When adding a deck to your property, many people opt to install one in the backyard. Backyard decks are excellent options for adding height and colour and creating areas for dining and entertaining. However, front yard decks also offer numerous benefits and are a fantastic way to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of your front yard.
Given its prominent location, the style and design of the front yard deck are crucial. It’s important to consider how best to incorporate it seamlessly with the exterior of your property and the rest of your front yard. You’ll also want to add accessories and additional features to make your front yard deck as welcoming as possible and boost the “curb appeal” of your home.
In this article, we’ll offer some top tips on adding a front yard deck to create a warm and inviting entrance to your home. We also offer some front yard deck ideas for adding accessories, furniture, and other elements to boost its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Front Yard Deck Design and Layout
1. Define the Purpose of Your Front Yard Deck
The first step in designing a functional front yard deck is deciding how you want to use it. Will you be using it for relaxation? Do you plan to entertain in your re-designed front yard area? Or is the addition of a deck simply stylistic? Once you’ve decided on the uses, you can best plan the deck design and additional design and functionality elements.
2. Consider Sizing
Another thing to keep in mind is what size front yard deck you’ll want to install. It needs to be proportional to your home and your front yard in general. If the deck you design is too small, it may look out of place and out of proportion. If you make it too large, it can overwhelm the space.
Also, keep in mind other uses for your front, for example, if you park cars in a front driveway connected to the yard, will the deck obstruct this space? If you’re unsure as to what size to go with, it could be worth finding a professional deck builder to measure up the optimal size.
3. Choose Decking Materials
Now that you have defined the purpose of your front yard deck and sized it, you can select the materials you’d like to use. This includes the type of decking and the colours. You’ll want to select materials and colours that complement your home’s exterior.
The material will also depend on your stylistic preferences and maintenance requirements. For example, wood offers a classic look but requires more maintenance than materials like composite or PVC decking. Other benefits of opting for PVC or composite decking versus wood decking include:
- Higher durability and a longer life span of up to double that of wood
- No need to re-stain, re-seal, or re-paint (decking like TruNorth Composite Decking features fade-resisting technology)
- Resistant to cracking, warping, and insect infestation
- More resistant to water damage and mold and mildew growth than wood
While you may still want to opt for wood due to its aesthetics, PVC and composite decking, like TruNorth Composite Decking or Clubhouse PVC Decking, feature wood grain details to resemble the look of real wood. These decking materials also come in a variety of colours, from classic wood like Walnut or Hazelwood to stylish grey tones such as Driftwood or Stone Grey.
4. Add Accessible Pathways
When thinking about the functional design and layout elements of a front yard deck, creating clear, inviting pathways leading to the deck is crucial. There are many ways to do this, including using stepping stones, pavers, or a well-maintained sidewalk to guide visitors. You can also use this pathway as an added design element, choosing materials that complement or even add contrast to the style of the front yard deck. You may even opt to build a pathway out of extra decking in the same colours as your front yard deck.
Front Yard Deck Aesthetic Elements
1. Colour Scheme
The aesthetics of your front yard deck are just as important as the functional elements and can help to really transform your front yard. One of the main elements of front yard aesthetics is using a colour palette that harmonizes with your home’s exterior.
Consider natural tones for a cohesive look, or go for something more eclectic to add a unique design element. When thinking about colours, consider both the colours of deck boards you will use and the colours of the furniture, accessories, and plants that will be added to the front yard deck. Again, these can all be complementary or could have some contrast. If you have a lot of trees and other greenery in your front yard, you may also want to look at front yard deck ideas that involve choosing colours that incorporate your deck with nature around it.
2. Furniture
If you have a larger area, one of the top front yard deck design ideas is adding practical elements, such as seating (including storage seating), small tables for drinks, and even a fire pit. Adding furniture to your front yard deck is also an excellent way to add a touch of your personal style and bring the indoors outdoors, creating a welcoming outdoor living room. Whether you have people over to entertain or just want to enjoy your morning coffee outside, the right furniture on your deck will make all the difference.
When choosing furniture, ensure it is comfortable to increase the chance of it being used. Also, check that it is made for outdoor use and is weather-resistant. Incorporating accessories like cushions and blankets in colours and patterns that are inviting and complement the rest of the front yard deck design is also recommended. Whether you just add a few bits of furniture or create a full outdoor living room, incorporating furniture into your front yard deck design will make it more welcoming and versatile.
3. Lighting
Something that often isn’t considered when designing deck areas is lighting. However, installing soft, ambient lighting can greatly enhance the front yard deck’s appeal during evening hours. String lights, lanterns, and solar-powered lights can create a cozy atmosphere and are relatively easy and cost-effective to install.
4. Plants and Decorative Accents
Along with functional furniture and textural cushions and throws, you may want to add other accessories and plants to your front yard deck and the area around it. Elements to add include potted plants, hanging baskets, and small trees in planters for added height and privacy. If using plants, opt for a mix of perennials and evergreens to ensure the plants look attractive all year long. if you have a larger space, you could even grow an edible garden on your deck.
Outdoor rugs will also add additional colour and texture to your front yard deck. Mirrors can be an interesting addition as well, especially if you’re looking for ways to maximize a small outdoor space. Outdoor artworks and sculptures on and around the deck can also add additional style.
Front Yard Deck Maintenance
1. Regular Cleaning
Once you’ve designed a beautiful front yard deck, keeping it in good condition is crucial to ensure it remains welcoming and ready for use. One of the most important elements of front yard deck maintenance is regular cleaning.
Doing this will not only keep the deck in good condition, potentially expanding its lifespan, but will also keep it looking tidy and free of debris. Cleaning includes regular sweeping and occasional washing. If you have a composite or PVC front yard deck, you can simply clean the decking with warm water and soap.
2. Sealing, Painting, and Staining
If you have opted for a wooden deck, applying a sealant and re-painting or re-staining the deck to protect it from the elements and enhance its longevity will be part of your annual maintenance requirements. Conveniently, if you have a composite or PVC deck, you won’t need to undertake this maintenance step as these decking materials maintain their quality, protection, and appearance for up to 25 years or longer, over double the lifespan of a wooden deck.
3. Front Yard Maintenance
To really keep your front yard deck looking as welcoming as possible, you should also do regular upkeep of the yard surrounding your deck and the exterior of your home. Ensure plants, trees, and grass are well-trimmed and as healthy as possible and that there is no debris surrounding the deck.
Keep the front of your home as clean as possible as well, which includes cleaning windows frequently and cleaning or repainting the exterior of your home as needed. Any paving around the front yard deck should be kept tidy as well. Clean the area and replace paving that is uneven or cracked.
In Conclusion
Creating a beautiful and welcoming front yard deck is relatively easy once you follow a few simple steps. From choosing the best decking materials and ensuring the deck dimensions work with your space to adding a variety of accessories and plants, plus functional outdoor furniture, you can create a front yard deck that you’ll want to enjoy all year long.
If you’re looking to update your outdoor space and are considering an alternative decking material to wood, consider sustainable and long-lasting options like TruNorth Composite Decking or Clubhouse PVC decking. Both come in an array of shades complete with wood grain details and are highly durable, while conveniently low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for your new front yard deck.
