Backyard Recreational Decks
If your favorite time of the year just so happens to be the summer, then you probably have a small spring in your step as you feel the temperatures rising day by day. Whether you enjoy spending a few relaxing hours in the swimming pool, playing a ball game with the kids or your beloved doggie, or maybe cooking a sumptuous batch of your famous BaconCheeseGuacBurgers on the barbecue for a group of friends and family members, summertime is filled to the brim with things to do, and all in the comfort of your own home.
When it comes to spending time on a backyard deck during the summer, one of the greatest pleasures in life is to grab a cold drink (or strong cup of coffee!) and a good book or laptop/tablet, and just watching the day go by. Backyard decks that are built specifically for recreation are available in numerous different colors and designs, such as the traditional one-level deck option as well as multi-level deluxe decking. In many cases, a deck gradually becomes an extension of the family room over time through the addition of an outdoors entertainment system (TV, DVD player, stereo system and speakers, and so on).
With many deck set-ups, the only limits to what you would like to have installed will be due to your budget, the building restrictions in your neighborhood, and the size of the space itself. For example, for barbecue enthusiasts who desire the opportunity to hold regular BBQ cookouts once a week, you may consider a mini-kitchen area fitted onto your deck that features a refrigerator, a cleanup sink, a serving counter, a food preparation area, and perhaps even an accompanying granite bar. In some respects, you are bringing many of the basic elements of your home out into the open, including somewhere to prepare and eat food as well as a place to sit and entertain.
If you already have your own dream recreational deck, you know how content the area makes your family and how much time is actively spent hanging out and relaxing there. You may have hosted a swanky family reunion on your decking, or perhaps thrown a few birthday parties over the years. When it comes to these types of memorable events, having the right venue is paramount, and your decking will become the go-to venue for many happy family memories. And if you don't own a backyard rec deck, you're probably wishing you had one now!
Making your ideal dream deck a reality usually comes after getting a rough idea of what the spot will be predominantly used for. Is it only for eating and drinking? Or is it strictly a part of your property where your family is allowed to watch TV and listen to music outdoors while enjoying the relaxing breeze? Do you want a certain color or type of lighting installed in the area? And do you expect your family members to use the deck when the colder months arrive? If so, a fire pit could help keep everyone warm while also creating a fantastic focal point! A fire pit also works wonders if you decide to use your backyard deck for daily yoga practice. A pet run or play areas for the kids are also great uses for your decking.
Traditionally, decorative woods such as pine, mahogany, cedar, ipe and redwood are used for deck construction. Pine is one of the most popular - and least costly - options, typically retailing for roughly half the price of what cedar and redwood costs. Ipe, on the other hand, boasts an incredible resistance to bugs as well as rot caused by extreme weather conditions. Wood is not the only decking surface used at present. Other popular deck products are manufactured from composite materials, such as plastic resins and recycled ground-up wood. However, with composite deck materials, although they do not splinter and also require less maintenance than wood materials, many people decide on wood because of its undeniable aesthetic appeal.
Frequently asked questions
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