Small kids can have a big influence on deck design! Whether you’re parents, grandparents, or have lots of young visitors on a regular basis, you want to be sure that your deck is safe and fun for kids. Here’s what that looks like:
Strong deck rails and gates: Children always need to be supervised when they’re outdoors – especially lightning fast toddlers who can get themselves into a dangerous situation before you can say “Where did they go?” That being said, it’s a smart idea to talk to your Massachusetts deck builders about deck rails, balusters and spindle options, and gates to keep kids safely on the porch. Let your contractor know if you’ve got a little climber or acrobat – they can make recommendations that help keep everyone safe.
The outdoor kitchen: Outdoor kitchens are often discussed as a place for grownups to have a lot of fun but the fact is that having a small refrigerator and sink outdoors can make life with the little ones much, much easier. The sink is useful for quick clean ups and as we all know, little kids can make big messes.
The shade feature: The summer sun is fun, but when you’re little, it’s easy to get overheated quickly. Have your deck builders install a shade feature where the kids can enjoy themselves out of the direct sun. This is also important for people who are getting older, as well as anyone who takes medication that makes them more sensitive to sunlight.
A screen house on the porch: Mosquitoes and other insects carry lots of diseases you don’t want your kids coming into contact with. One way to keep everyone safe and happy is to have your local deck builder put a screen house on the porch. Screen houses also make it easier to keep little kids on the porch and out of the direct sun. It turns out that some kids just love taking naps in a screen house, which is an extra bonus!