The backyard pack of cards is one of life ’s elementary pleasure — but ramp up one is anything but . There are a dizzying array of options , which all depart based on how you want to use your deck , your property , your budget , and other factors . Perhaps the first question to face is one of size , and with deck , bigger is not always good . These decisions will be drive by the size of your property and the aim you want the pack of cards to serve . We ’re here to help you incur the proper deck size for you and your unique specification .

Key questions to consider

Before you start to think about the size of your deck , there are several other parts of the project to think . These can substantially affect your options , including the size of the deck of cards . These doubt include :

Budget : The square and necessary start point . If your Plan A option is unrealistic — or if you could afford more deck than you think — better to know that and set expectations consequently before you get too far down the route .

Purpose : What do you want to do on or with your deck ? What do you want it to reckon like ? What do you appraise most : attraction , durability , functionality , or a combination ?

DIY versus declarer : If you ’re comfortable with it , construct a deck of cards yourself can save you boatloads of money and help ensure you get exactly what you want . modest DIY deck kit are uncommitted for as little as a few hundred dollars . On the flip side , hiring a team of professional who will stand behind their work can offer expertise and peace of mind . Most will be happy to work with you on your specifications and within your budget , and can usually offer financing options . ( Just be certain to shop around for a reputable contractile organ you ’re comfortable with . )

Materials : Lots of lifelike and synthetic products are available to give you the look and functionality you want . But if you want to drop a piffling more on edifice materials , you may have to compromise on size of it , and vice versa .

For representative , hardwoods like sequoia , cedar , or ipe be given to be on the expensive side , but are also among the most long-lasting and beautiful ( however , definitely check with your local supplier or theForest Stewardship Councilbefore you buy to be sure you ’re buy wood that was sustainably reap , rather than from rainwater forest or another environmentally sensible surface area ) . Pine , PVC , and composite materials made from woods and plastic rosin lean to be more budget - friendly .

Calculating the right size

Once the above parameters are set , it ’s time to consider the size of it of your deck projection . As with the other view of the process , sizing will count on many factors , including your own personal preferences , which ca n’t always be capture by an algorithm or pre - made template .

With that say , there are some basic formula to follow , and quite a few online tool to facilitate you infer your option and make a general sizing plan . One of the most well - bonk of these dick is theLowe ’s Deck Designer .

Here are a few other ideas to consider when expect for your pack of cards ’s deal .

The Golden Rule

Experts incline to urge a deck size that is no more than 20 percent of your property ’s hearty footage . Any larger than that and you ladder the risk of the deck taking over too much of your M or property .

But again , this is a personal call to make . If you ’re look to make a large outdoor kitchen or a bombastic space for entertaining , a larger size of it may make sense .

Know the rules

Local governments , householder associations , and other group have rules governing deck of cards construction , include what sizes are allowed . see the rules and regulations and get your ducks in a row before you start to programme , especially if you design to work up it yourself .

What’s the best deck size for entertaining?

quick for the broken record ? This depends on what sort of think of you hope to do . Will it be dinner party for four , or a puddle party for 40 ?

Often , a belittled broiling and seating area area is sufficient to toy with . Experts commend a pack of cards size of about 150 substantial pes for as many as six people . For 10 to 12 mass , that size increase to about 300 square groundwork .

There also are questions you may necessitate to aid you narrow down your options , include :

Existing social structure , or those that you might install along with the deck , also can make a big departure . This could include a kitty , raging tub , or summerhouse , among other things .

Bottom line

Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional , the size of each deck can be guided by several factors . There are plenty of resources available online and in person that can lead you through the decision - throw process . At the last of the day , picking the right-hand deck size is a personal conclusion .