If you live in coastal Massachusetts, you know one of the best ways to enjoy the summer weather is out on the deck. A deck can enhance your outdoor living space, allowing you the freedom to enjoy a peaceful morning coffee or be the life of the party barbequing with friends.
But with so many types of decks, styles, materials, and designs available, choosing the right type of deck can be overwhelming. Whether you envision a cozy platform deck for your backyard or a multi-level structure with sweeping views, each option offers unique benefits depending on your home’s layout, lifestyle, and budget.
Why Build a Deck?
Building a deck is a great upgrade for your home, offering functional and aesthetic benefits. It creates a versatile outdoor living space where you can relax, entertain guests, or enjoy meals with family, effectively extending your indoor lifestyle into the outdoors. Beyond comfort and convenience, a deck can significantly increase your property’s value and curb appeal, making it a smart long-term investment.
With a wide range of materials and styles, you can design a deck that complements your home’s architecture and fits your needs. Whether you want a quiet retreat or a lively entertainment hub, a deck provides the perfect platform for enjoying your yard in a whole new way.
Factors to Consider
When deciding what type of deck to build, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure the deck fits your home’s style, your needs, and your budget.
Yard Terrain and Layout
Consider how much room you have and how the deck will connect to your home and yard. Is your yard flat or on sloped ground? Platform decks work well on flat lots, while raised or multi-level decks are better suited for sloped or uneven terrain.
Purpose and Function
Think about whether you want your deck to be more of a place for entertaining or relaxing. If you plan to host large gatherings, you’ll need more space and possibly multiple levels or zones. Think about how often you’ll use it and for what.
Budget
Consider the material costs of your deck as well as its size and complexity. Wood is usually cheaper upfront, while composite materials cost more but require less maintenance. Similarly, more elaborate designs like multi-level or wraparound decks cost more to build and maintain.
Hiring the Right Deck Builders
Research local contractors with strong reputations and verified reviews to ensure you’re hiring the right deck-building professionals. Ask for examples of their previous work and check that they’re licensed, insured, and experienced with the type of deck you want.
A trustworthy builder will provide a clear, written estimate, communicate openly, and be willing to answer questions about materials, timelines, and permits. Don’t hesitate to request references from past clients to ensure you’re choosing a team known for quality craftsmanship and reliability.
Types of Decks
There are several types of decks you can add to your home, each suited to different spaces, budgets, and purposes.
Platform Decks
A platform deck is a simple, ground-level deck that sits just a few inches to a foot above the ground, making it one of the easiest and most cost-effective types of decks to build. It’s typically constructed on flat terrain and doesn’t usually require railings or extensive structural support, which makes it an excellent option for a budget-friendly outdoor upgrade. Platform decks’ open design often blends seamlessly with the yard or garden space and can be built in various shapes and sizes to fit your outdoor area.
Wrap-Around Deck
A wrap-around deck that extends around two or more sides of a house, often connecting the front, side, and back entrances into one continuous outdoor space. It’s similar to a traditional wrap-around porch but usually has a more open, expansive design, without a roof or enclosure.
Because a wrap-around deck typically wraps around corners, it offers multiple access points to the outdoors, allowing for different seating, dining, or lounging areas around the house. A wrap-around deck also maximizes views and airflow, and you can move with the sun or shade depending on the time of day.
Multi-Level Deck
A multi-level deck is a deck design that features two or more connected platforms built at different heights, typically joined by steps or short stairways. This type of deck is especially useful for homes built on sloped or uneven terrain, but it’s also popular to create distinct outdoor zones for various activities, such as dining, lounging, or grilling.
The separate levels of a multi-level deck provide structure and flow to the outdoor space, and each level can serve a unique function (for example, a hot tub on one level, a dining area on another). A multi-level deck can turn an ordinary backyard into a functional, resort-like retreat.
Deck Materials
Choosing the right material is just as important as the design when building a deck. The material you select affects the deck’s appearance, durability, maintenance needs, and cost.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is the most common and budget-friendly decking material, usually made from pine treated with preservatives to resist rot and insects. It is affordable and widely available, easy to cut and install, and can be stained or painted. However, it requires regular sealing or staining, and can be prone to warping, splintering, or fading over time.
Composite Decking
This material is made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic and is designed to mimic the look of wood with less maintenance. It is low maintenance, resistant to rot, insects, and warping, and long-lasting. It can have a higher upfront cost, get hot in direct sunlight, and may look less natural than real wood.
Cedar or Redwood
Naturally resistant to rot and insects, these woods offer a warm, rich color and are often chosen for their appearance. Cedar and redwood are naturally beautiful and aromatic, more resistant to decay than treated wood, and lighter weight than hardwoods. They can also be more expensive and still require maintenance (sealing or staining), as soft wood can dent or scratch easily.
Aluminum Decking
Aluminum decking is a lightweight, rust-proof, and fire-resistant option that is often used for modern or commercial-style decks. It is highly durable, weather-resistant, low maintenance, and fire- and insect-resistant. However, there is a higher initial cost for aluminum decking, and its industrial look may not suit all homes.
Exploring Deck Options in South Shore or Cape Cod?
If you’re considering adding a deck to your home in the South Shore or Cape Cod area, there’s no better time to start planning, and no better team to call than KB Carpentry.
With years of experience crafting high-quality, custom decks, KB Carpentry understands the unique coastal conditions and architectural styles of the region. Whether you envision a simple platform deck or a stunning multi-level outdoor retreat, our expert team will guide you through every step, from design to final build.
Contact us to explore your deck-building options and schedule a consultation.
