Design is a very subjective task. However, there are a number of objective factors that must be considered in creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional deck design:

1. exposure concerns such as weather, sun and wind

2. functional considerations such as connection to the home and traffic patterns

The influence of local weather conditions must be taken into consideration when locating and designing a deck. A deck is a transition area between the environment inside the home maintained and the outer world. It is important to examine how the external elements will affect the use, and the joy of the deck. One of the most important aspects is the position of the platform in relation to the daily path of the sun. A deck that is too warm or too cold is likely to receive less use.

The warm weather can be used to provide shade to the main goals of the year where the deck. It is positioned to take advantage of the shade in late afternoon or early evening, the east side of the house, which means the deck. North face hot climate will cool the house at noon. Since then, the deck during the course of one day will be optimized for heating and cooling should be considered when and how the experience completely different temperature.

With a deck that has a southern exposure awnings or trellises can be used to block the sun overhead, but tend to be less effective when the sun is lower in the sky in the morning and evening. While this may not be a problem in winter can lead to significant warming in the summer.

Sometimes a deck can be designed to make the best of both sun and shade. A wraparound deck that wraps around the corner of a house will generally have one of the 2 areas in shade. Movable screens can be used to effectively screen a small area.

A pergola, arbor, overhead trellis or an awning can each provide shade for larger areas. Trellises can be designed to provide maximum shade at certain times of the day and allow some sun through during other times of the day.

Frequent changes in the strength and direction of the wind can be a difficult element to design for. Well established and large screens are planted as a windbreak in force. Another design idea that works, is the location of the deck on the side of the house is compared to a prevailing wind.

Changes in deck level and the use of railing systems with no openings are features that can create protected areas on lower deck levels and block the wind with an adjacent upper level deck and railing. Large amounts of rain during the warm months when deck use is more frequent might necessitate the addition of an overhead structure.

How does the deck is also related to the house is an important design element. Extension of the deck house – to set out the nature of the transition region between the interior area more secure. Clearly, all out of the deck with easy access, to step in to chat, relax and view, to promote family and guests

Most decks serve several purposes doors so access to the kitchen, living room, bedroom or family room is ideal. Glass patio doors, French doors and screen doors blur the boundaries between inside and outside. If the weather permitting the access points extend the living space. In general, it is worthwhile to add a new door, rather than to live with a door that is badly in relation to the deck.

Besides doorway access, traffic patterns need considerable thought during the deck design process. Stairways should be located so that frequently used areas off the deck are easy to access. On a larger deck this could mean adding more than one stairway.

It is important to analyze existing traffic patterns and important areas of activity to ensure that sufficient access to garages, driveways, gardens, kennels, and garbage storage areas. A ramp can be a useful addition to wheel heavy deck barbecue, garden carts and wheelbarrows or bicycles on the deck.

Taking exposure concerns and functional considerations such as traffic patterns and connection to the home into consideration allows a homeowner to utilize these deck design factors in the creation of a deck that is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.