to multiple purposes, and this can be a viable option if you have yet to determine a specific use for your outdoor living space. Also, choosing a flexible design for your deck may be smart since you can tailor the furnishings and amenities based on how you intend to use the space. Â
Budget
The size, materials, amenities, décor, and other aspects of your deck will significantly depend on your budget for your build project. Apart from these, you’ll also need to allocate funds for labour costs and building permits. Â
The average cost to build a deck in Australia would be around AUD$3000 to $10.000, with each square foot costing around AUD$200 using basic decking materials such as treated pine. These quoted prices include labour costs and other expenses, though it’s possible to have significant price changes due to the construction industry’s price hike caused by supply chain challenges and inflation. Â
- MaterialsÂ
Many homeowners opt for the natural wood finish for their deck because of its effortless appeal. However, organic wood isn’t the only material option nowadays, especially as many types of combination materials have been introduced in the market.Â
You can find treated or weatherproof wood materials and composite items made of recycled wood and synthetic products. Meanwhile, Millboard premium composite decking is ideal if you want a wood-free material with the same look and finish. Millboard is made by combining resin and mineral fibres, resulting in rot and insect-proof material that offers stability and weather resistance ideal for outdoor use. Â
While it may require you to invest more initially, using sturdy materials may save you money in the long run since you’ll need fewer repairs or replacements. For instance, many composite decking companies offer up to 25 years of limited residential warranty provided the installation was done according to manufacturer instructions. Composite materials are also known for their weather and damage resistance, which is why many consider them ideal for deck building.
- Amenities and furnishingsÂ
Being an extension of your home, you’ll need to add amenities and furnishings to your deck. Since these items will take up floor space, you must consider which ones you want to include in your deck design and how they’ll be arranged. Doing so lets you decide the deck size you need and how the furnishings and décor would be set. Â
Aside from this, you can also consider adding built-in items such as a firepit for decking, storage, bench, tables, and other things you’ll need to use regularly or for the long term in your backyard. This way, you can optimize your construction materials and have the items you need ready for use as your deck is built. Â
- PrivacyÂ
Having a deck provides a safe, comfortable space to do the activities you enjoy, such as lounging by a fire pit, reading, or enjoying nature’s beauty. As you do so, however, it’s ideal to have as much privacy as possible so you can be free from distractions or unwarranted attention from outsiders. Hence, it’s also essential to consider the privacy you can have when choosing a location and building a deck in your backyard. Â
ConclusionÂ
Building an outdoor deck can significantly improve your property in many ways, though completing this project requires time and resources. You’ll also need to consider many factors, such as decking materials, amenities, costs, and function.
Overall, adding a deck to your outdoor space can be rewarding, provided that you plan ahead and carefully allocate your resources. Looking for a decking supplier, visit our website to explore quality millboard decking options worthy of your investment.
