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Porches & Decks Design Dilemma Exterior

Deck/Porch Planning Questions - Florida Lake House

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

We are starting the planning for a deck/patio remodel. We are in the process of collecting our ideas and thoughts while starting to schedule meetings with contractors, etc.

The house is a ranch style on a lake in Florida. Currently we have 22' x 15' brick deck.

We are looking to expand the current deck to the edge of the house and wrap up the side of the house to connect to the mud room entry (eventual 3rd bathroom going in that area).

1. Decking materials - we are going to roof/likely screen in a section of the current deck. We are leaning towards a concrete patio under the roofed section.

- thoughts on changing materials to pavers or composite for the rest of the decking outside the screen in area, that is extended and wrapped up the side of the house?

2. Thoughts on stepping the deck down a level to lower the deck and keep a better view from the house?

3. Placement of the grilling area? I would like an outdoor cooking but may have the grill(s) available to be moved instead of an island depending on layouts.

And any other thoughts or ideas are appreciated! Pictures below for more info.

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Comments (3)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You might want to consider the panoramic screening now being offered to not interrupt your view.

If you use pavers you might want to create a surface for extra seating or a fire pit.

That red brick ranch doesn't look too much like a Florida Home. I would soften the appearance on the exterior.
J M thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
J M
Original Author
4 years ago
Beverly- thank you for the feedback. I agree the red brick does not really remind anyone of a Florida lake front house. Although we do like a good brick home (in-laws are from GA) not sure its a style fit. The previous owner was the couple that had the house built in '61 and she loved this style brick.

We main issue is going to be how to handle the roof. We have some meetings coming up with architects, etc. The area that is the deck now would be the best area for the a roof but trying to keep it high enough and tie into a valley will be a fun challenge. We will likely end up with a version of a flat/shed roof with a skylight(s).

On the extended area of the deck, we are debating stepping down and adding in a fire pit with seating. Not sure yet on stepping down vs. keeping it all level.
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I think you know what you want so now it is time for the pro if it is any help we have seating for 8 on our one deck and honestly very often drag in more chairs so not sure about your asking for seating for 2 mabe some more info but you will need to be careful it doesn’t get too much stuff happening . Outdoor kitchens need to be a good size to be useful , you need an outdoor DR connected to teh outdoor kitchen and they need to be close to the indoor kitchen too. Think of the outdoor sapce like an interior of a house . The rooms need to make sense where they are in relation to eachother . We have deck all around our house and around the pool and each part has a purpose so that all those spaces flow together when we entertain.
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PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
Having purchased a new roof (concrete barrel tile) 4 months after purchasing my home in Florida, had I the option I would have purchased a standing seam metal roof. They seem to be the most durable. I have already had leaks in my roof purchased in 2007.

I like the idea of clerestory windows like you see below to add light instead of skylights as controlling the sun down here is always an issue.

Additionally, if I had the money and the option to do anything solar I would jump at the chance.

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