INCREASE YOUR
LIVING SPACE
HERE ARE SOME GREAT LOOKING DECKING IDEAS THAT WILL ADD TO THE
FUNCTIONAL AND USABLE SPACE AROUND YOUR HOME:
PLATFORM DECK
This is by far the most popular choice in custom
decking. These are usually built coming off a main
access point on the back of your house such as a
patio door or sliding glass doors off a family room.
The advantage of these is they can be built fully
enclosed so if the access point is shut off it restricts
entry. Platform decks are not restricted to ground
level either as they can easily be attached to upper
stories of your home.
Photo Source: XMT Construction, www.xmtconstruction.ca
FREE STANDING/FLOATING/DETACHED DECK
These are just a few of the terms that are associated with a deck that
is not attached to your home in any way. They are much more prac-
tical than you might think and they add a lot of flexibility to your deck
building choices. They can be set near your house and incorporated
into such things as a fire pit or than can be built further away from your
house to give you a more peaceful and serene setting to unwind.
HOT TUB ENTERTAINMENT AREA
Do you own a portable spa or are thinking about buying one? Then
why settle for having just a spa when you can make it a part of an
outdoor entertainment area. You can sink the hot tub into a deck or
build a tiered platform up around it. Once you do this you can use the
surrounding area for sitting, entertaining or as your own private place
to relax. Your spa will no longer be something you just get in and out
of but it will become a part of an area outside of your home where it is
fun to hangout.
GARDEN SITTING AREA
This can be a great idea for a detached deck. If you are into plants
and gardening you can have a detached deck or island designed for
you that will give you the peaceful and tranquil setting you have al-
ways craved. You can add benches or other seating where you can sit
an unwind reading or just enjoy the stress free feeling of being among
nature.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN/BARBECUE
Many people have small deck or concrete patio areas where they
have a barbecue grill set up but why limit yourself to just that. With a
nice expanded deck area for grilling you will have space to sit, eat and
entertain. You can even be as elaborate as having other appliances
built in besides just your grill too. This is a great idea if you have a
swimming pool nearby or like to spend time outdoors no matter what
season it is.
LANAI
These are essentially decks that have a screen house built over
them. They are very popular in homes that have a swimming pool in
the backyard. Lanai are great for helping you to enjoy your extended
outdoor living space without having to worry about being constantly
bothered by bugs. - XMT Construction, www.xmtconstruction.ca