By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Decks of a home can offer a Zen-like escape, or provide a colorful party scene for entertaining. Whatever the purpose, there are a few things to keep in mind when decorating a deck, or deciding how it should be built.
Lighting can be used strictly for purpose and security, or it can be arranged decoratively; however, lighting-gone-wrong can create serious glare problems at night and take away from the aesthetics of your deck. Choosing shielded lighting fixtures, placing lights out of direct eye sight, and keeping the overall voltage low, will help prevent this problem. Remember at night, a little light goes a long way.
Patio furniture can be either portable or built-in, which ever you choose, make sure it is most practical for your environment. If you entertain frequently, built in furniture can free up a lot of floor space, but does not allow for the furniture to be moved around. If you like upholstered outdoor furniture, but it rains a lot in your area, furniture that can be moved out of bad weather would be best. Also, when considering built in furniture, do not forget to plan drainage carefully.
Another aspect to consider, that can be either portable or built in, are planters. Built in planters add a personalized look, but can cause drainage problems. Movable containers can bring annual, perennial, and even vegetable plants to any corner or outdoor table, however, to have a bunch of pots sitting around is an easy way to use up room and contribute to a cluttered look. Consider a combination of both looks.
Railings are another important part of a deck, especially if it is more than 30 inches above ground level. Railings add decoration, and provide safety, especially to smaller children. To blend well, they should coordinate with the look of the house, and should be at least 36 to 42 inches high, with no gaps wider than 4 inches. This will create a safe, yet beautiful environment.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
