In India, outdoor living space is a symbol of luxury and a basic necessity. Even if you have a small backyard, you can enhance the elevation with deck construction. This deck can act as your private space for relaxation, a space for entertainment, or a dining area for the whole family.
Read on to understand more about decking, material options, construction processes, and decking prices.
What is Deck to a House?
You can understand a deck as an elevated outdoor platform that is commonly built into a house. It can be used as an extension of the living space. They will be constructed above the ground level and can involve steps.
Types of Decking Materials
To make your house’s outdoor look beautiful, you need to choose the right decking material. The major decking materials are:
Wooden Decks
For many years, wooden decks have been a popular choice. These decks give a natural look. You can use different wooden deck options to meet your requirements. Decks are made of different types of wood, including pressure-treated lumber, cedar, redwood, and hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru. For the budget-friendly option for deck construction, you can choose pressure-treated wood; regularly maintaining it will give you resistance to decay and insects. Cedar and redwood offer natural beauty and durability. They are naturally resistant to rot and insects, which makes them popular choices, although they are pricier. Hardwoods are costly and offer exceptional durability and longevity, making them a preferred choice for high-end applications.
Bamboo Decking
Bamboo is a combination of durability, good looks, and environmental benefits. However, it needs proper maintenance to enhance longevity and withstand weather effects.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is commonly called a modern substitute for conventional wood decking. It is manufactured by combining wood fibres with high-density polyethylene or polypropylene plastic materials to create a strong and attractive decking board.
Composite decking boards are eco-friendly methods that support the use of recycled materials.
PVC Decking
PVC decking is made mainly of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) without any wood fibres. It is completely different from composite decking due to its composition. As it’s completely made of inorganic materials, it is resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage. Also, this PVC decking offers numerous colour options and styles that imitate natural wood.
Deck Design Ideas and Considerations
In India, outdoor living is not only considered an outdoor extension of living space. It is a symbol of luxury and a necessity. A well-designed deck can enhance the overall look of your house.
- Decide the functions that will be carried out above the decking based on your requirements, such as dining, relaxation, or entertainment. You can design it, prioritising both privacy and communal gatherings.
- If you are considering deck design ideas to add a deck to an existing home, you need to design it in an integrated way. By using different materials, colours, and structural elements, you can enhance the home’s front design.
- In India, local architecture will always involve traditional elements by deck designers to promote a cohesive aesthetic.
- If people living in homes located on sloped terrain like to add a decking, they can choose a multi-level deck. Multi-level decks are designed to manage elevation differences in slopy areas effectively. These designs will be perfect for large joint families, social gatherings, dining, lounging, and gardening. Technically speaking, they can also handle problems like drainage and provide a more expansive view of the landscape.
Railing Options for Decking
The railing is a main safety requirement for decks. You can enhance the look with railing styles using distinct materials.
- Railing can be made of wood, aluminium, metal, and glass.
- For a modern touch, you can include glass deck railings, achieving clear views with stylishness.
- Wooden railings can create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Cable railings offer a fashionable, sleek, modern look while being less obstructive than traditional rail designs.
Follow the building code and standards of India, which outline essential safety regulations about railing heights and materials. Properly designed railings can prevent falls, especially on multi-level decks. You can include strong horizontal or vertical supports anchored at a specific distance to ensure safety.
Deck Construction Essentials
India is a country with diverse climatic conditions and architectural styles; you need to understand the essentials of deck construction to be effective.
- The design of the deck starts with layout planning. Plan with the help of an experienced architect.
- Obtain the necessary permits and understand local regulations. The National Building Code (NBC) includes standards for various construction projects, including decks in India. Visit the local municipal office to identify specific requirements related to deck construction.
- Assess the site where you are going to build the deck to check soil quality, sunlight exposure, and any physical obstructions like trees or rocks. It will help to design the deck to suit local weather conditions.
- Next, the site must be prepared for marking and make sure the ground is levelled properly.
- Mark the outline for the deck.
- Next is foundation construction. For the deck foundation, you can include concrete footings or piers.
- To create the framework, use beams with joists.
- Decking boards will be installed at the end, and finishing elements like railings and stairs will be added for functionality and safety.
If you are interested in DIY deck construction, you need to consider the project’s capabilities, complexity, and budget. If the design is complicated, you need to hire an expert. If a project demands structural alterations or strict safety regulations, they can manage them easily.
Decking Prices in India
To build a deck, you need to understand the costs of different material choices. Decking prices can differ based on the types of material you use and their quality.
Decking Material Types and Their Prices
| Material Type | Price Range (per sq. ft.) |
| Hardwood Decking | ₹200 – ₹600 |
| Composite Decking | ₹150 – ₹975 |
| PVC Decking | ₹100 – ₹300 |
| Bamboo Decking | ₹150 – ₹400 |
| Engineered Wood | ₹180 – ₹500 |
The overall decking prices can vary depending on the availability of material, its quality, and installation charges.
Maintenance and Longevity of Decking
To keep the deck in good shape, you need to do the following:
- Regularly check your patio deck for any kind of damage, such as loose decking boards, loose railings, or growth of mould. You need to clean the fallen leaves, debris and dirt during the rainy season.
- Make use of a gentle cleaner or a diluted soap mixture with water to clean the deck. Always avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the material. You can also apply a protective sealant layer that can prevent moisture ingress and UV discolouration to protect the deck’s surface for up to three years.
- If you observe cracked or bent decking boards, repair or replace them immediately. If the damage cannot be fixed easily, seek help from a professional to replace the damaged boards or rebuild the entire deck if necessary.
A well-structured deck can give your outdoor space a modern or traditional look. By effectively working with an experienced architect or a construction company, you can create a better layout plan, add architectural elements, if necessary, and include multi-level decks. Design it with suitable railing options and safety and aesthetics in mind.
Mithali Konety