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help - i need advice about my 1930's California Tudor home

19 years ago

Hi all! I am new to this forum, so please go s-l-o-w. I live in Los Angeles and purchased a two bedroom one bath California Tudor style home a couple of years ago. I would like to add a small wood deck onto the front of my house, but do not want to conflict with the architecural style of the house. Does anyone have any suggestion and/or could you point me in the right direction to learn more about this style home? I truly appreciate your help. THANKS!

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Comments (4)

zenpotter
19 years ago
Hi, we have a 1931 Minnesota Tudor.

In doing research on it I have found the most information in books and web sites on "Bungalows" and "Arts and Crafts". If it is like ours it is considered a Tudor Bungalow and the inside is mainly like the bungalows I have seen. We are re-modeling ours using Mission furniture and arts and craft's colors.

If you look into bungalows you will find a lot on porches I don't think decks were used. Most of the Tudors if they have a porch it is in the back. Our neighborhood has many Tudors and only two have a front deck, both are without railings to keep the Tudor lines.

Many people put in a front patio that is not attached to the house. This probably isn't what you wanted to hear, but do look at Bungalow and Arts and Crafts sites and books.
lisakk
18 years ago
I just got the June issue of This Old House magazine and they have an article on decks for old homes. You might want to take a look and see if anything looks appropriate for your home.
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pdxjules
18 years ago
Would you consider a brick or flagstone patio instead? Either may fit your architectural period better, and would not have as much maintenance/weather issues over the years -so it is worth hiring a professional crew. I bet your resale would be better also...as an aging deck is not a blessing at Closing.

If you go for a wood deck anyway, perhaps consider plantings with a view to mellow out visible lines & help the attachment perhaps meld/anchor house to yard.
A wrought iron railing or other custom details may help the style. Still...Can you do this in back instead? Or live with the idea to see if you really even need it?
lisa98112
18 years ago
I agree that a brick or paver patio would match the period better. I have a 1927 tudor in Washington. We are planning to put pavers in our patio in the back yard after we get rid of the ugly concrete the previous owners put in.

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