NEWSROOM

Because we specialize in deck construction and creative deck design, local homeowners ask us a lot of questions. One of the questions we hear most often is how big is the average deck?

On one hand, that’s an easy question to answer. Locally, decks average between 400-600 square feet. Front decks tend to be slightly smaller than back decks. Second and third story decks are smaller than ground floor decks. Multi-level decks can be much larger than average, and decks that surround another feature, such as a pool or fire pit, can wind up being quite large in their own right.

But these answers don’t really answer the true question that’s being asked, which is “How large should the deck for my house be?” We’ve never met the homeowner who truly felt their home was average. Every house has its own unique character and charm, and there’s no one right deck design that works on every structure.

This means that on some houses, a small, cute deck is exactly what’s wanted. Other houses – and the family that lives there – may require a gigantic spacious deck with lots of room for entertaining, outdoor living, and lots of kids and pets to play.

Creative deck design principles dictate that the deck should fit the house and the family. This means that a deck should be in scale with the structure it’s attached to. You wouldn’t want to stick a tiny deck on a huge house, nor vice versa: the disconnect in scale would create an unpleasant, jarring visual.

That being said, it’s important that the deck be large enough to accommodate all of the family’s needs. If you’re planning on using the deck to entertain large parties, it needs to be quite large – even if the house it is attached to is on the modest side.

The front deck is special. This is the deck that connects your home to the world; a landing that transitions people from the sidewalk or driveway into the entrance of your home. This is the very first point where your guests experience your hospitality. It’s the stage where you’re letting people know what they can expect when they visit you.

No pressure, right? Luckily, front deck design doesn’t have to be complicated. Make the process super simple by working with a local deck builder who specializes in creative deck design.

The best front deck designs complement and enhance your home’s appearance. In other words, the deck and the home should coordinate. If you have a traditional, formal home, you’ll want an elegant deck. If your place is more quirky and family friendly, you’ll want a cute deck design.

Essentials of Front Deck Design

All great front decks have to stay looking great, no matter what the weather is. That’s a tall order in Massachusetts, where the summer temps can soar into the high 90’s, and winter winds can result in temps dropping way below zero.

For this reason, the best deck builders rely on composite decking materials. These planet-friendly materials come in a variety of colors, don’t warp, split or bend, and resist insects, mold, and mildew. Composite decking also requires very little in the way of maintenance, especially compared to traditional wooden decks. While a wooden deck must be stained and sealed repeatedly throughout its lifetime, a composite deck needs only to be sprayed down with a hose periodically to stay looking great.

Front decks can be any size you’d like. The average deck in our area is between 400-500 square feet, although some multi-level decks are larger. To discover your front deck options and to see samples of our work, give us a call. We’ll be happy to discuss all of the possibilities with you!

Screen porches are awesome. There’s no doubt about that. If you need a comfortable place to relax, enjoy hanging out with your family and friends, or just have a quiet moment away without having to go anywhere, a screen porch is the best.

But we live in Massachusetts, which means there’s some pretty hard limits on when we can enjoy a screen porch. Remember January, when it was so cold, or December, when it just wouldn’t stop snowing? That’s not exactly screen porch weather – and that means that even though you’ve got the space, you’re not using it.

Sunrooms are also awesome. However, because sunrooms feature glass windows, rather than screen, you can enjoy them throughout the year. Depending on the design options you go for, your sunroom can be insulated and heated – a true outdoor living space for all four seasons.

The Advantages of Converting a Screen Porch Into a Sunroom

As home renovations go, converting a screen porch into a sunroom is easy and affordable. All of the essentials of the structure are already there. Your local deck designer can incorporate the existing screen porch into a sunroom, integrating windows and doors as needed to create a gorgeous, spacious sunroom.

What will you use your sunroom for? There’s literally no limit on how you can enjoy a sunroom. Some people use their sunrooms in much they way they use the screen porch – as an area to relax and unwind. Sunrooms are also very popular as children’s playrooms. They’re great concentration spaces – if you need to study, work on creative projects, practice a musical instrument, or mediate, a sunroom can be exactly what you need.

If you think you’d like to convert your screen porch into a sunroom, the time to talk to your local deck builder is now. The spring building season has already started. The sooner your screen porch conversion is completed, the sooner you can begin enjoying your new sunroom.

As winter draws to a close, it’s time to focus on what home improvements you’ll make this year. There’s nothing more satisfying for a homeowner than the process of gradually making the home uniquely suited to the family that lives there.

Decks are a great example. Infinitely customizable, decks can serve as a family’s place to relax and enjoy themselves. Active families use their decks as a landing zone – a place to gather before or after practice, celebrate victories, play with pets, and enjoy each others’ company. And for couples in love, there’s nothing more romantic than a deck that can be used to view the stars on some romantic evening.

When Designing Your Deck, Consider the View

Framingham is a really pretty community. Many of the homes have spectacular views. With that in mind, we want to talk about one of the principles of creative deck design: choosing your deck placement based on the view.

Many families choose to put their biggest deck on the back of the house, away from the road. There’s two reasons for this: they prefer the view of the back yard to the street view, and positioning the deck behind the house accords a greater degree of privacy.

That being said, some homeowners prefer to put their deck on the front of the house. Watching neighborhood activity is a bonus for some folks, and a well-appointed deck with comfortable seating is a great place to enjoy chatting with friends.

Second Story Decks: Gaze Further

There are times when it makes a lot of sense to attach the deck to the second story of the home. This is especially true in multi-family units, where all of the residents might appreciate the outdoor living space. We’ve also had lots of couples have a deck adjoining their bedroom suite: it’s a lovely place to enjoy coffee with your sweetheart in the morning or the stars late at night.

Need help planning your deck? Find local deck builders near Framingham, MA here.