Use your deck to create the right atmosphere

Your home is the place where you can relax and let go of your worries for a while. You can take a nap, read a book or catch up on TV shows. However, being indoors can get stuffy and repetitive. You need a spot to retreat to where you can both rest and breathe in some fresh air. A deck is the perfect solution. You'll be able to create a space outside that's just for you.

Make a plan
Building a deck shouldn't just be a spur-of-the-moment activity. If you want it to truly suit your needs, you need to make a plan. Should it be attached to your house or do you want it out in the yard? Is it part of a much larger structure, such as a pool? Many decks you see are built off of houses. However, some may also appear at ground level to serve as patios.

"I think attaching a deck to the house makes the house seem larger," Eddie Maestri, architect and principal of Maestri, LLC, told HGTV. "Having it detached can make a space feel more secluded and intimate, but there's also a greater chance it will never get used."

Materials also play an important part in your plans for your deck, and some may be better suited than others for your needs. Wood is abundant, comes in a variety of types and offers up that earthy and rustic feel, while capped composite decking may be sturdier and suitable for any climate. Both come in a multitude of finishes and colors, and polypropylene will feel the same as wood and look just as good in your backyard.

The materials, color and location influence the atmosphere of the deck. Image courtesy of DuraLife Decking.

Design it
You want your deck to fit in with both the layout of the house and the vibe you want to give off. You wouldn't want a completely modern building to be paired with a rustic deck. The materials and color you choose will help establish the atmosphere in your backyard, but you can also add a few extra touches to make the space your own.

Seating can go a long way toward creating the right feel. A table and chairs may be great if you plan on entertaining, while a hammock and heavily cushioned seats add to the peaceful feeling. Different types of plants can also set the mood. Ferns and potted plants can help create a barrier around a ground-level platform to establish your own secluded area. Flowers with a heavy aroma will bring a bit of color to the yard and complement the variegated colors of your deck. However, if you're going to add a pool, you might want to avoid floral plants, which can attract bugs.

Take some time to consider how you want your yard to look before building your deck. Request a sample of composite materials from DuraLife Decking to help you decide.