Please help with deck ideas!!!

[stryped]

I have a 12x16 deck. My wife wants me to expand it. Her complaints are it is not big enough and that she would like an area covered where we could sit and eat in the sun or rain if we want to. Every idea we talk about we findsomethign wrong with. I am getting tired of talking about it and looking at books as we can never quite find anything set up with the two house walls against the deck like we currently have. The roofs both slop in different directs too.

Anyway my idea was to bring it out on the steps side another 10 feet or so and add a 10x10 area with posts sticking out that would hold a gable roof with shingles to match the house. My idea was to elimnate the steps where they are now and put them on the side but she is not sure if she likes that as she does not want people to have to walk a long way around the house to get to the deck. She does not mind the

10x10 idea but we cant quite decide the best looking location, how high to make it, etc. I have other projects I have to get to and I need to get this opne over with. I want it to look nice but cost is a consideration as well as the fact I have to work alone. Here is a short video I took of my current area. I appreciate any help! Please help me!!!!!

[Jeff Thies]

Why do you feel you need more deck space? The rough rule of thumb is

20SF per person for social situations:

This seems about right from my experience with a similar size deck.

Now, I'm not conventional, or suburban, so bear that in mind with my advice.

I think it is far more useful and interesting to have multiple different spaces. Not necessarily even contiguous.

I'd leave the deck alone. Add a large patio of pavers around it, or perhaps just down from the steps.

You need something to keep it looking so desolate. Add a bench, Adirondack chairs, fountain, trees, privacy fence, anything.

You can set up a big table with a large umbrella on the deck for shade, or not.

Think outside the rectangle.

Jeff

[Vic Smith]

One thing you might consider instead of roofing is a gazebo. I have a 10x10 metal framed one on a 12x12 patio slab. Go inside an erected one in a store to see if it suits you. With the right furniture you can walk right through, jogging around a centered table. That's what I do to get to the garage from the back, and it's never bothered me. I've got this one, but don't know where to find it now. Couple hundred delivered. One of these reviewers has it on a deck.

Anyway, it's a thought. Might get you out of some work on the deck/roof. And save some money.

--Vic

[stryped]

The lot slopes down. I am not sure if pavers would work. I am not experienced with them but I like the idea.

[Jeff Thies]

It needs to be level, mostly. Take dirt from the high side and move it to the low. You'll need a maddox, a flat blade shovel and some beers. Work in the morning. Terrace if needed.

Jeff

[stryped]

We have went to Lowes/home depot/ bookstore and looked at books. I played with the online software on the Lowes website but it does not have the capability to show a covered structure.

[Hell Toupee]

Bring it out the length of the house, and cover it with a Sunporch:

[Tony Hwang]

Went thru same thing when this house was built. Had a deck in the back of the house off kitchen and family room. Another deck on top of double garage looking out to the Rockies. Ended up one in the back as 4 season enclosed sun room. Front one is 3 season sun room. In winter we don't use front one, one in the back is used year round.

We used foam core laminated R-20 floor on top of existing wooden deck., double pane windows, R-20 foam core Aluminum laminate panel for the roof and walls with sky lights. Installed separate wall mounted heat pump for heating/cooling(like what you see in motel rooms) We grow plants in there too. Even this morning wife is sitting in the midst of flowers, plants eating breakie, reading paper.

Cost some dough but I think we increased the value of property and enjoyment we get out of it is priceless. I guess it is the case of done right first time?