Choosing the size of your wooden deck well ensures that you enjoy an optimised space suited to your outdoors and, above all, a pleasant one. Finding the ideal size for your deck can, however, be harder than it looks. Depending on the shape, the width and the height of your deck, and on its intended use, the dimensions will not be the same.
Thinking of installing a wooden deck? WoodPartners explains how to determine the ideal size of your deck:
-What is the right size for a wooden deck?
-What dimensions should you choose to build a deck without permission?
-What shape of wooden deck should you choose?
-What width should you choose for your wooden deck?
-What height should you choose for your wooden deck?
-Other questions about the size of a wooden deck.
What is the right size for a wooden deck?
The ideal size for a wooden deck depends on your space and on your use (hosting guests, setting out garden furniture). Your deck should, however, be at least 3 metres wide, so that you can move around comfortably:
-To host between 4 and 6 people, allow between 5 and 10 m² of deck,
-To host between 8 and 10 people, allow 15 to 20 m² of deck,
-For a deck with a dining corner as well as a relaxation corner, allow 20 m² minimum.
What dimensions should you choose to build a deck without permission?
If you want to build a deck without permission from the local council, the size of your deck must not exceed 20 m², with a height of 60 cm. If your deck exceeds this limit, you will have to apply for planning permission.
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What shape of wooden deck should you choose?
There are 3 shapes of deck, to be chosen according to your space, the layout planned and also the configuration of your plot:
-The square or rectangular deck: the most classic and most widespread shape of wooden deck. This type of deck adapts very easily to any space;
-The L-shaped deck: the ideal deck shape for small spaces. Its L-shaped design in fact makes it very simple to lay out 2 areas;
-The curved deck: an original shape which also adapts very well to small spaces. Very attractive, it gives the impression of having a larger outdoor space.
Depending on the size and the shape of your deck, the purchase and installation price will be more or less high.
What width should you choose for your wooden deck?
Your deck should be between 2.50 and 3 m wide, with at least 70 to 80 cm on each side of your garden table. The width chosen should give you enough space to move around your deck and around the furniture.
What height should you choose for your wooden deck?
For the installation of a wooden deck you can opt for 3 types of deck height:
-The adjoining deck, known as a ground-level deck, built at the same level as your home, and whose dimensions do not exceed 60 cm above the ground. The advantage of this deck size is that you do not need planning permission;
-The raised deck, built from 60 cm above the ground. In this case, if the size of your deck is 20 m² or less, a simple prior declaration of works is needed. If your deck is larger, you will have to apply for planning permission from your local council,
-The house roof terrace . Whatever the size of your deck, there is no ground footprint and you will therefore have no formalities to carry out. We suggest you find out more in the case of building a roof terrace within an apartment block.
In every case, we recommend that you find out about the Local Urban Development Plan (PLU) of your municipality, which sometimes sets obligations in terms of ground footprint or choice of materials for wooden decks.
Other questions about the size of a wooden deck
What is the best orientation for installing your deck?
That will depend on what you want. Are you more of a fan of breakfasts in the sun? An easterly orientation will be ideal. If you prefer drinks in the sun, choose west so as to enjoy the sunshine at the end of the afternoon. A due south orientation, for its part, gives you optimal sunshine all day long, while a northerly orientation ensures maximum coolness from day to day.
Is a deck taxable?
Building a deck can have an impact on housing tax and property tax. Although housing tax no longer exists for main residences as of 2023, it still applies to second homes.
A development tax (a local tax levied by the municipality, the department or the region) applies to works requiring a planning authorisation (planning permission, development permit or prior declaration of works). Decks nevertheless escape this tax as long as they are not covered.