By Roger Marx
•
June 9, 2023
The exterior of modern homes is far more than a perfectly manicured lawn and a few flower pots to boost curb appeal. No, contemporary homes are finding innovative ways to create dynamic outdoor living spaces to help increase the functional square footage of the property and provide homeowners with a breath of fresh air and change of scenery. With that said, not every outdoor living space is created equally, with poorly designed spaces often more trouble than they are worth. To help avoid this scenario, keep reading for 5 pro tips on how to create a functional and stylish outdoor living space! Make Sure Rooftop Areas Can Carry the Load Rooftop decks are an emerging trend among homeowners looking to maximize every square inch of exterior space possible. They are especially prevalent in areas that do not have a ton of adjacent land, as they provide some stunning views and a wonderful interior/exterior transition area when entertaining guests. However, before laying down rooftop flooring tiles to complete the space, it is critical to test the rooftop and see what kind of load it can handle. Do not build a rooftop deck on a roof whose beams and rafters are not in top condition. Furthermore, it is a great idea to lay down structural b decking on top of these substrate materials to further support the load. B decking helps provide shear support that transfers vertical loads horizontally to the frame. It can allow flat roofs to accommodate substantially more weight than it could without b decking and limits the risk of acute damage to the roof. Use Low Profile Railing To Guarantee Deck Views According to Remodeling Magazine , a deck addition is one of the most value-adding projects a homeowner can undertake, boosting home value by 40-50% of project costs for most applications. However, much of this value is contingent on the deck functioning as intended. For example, buyers aren’t going to pay extra for a home with a deck if it doesn’t enhance views and allow them to enjoy a change of scenery. Therefore, when building a deck, look into hog wire and other types of welded wire deck railing to secure the perimeter of the deck without inhibiting views. Choose the Right Materials for a Deck Project Deck projects are one of the most popular for DIY enthusiasts. To this end, there are many types of products, such as innovative fasteners for deck ledger board installation and lock-in-place composite deck boards, that can facilitate deck projects for non-professionals and guarantee that DIY deck projects are up to code. With that said, be sure to choose the right type of materials for your project. Make sure they will be able to accommodate the amount of furniture and traffic you plan on using on your deck. If you can’t resist the timeless beauty of a natural cedar deck, be sure to treat it with the right type of polyurethane to improve its moisture and fire resistance. Incorporate Some Sun Protection Exterior spaces will be far from popular if inhabitants are left to bake in the sun. Nobody will want to spend hours outside if they are sweating, squinting, and having to remember to re-apply sunscreen every 90 minutes. With that said, there are a number of ways to add a little shade to an exterior space. Some ideas include: Portable awnings and porch umbrellas Rustic porch ceilings Decorative pergolas for both attached and stand-alone structures Not only will providing shade make them more desirable areas for people to hang out, but the right shading mechanisms can add some style and character that ties the aesthetics of the exterior together. Lower Maintenance Requirements As Much As Possible Not only will run-down exteriors detract from curb appeal, but they will be extremely uninviting as gathering spots. Nobody wants to hang out on a deck that is sagging, a lawn overgrown with weeds, or a patio with standing water. As such, it is critical to look into adding as many low-maintenance features to your exterior as possible. Composite decking boards are increasing in popularity because they can withstand UV and moisture damage without having to be regularly treated. Stone landscaping pavers with built-in drainage features are providing a strong option in place of traditional concrete. Artificial turf is gaining attention for homeowners looking for that lush green aspect without having to continually water, trim, and fertilize. Get Started Today Toward a More Functional and Stylish Exterior Creating a functional and stylish exterior living space is critical for maximizing the value of a contemporary home. For most applications, the most straightforward way to accomplish this is through the installation of a high-quality deck. For more information on building the perfect deck, contact Decks By Dak today for a consultation! Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor , a new construction industry resource site.
