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Porches & Decks

Would you consider a 17x17 deck small?

17 years ago

Considering a deck design, due to septic issues, we're thinking of a 17x17 deck that will have stairs leading to a patio. Is a deck this size small?

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Comments (10)

stmiddlebrooks
17 years ago
No, I'd say that is a pretty good size deck. Lots of decks that I've seen are much smaller. That's about the size of our family room, and I can fit a lot of people in it. You should have room for a dining set, and another seating area if you want provided doors and stairs are in good positions.
pressurepros
17 years ago
It's a little below average from what I see around here but still a good size.
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The AC unit would almost have to be moved, unless the lower deck option were chosen. The end result depends on what you want. Walk out from the house to the deck level with a 2"/3" step down, steps down to the yard, and a railing around the deck(depending on code heights in your area--I linked a picture for the no railing type below) or walk out onto the steps(will only wind up with 3 steps) and step down to a deck with a step down to the yard. The lower deck will not need a railing and could have the step down across the length and width, allowing access off/on at any point. The higher variety could be similarly constructed(if the height did not require a railing), but would need side railings in a couple places for stepping assistance(like the side rail on the current steps. Pergola could be built in(most have flat tops, so roof clearance is not a problem. Or one could be added later. floor level deck
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Wow, S Wheeler, poster came here with a question, not to get bawled out on the internet, maybe dial it back a notch? Please don't tell her she 'deserves' a hack job when she asks a question. That's not playing very nice. (yes, I know you don't have to play nice, you do willingly offer up your expertise, and I do like straight shooters, but come on...don't try to intimidate people!) In my opinion the paying customer does get a *reasonable* amount of 'telling x person how to do their job', because the trades' idea of a 'standard job' does not always coincide with what the customer wants. Fabricators, good ones, obviously know their trade and their stones, and we should listen carefully to their expertise; I agree, a quality installer likely won't want to install a patchwork quilt and put his name on it. I certainly see your point. But stone fabricators are not designers or architects, and I wouldn't bow down to any trade's aesthetic judgments as something I should just blindly trust--especially with stone that is expensive and should be done to all parties' satisfaction on the first go round. I think OP deserves to understand what's happening with her install. I was the one who said I went to the yard and taped off the cuts on my slab to make sure the fabricators and I were on the same page. I wanted to make sure there was complete understanding on both sides as to how things would go BEFOREHAND. And then, I wasn't even there on install day, and I came home pleased as punch with the job. Fabricators/installers are happy, I am happy. There now, that wasn't too painful, was it? In my experience, it is the quality and experienced outfits that can explain their recommendations well and clearly and are transparent and open to questions. A person doesn't need to be temperamental to be good at what s/he does.
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john_hyatt
17 years ago
That sounds like a nice project,not too small at all. John
brooklyndecks
17 years ago
Susan,

that's a big deck here in Brooklyn. But, if you think it's too small, seal it with Viagra...it's supposed to make your deck bigger ;-)

steve
pressurepros
17 years ago
LOL. I am in that kind of mood today where that struck me funny.
susans02
Original Author
17 years ago
I thought it was good too - thanks guys! Steve - you have a wicked sense of humor!
john_hyatt
17 years ago
That finish advice defently points to the right direction, really stand up info Steve. John
mike_kaiser_gw
17 years ago
Size is relative. I know a guy who has a deck that's roughly six times larger than the one you're proposing. I just built a screen porch for couple that's roughly 2/3's the size you're proposing.

From a design point of view -- is the deck sized to meet your needs? If it's too small you won't be happy, too large and you're likely waste money. Does it fit into the scale of your home and property? A 1,000 sq. ft deck off the back of a 1,000 sq ft. home will look out of proportion but if you do a lot of outdoor entertaining or just want some extra space, it might be a good trade off.

Mike
bearHit
17 years ago
Depends on how cluttered you make it afterwards.

My wife doesn't like me leaving the grills on mine.

I haven't finished the railing yet - but that will make it seem smaller I'm sure.
brooklyndecks
17 years ago
Susan,
sorry for forgetting my manners. I was in a wicked mood.

Back to your question...it's big enuf for a good size table, a bench, your bar-b-q, and some plants. Only you know what you're gonna do on your deck. You also have to consider traffic flow. How people are gonna get from the door to the steps, or to the table.

sure...bigger is better, but you have to consider need and budget...and your septic tank

steve

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