How Do You Design a Deck So It Actually Fits the Home?

Hey folks! This is the team at Euro Decks.

Welcome to another Q&A session where we answer questions from you all on the internet.

Today's question is:

"How Do You Design a Deck So It Actually Fits the Home?"

Summary:

The owner emphasizes that the homeowner's preferences are always the top priority, but he also brings his professional opinion to the layout and design. He typically incorporates the natural lines and shape of the house to create symmetry and make the deck feel intentional rather than like an afterthought. Before designing, he wants to understand what's motivating the project, since a family wanting space for kids to play will likely need a different layout than a retired couple wanting a safe transition from house to backyard. Regardless of the specific goals, he always designs around the home's existing lines to keep things visually cohesive. He notes that this attention to purposeful design, including stair placement and footprint, is something many contractors who rush through bids often overlook, but it's central to how Euro Decks approaches every project.

Answer:

That's a great question. The first step is, and I tell every homeowner this, it's their home, and everybody is different, so at the end of the day what the homeowner likes and wants is the number one priority. But I will always give my professional opinion on the layout and design of the deck. Typically, I like to incorporate the natural lines and body of the house to create symmetry and make the deck look purposeful alongside the home. I first want to understand what's inspiring the change, because a homeowner who wants the deck as a place for their kids to play is going to need a different layout and design than a retired couple who wants a safe area to transition from the house to the backyard. But I'm always going to incorporate the layout, design, and lines of the house to create a look that's not just symmetrical but purposeful. I think designing a deck to be purposeful is something that's really important and something a lot of people miss, especially contractors who are just slapping together a bid quickly and don't take the time to make sure the layout, the stair location, and the footprint actually make sense for the home and for the homeowner's needs. We really design around those things every time.