Decked Out

Our 10-step guide to planning and building your dream deck.

- Sally Conor

Is there anything more Kiwi than a bloody good deck? We love our outdoor living here in New Zealand and a deck represents the ultimate in indoor-outdoor flow that so many of us aspire to.

If you’re considering adding a deck at your place this year, the first thing you should ask yourself is: would a paved area or patio do the trick instead? This solution is generally cheaper and easier than deck construction, and is better suited to low sites where moisture is likely to quickly degrade a deck built too close to the ground. However, boggy or uneven sites with good clearance are ideal for a deck, which would create a flat, dry space for relaxing and entertaining.

If a deck is definitely your heart’s desire, read on for our 10-step guide to planning and building your dream.

1 GET INSPIRED

Seek out some inspiration from magazines and on Pinterest, and either find an image that sums up what you’re looking for or put together a clear diagram. It helps to be able to show a picture of what you envision to your builder, when you get to that stage.

Look at your site and think creatively about how best to utilise its shape to create an inviting and enjoyable deck. Jeremy Wyn-Harris, co-founder and CEO of builders crack.co.nz, recommends creating a few different levels if your site is anything but pancake-flat.

2 CHOOSE YOUR STYLE

Look at the style of your home and think about how to make your new deck seem like it was there from the beginning. A deck for a villa will look great with some ornate detailing, an art deco house will suit some curvy corners and a more modern build will look best with sharp edges and hi-tech lighting.