They say advice is cheap, but that’s not true when you’re getting it from the pros. To help homeowners plan their own deck projects, the California Redwood Association interviewed experienced deck designers and builders from different parts of the country. The panel consisted of Bob Kiefer whose company, Decks by Kiefer, is located in Pittstown, New Jersey; Rick Parish of Decks Appeal in Plano, Texas, near Dallas; and Scott Padgett of Padgett Construction in Idyllwild, California. Here’s what they had to say:

Planning
Parish advises, "Pick the time you build carefully, plan ahead and don’t rush into a deck project. It is a major purchase, something you want to be able to enjoy for years. Think about how it will affect your property resale value."

Padgett adds, "People should think about where they want to place the deck, how big it should be and what features they want. Factors to consider are the amount of traffic they expect and whether they will be dining and entertaining on the deck frequently."

"I find out how clients intend to use the deck," Kiefer said. "Do they want an area for a table and chairs, a lounging section and maybe a grouping of built-in redwood benches to create a conversation area? Then I put together a space diagram, perhaps using level changes to define the separate activity areas. Access from the house to the deck and the deck to the yard must also be carefully planned so that traffic will flow easily and well."

Trends
"People seem to be adding larger decks," Kiefer said. "people are using their decks more and more for entertaining. I am seeing more changing levels, angles and round shapes.

Padgett said, "I’ve been in business for over 20 years. At first people just wanted basic rectilinear slabs. Over the years, this has involved into a situation where much more attention is given to architectural features. A deck is the most economical way to improve the look of a house and add to its property value. People want the deck to blend with and complement the house’s style and to flow into the surrounding landscape."

"We are building fewer square and rectangular decks," Parish said. "We like to cut corners off and have asymmetrical designs that are more interesting. Modern houses tend to have more angles and walls, and many of our decks wrap around several corners. Builders are also less generous with lot sizes, so we are dealing with smaller yards than when we started in business ten years ago."

Amenities
Parish said, "Typically our yards here in Texas are flat, so we don’t need railings. Instead we define the edges of our decks with built-in benches and planters. Because of our hot summers, shade shelters and arbors are very popular here."

"Built-in seating, planters, tables and custom lighting are almost a standard feature now," Padgett said. "More attention is given to railing styles and deck patterns. Interesting railing detailing is also a great way to provide safety and make a design statement at the same time."

Kiefer adds, "Most people want a barbecue area with tables or counters for eating and serving. I have had requests for fireplaces and firepits. I like to use changing levels and curved built-in seating instead of railings as much as possible so as not to obstruct views, and to create an open feeling."