Adding a deck to your home is an excellent way to extend your living space and create a fun and functional place to entertain, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Even though Mid-Missouri weather brings us all four seasons, it is possible to build a deck that you can enjoy year-round. Here are some of the most important things to consider when building a deck for all seasons. 

Use The Right Materials

One of the most important components of building a deck that you can use during all seasons is choosing the right materials. 

Composite Decking

Composite decking is one of the best materials you can use when building a deck for all seasons. It is very low maintenance, and you won’t need to worry about wood rotting, splintering, or becoming damaged from blizzard conditions or the scorching sun. And as an added bonus, composite decking comes in a variety of colors, so you can build a deck that blends in seamlessly with your home’s existing style and aesthetic. 

Wood Decking

Mid-Missouri tends to have some harsh winter conditions that can bring heavy snow and ice. When snow melts, it can form ice dams which may damage some types of wood. Winter weather can be quite harsh on wood decking, so if you plan on building a deck from all wood, be sure to use high-quality materials that have been treated properly. 

Add a Covering

Adding a roof when building a deck is one of the best ways to enjoy this type of outdoor living space during any season. It will provide shade from the hot summer sun or shelter from a spring drizzle, allowing you to get more use out of this area. It also gives you the ability to add other important features to help you enjoy your deck throughout the year, like lights, ceiling fans, heat sources, and more. 

Choose the Right Location

Sometimes it’s obvious where a deck should go, but other times there may be more than one option. How you want your deck to function will determine which place is best for it, especially if you want to use it for all seasons. You may want to place your deck in a more shaded location for optimal comfort in the summer, or perhaps you want to enjoy your deck in the fall, so facing it in the direction of the sun might be best. You may also want to determine how the wind patterns on your property may affect how enjoyable it is to use your deck or how much privacy you’ll have in any given location. 

Install a Ceiling Fan

If you do install a roof for your deck, you now have the ability to add a ceiling fan or two. This will help keep air circulation on days when there seems to be no breeze, but you want to enjoy your deck. A ceiling fan can also help keep mosquitoes away. By maintaining a decent breeze under your deck covering, they are less likely to hang around. 

Add Deck Lighting

If you plan to use your deck often in the fall when the sun goes down earlier than in the summer, having lighting on your deck can make a huge difference. When building a deck, plan for the type of lighting fixtures you wish to use. You can opt for wired lighting or solar, depending on your needs and wants. Either way, you will be glad to have a light source to make your deck more enjoyable and safer to use when the sun has set. 

Leave Room for a Heat Source

If you plan to use your deck in the chilly months, be sure to plan on building a deck that allows room for a heat source. Some people may choose a slim patio heater that runs off propane, but others may love the idea of building a fire in a fire pit. If you plan to have a fire pit on your deck, be sure that you have space for it and that the fire pit you choose won’t damage the decking material underneath it.

Plan for Heavy Objects

One of the most inviting additions to a deck is a hot tub. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a nice hot soak while the snow gently falls around you. However, if you want to have a hot tub on your deck, you will need to have the right substructure to create a deck strong enough to hold such a heavy object. All of that water can get quite heavy and create an environment that is unsafe. 

Consult with Professionals 

Interested in building a deck that you can enjoy all year? From custom decks and enclosed patio rooms to gazebos and pergolas, our experienced deck builders and outdoor living craftsmen are ready to transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis. At Manor, we’ve researched, tested, and worked with manufacturer reps and product developers to offer you the perfect combination of decking, railing, lighting, and stone enhancements to meet your design needs and budget. Get a free estimate from the professionals at Manor.