Design · 6 min read
Planning a Deck That Fits How You Actually Live
Before choosing boards or colors, think about traffic, sun and the furniture you'll really use. A practical planning guide.
By the Fernwood design team · September 18, 2026 · sample article
The best decks start with a simple question: what will you do out there? Grilling for six, morning coffee for two and a hot tub each need very different amounts of space and shade.
Map your traffic
Sketch the paths people will walk — from the kitchen door to the grill, from the stairs to the lawn. Keep those paths at least three to four feet wide and free of furniture.
Follow the sun
Note where the sun is at the times you'll use the deck most. An afternoon dining area may need a pergola or shade sail; a morning deck may want full sun.
Size for real furniture
Measure the table, chairs and loungers you actually own or plan to buy, then add clearance around them. Many decks end up too small because they were sized on paper, not around furniture.
Plan the extras early
Lighting, outlets, built-in benches and future covers are far easier to plan before construction than to add later.
