The second component in design is uses of the deck. I like to talk with the people who live in the home to design a deck around how they would use their deck. Ten different families living in the same house will have different uses in mind and will require a different design. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. How many people live in the home?
   
   
2. What size of groups will be using the deck on a fairly regular basis?
   
   
3. These 2 questions are helping me to determine the appropriate size. Each person needs approximately 25-ft2 minimum
   
   
4. How long have you lived in this home? ( I want to get a feeling of how well they know the property)
   
   
5. How long do you intend to live in this home? (I want to build a deck that will last longer than what they will need. The average deck in North America lasts 8.7 years)
   
   
6. How much use will your deck be getting; minimal, moderate or daily use?
   
   
7. How will you be using your deck; entertaining, quiet reading area, BBQing, eating, relaxing, lying in the sun, parties, spa area, children playing?
   
   
8. What type of furniture will be on the deck and where; table and 4 or 6 chairs, BBQ, loungers, spas, other chairs or benches, hammocks, children's toys, any other furniture?

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