Seven Backyard Living Ideas for Your New Custom Deck
Your backyard can be another living space for your family if you maintain it properly. Here at Structurally Speaking, we specialize in building custom outdoor living spaces that work perfectly with your home’s style. Here are seven backyard living ideas and tips to create an outdoor area your entire family will love.
Create Zones for Different Functions
When we say “deck,” what comes to mind? For many people, it might be a boring rectangular slab of wood that takes up space in their backyard. However, a custom deck doesn’t have to look like this.
In fact, we recommend thinking about your outdoor living space in “zones” with different functions for different needs. You might have a seating area for lounging, areas for planters, and more. We can even build a multi-level deck or a deck that connects to an indoor/outdoor space such as a screened porch or sun porch. During the deck design process, we’ll talk to you about what makes the most sense for your family.
Click here to read more about the different types of designs we offer, along with information about materials and tips for making your backyard family-friendly.
Think About Areas of Sun and Shade
The position of your home in relation to the sun can make a big impact on how much you enjoy your deck. When we design your new deck, we’ll consider areas of both sun and shade, along with how we can build a deck that takes advantage of this during different times of the day.
One option we often recommend is a pergola. These provide some shade without blocking your view. They are also awesome for climbing plants such as ivy.
Cater to the Family Cook
Your new deck can be a great place to grill. But what about thinking bigger? If you have someone in your family who loves to cook, you might want to create an entire outdoor kitchen.
Light Up Your Living Space
Proper lighting will make your new deck safer so you can use it even as the sun goes down. As we design your outdoor living space, we can include built-in lighting along paths, stairs, and railings. We can also add specific task lighting in areas where it is needed, such as around a hot tub or outdoor kitchen.
Add Built-In Seating, Planters, and Storage
When designing your new deck, we’ll look for ways to add special features that make your outdoor space more convenient. Our team can build seating, planters, storage solutions, and more right into the deck. This can help you create “zones” as we discussed previously, and it also makes it super simple to style your new space.
During your initial consultation, this is one of the points we’ll cover, along with your budget. We always make sure to design decks within our clients’ budgets. You won’t get a surprise bill at the end of the project when you work with Structurally Speaking.
Invest in Water or Fire Features
Water features such as waterfalls and fountains can add that “something special” to your yard. Likewise, fire features like fire pits and outdoor fireplaces can create a cozy vibe. We can help you design a deck or porch with either type of feature in mind.
The advantage to a custom deck is that you can design the exact space you want. Some of our clients want to lounge by a babbling water fountain. Other clients want to relax while roasting marshmallows over the fire. And of course, some want both! We can create the relaxing space of your dreams. When you build a DIY deck or work with a large company that only has a few standard designs available, you have to settle for a deck that isn’t perfect. Custom is always the way to go!
Design Your Dream Entertainment Space
The last of our backyard living ideas and tips is to think about how you will use the space to entertain. Some people host large parties, so for them, a very open deck space might be most important. Other people love intimate gatherings, so they might be more interested in smaller setting. Still others want a family-friendly space, an area to watch the game outside or host movie night, or a spa-like retreat perfect for couples with built-in privacy.
Whatever you’re envisioning, we can create it. If you aren’t sure, that’s okay too! We’ll walk you through the design process during your initial consultation. Then, during your design presentation, we’ll show you 3D versions to bring your ideas to life.
FAQs About Your Backyard Living Ideas
We’d be happy to answer any questions you have about backyard living ideas during your free consultation. Here are a few frequently asked questions to get you started:
How can I maximize my outdoor living space?
It’s all about finding what works best for you. If your kids love your yard space, we’ll make sure to design a smaller deck that leaves plenty of room for grass, for example. Our custom decks perfectly complement the home, while also considering your family’s habits.
Which outdoor space is right for me?
We build decks, enclosed porches and sun porches. Additionally, we can build combination spaces. If you’re not sure which option is best, we can talk to you about the pros and cons of each in relation to your specific space, budget, and lifestyle.
Do you have other backyard living ideas perfect for my home?
Yes! We are happy to build specific solutions that are perfect for your family. During your free initial meeting with us, we’ll look at your available space and talk to you about what is most important for you in a backyard living space. Click here to get started!