Deck access is an important factor in the design and creation of this important type of outdoor structure. No matter how complete the landscape design is made, even the most luxurious deck will not be used unless it can be seen from the inside, unless an easy way to get at it is provided and if its uses are in conflict with the uses of any adjacent interior room.
Visual access, actual access and compatibility have the power to spell the difference between successful and unsuccessful deck designs. There are practical solutions to these potential problems.
1. Visual access - Basically visual access means being able to see the deck. However it should also mean extending a tangible invitation into this outdoor space. Windows, French doors, atrium doors, sliding glass doors and screen doors easily provide visual access even when they are closed. However, it is not essential to view the entire deck in order to want to go out and enjoy it. Just a glimpse can be more effective in drawing one in than a complete view. It may be necessary to rearrange interior room furnishings in order to see some of the deck.
It may also be necessary to rearrange furniture on the deck so that the deck might be seen from the inside of the home. In landscaping a deck it is essential to include techniques which will entice guests outside by providing visual hints of the destination. At least some of the deck area should be seen from more than one interior room while the most complete view would be from the room that adjoins it.
To improve the visual flow select decking and accents whose colors and patterns resemble the decor of the interior room. This similarity will establish an indoor-outdoor connection at a glance.
2. Actual access - This refers to the physical procedure used to move from the inside of the house to the deck outside. Actual access should be simple and easy. Wide doorways create an inviting transition between house and deck making the deck actually feel like part of the room. If possible avoid having to step too far up or down to move from the interior to the exterior. This would necessitate the level of the deck being close to the level of the interior floor.
In case the deck is much lower than the exterior door of the home, add a landing or an entry deck to avoid having to step down immediately upon leaving the house. This threshold provides an opportunity to get one's bearings in moving from the inside to the outside. If a landing is not practical create steps that are wider than the doorway. This will create the illusion of spaciousness and at the same time provide an area that can double as a casual seating area.
3. Compatability - The success of the deck design may depend largely upon how the nearest indoor room is used even when all of the other design elements are complete. This results from the fact that a deck is used more often when the general purpose of both the outdoor and indoor spaces is similar. A small deck adjacent to the bedroom would not be ideal for party space but would be a perfect choice for coffee and the morning paper.
Frequent dining would necessitate the deck being close to the kitchen even if a self-contained kitchen is a part of the deck. In the case of entertaining a practical and effective location for the deck would be close to the public rooms of the home such as the family room or great room.
Decks that serve 2 or more functions should be large enough to be accessible from a number of rooms. Often a wraparound deck is an ideal choice for this. If privacy is an important issue, look for options to limit access such as the use of tall shrubs, hedges, screening, fencing or an overhead structure such as an arbor or pergola. For entertaining the opposite is true.
Look for ways to increase access such as adding doorways from rooms used to entertain. Consider also exterior paths and walkways that permit guests to move to and from the deck without having to navigate through the home.
Visual deck access, actual deck access and compatibility are vital factors that have a tremendous impact upon the effectiveness of the deck design chosen and the measure of enjoyment by homeowners and their families.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I had part of my old deck replaced and the old ...
By: bdealer | 18-09-2008
I had part of my old deck replaced and the old part was redwood stained with a sealer and the new part did not match up so it was spray painted . Is this going to be a problem. And should I have the deck sealed no
w?
Decks
By: robbdaman | 15-09-2008
new deck this year. stained it , now have sap and white spots and streaks occuring. what can I do? sand down bad spots and restain?
Floating floors and steps
By: patty | 15-09-2008
When installing a floating floor (over concrete) how does one deal with an edge that ends in a step?
Upstairs Deck is the Roof of our Sun Room and IT ...
By: janie | 10-09-2008
Upstairs Deck is the Roof of our Sun Room and IT LEAKS. What can (How to write a great question)we seal the deck with to make it a good deck and roof/ceiling area?
Finishing a cedar deck
By: razor | 08-09-2008
iam sanding my cedar deck after the oil stain came of the top of the deck after the winters rain and cold , so iam sandind and iam going to finish with thompsons semi transparant oil stain , would two thin coats be enough or one good good , iam using a 5" brush , and after that should i seal it with a sealer ?? and after you have sanded the deck should i wash it with a deck wash ?? thanks razor
Do I need a permit for a deck, Los Angeles County ...
By: alibatliner | 08-09-2008
Do I need a permit for a deck, Los Angeles County. Deck height is 19" from ground, 14'x20'.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Home and Family Articles
Baby Diaper Bags For Peace of Mind
By: David Cummings | 11/10/2008
Baby diaper bags can hold a lot of the necessary items babies need when they are away from home. Babies go through a lot of diapers and wet wipes at an early age and that is why baby diaper bags were invented. They carry all the diapers, wipes, creams and...
Child Insurance: A Threat?
By: Sarah Martin | 11/10/2008
The attack on child insurance, if not adequately answered, threatened the very life of industrial insurance. Weekly Premium business was for the family; and unless the youngsters who formed so large a part of the family were included, the basic principle of this type of coverage was defeated. ...
Ceramic Floors - How to Tile Them
By: Matt Morgan | 11/10/2008
This article provides tips and advice on how to tile a ceramic floor from preperation of the floor surfuce through to grouting the newly laid tiles.
Key Elements for Planning Successful School Fundraising Events
By: Juan Franco | 10/10/2008
There are so many aspects and angles to putting on a great and profitable school fundraising program that it can make your head swim. Fortunately, there are many resources you can go to so that you don't have to re-invent the wheel just because you are new to the fundraising scene. Here are a few things that will help you get started on your school fundraising plans.
The Teddy Bear Hidden Wireless Camera is Very Convenient to Keep an Eye on the Nanny
By: Raul Crasmin | 10/10/2008
We should pride our self on to believe that we are enhanced with the contemporary equipments and how we can expand our knowledge and skill from them while using them at our working places or even at our homes. Following the fact that once we have hunted out the expansion...
Baby Shower Party: Shower Invitations
By: Janet R. | 10/10/2008
Since then, baby shower party were practiced with a specific and important purpose, that is to shower the soon-to-be mother with lots of gifts for her baby. Although we can't point out the exact history of the baby shower, most of us agree that its purpose has not change. The...
Tips For Moving in With Stepfamilies
By: Lorne MacInnes | 10/10/2008
Moving can be difficult no matter what the situation, but it's even more difficult when two existing families combine to make one. Stepfamilies are always a difficult transition because everything is new. You have to share your home with someone else, change your routine and get used to new people,...
Doing Zero-Gs in a Lift Chair
By: Brad Brubaker | 10/10/2008
If you are a fan of the space program, then you are likely to have heard the term zero gravity. The term is often used to describe being weightless and there are several rides available that let a person experience this sensation. At this point, you might well be asking...
Home and Family 
