How Much Deck Do I Need? Key Factors to Consider

Decks offer us the opportunity to relax after a long day, entertain family and friends, or get away from the kids with a good book. These outdoor havens come in many shapes and sizes. You find them in squares, rectangles, octagons, and other exciting designs. Some have seating built in. Some sit out in the middle of the yard like an island. It goes without saying, decks make life much nicer. If you want to build a new deck, you may wonder how much deck you need to ensure all who use it will benefit. Hiring an experienced Piedmont deck contractor helps alleviate many concerns. As professionals, they will ask the right questions about building your new deck so that you get exactly what you want and can enjoy years of outdoor time.

How to Decide on the Right Size of Deck

We use our decks for many things. The question you need to answer is, what is the primary use for your new outdoor oasis? Three primary and most common uses include lounging, dining, and grilling. Next, consider which option sums up what you will use it for 90% of the time, and then consider these sizes:

1. Lounging: You want a place to read the latest bestseller or sip on a beverage and view the landscape. That’s great! Ideally, you need enough space for your lounge chairs and to move around. The recommended minimum size is 9’ wide and 4’ deep. Now, you probably will not always be alone. Think through how many people may be enjoying your lounging area. If you currently have patio furniture, set it up in a seating formation and measure the space. You might be surprised at how much room you need. For example, that 9’x4’ deck may have to grow to 12’x12’.
2. Dining: You will need to account for a table and chairs and maybe some additional seating for those who want to eat out under the stars. Will you have dozens of people over consistently, or will it primarily be your family of four? Think about the number of people and the furniture requirements, and then build your deck to suit. You may find that you need a dining deck 16’x12’ to accommodate your small family and bigger if you have more.
3. Grilling: Are you looking for a small area off your kitchen to hold the grill? Do you want to have your grill in the same place where you will entertain? What kind of fuel do you use? Yes, there is much more to consider when you cook outside. For those that want a small area to hold their grill, the bare minimum room needed is 5’x4’. A better deck size is 12’x’12’ with a bump-out for the grill. You can entertain while cooking and keep the fire farther from the house.

Build the Perfect Deck for Your Piedmont Home with Schafer Construction

Trust your new deck to the team at Schafer Construction. We have decades of experience building wooden havens in the Piedmont area. Not only can we build beautiful, functional decks, but we can also help you keep it in tip-top shape with our Decks for Life program. Don’t put off your dream another minute. Contact us today! We are happy to discuss your needs and wants and design the best deck to realize that dream.

Call Schafer Construction at 510-339-9100 or contact us online. Homeowners across Piedmont and the San Francisco Bay Area rely on our skilled and experienced team for deck construction, inspection, and repair needs.