A large deck becomes more practical when it is divided into distinct areas and furniture, balustrades, sunlight, wind and privacy are planned together. It then feels cohesive and usable rather than simply large and empty.
Start from how you want to use the deck and give, for example, the dining area, lounge and sun spot their own places. On a large area, the sense of rooms matters more than the number of square metres – each part needs a clear function and a natural place.
How do you create a sense of space on a large deck?
Divide the large deck into distinct areas for dining, lounging, sunbathing and growing plants. This gives each area a purpose, so the open timber deck begins to feel like several useful outdoor rooms rather than one large, uninterrupted surface.
When planning a large deck, the zones do not need to be separated by walls. A balustrade, planting, a change in level, a rug or a pergola can create enough of a boundary while keeping the space open.
| Zone | Location | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| Dining area | Near the door to the kitchen | Firm surface, ideally with shade |
| Lounge area | Sheltered position, ideally in a corner | Wind protection and soft furnishings |
| Sunbathing area | An area that catches the afternoon or evening sun | Open, nothing blocking the view |
| Planting | Along the balustrade | Allow for water and weight |
| Hot tub or bathing area | Separate section | Reinforced supporting structure |
How do you plan the balustrade around a large deck?
Do not automatically plan the same solution all the way round the deck. Start instead from what each side needs to do – a clear view, more privacy from the neighbours and better shelter where the wind is strongest.
The balustrade can still visually tie the deck together through recurring materials, colours, or proportions, even when different sections serve different functions.
Let the function guide your choices without losing sight of the overall design
Keep a clear line of sight
On the side you want to look out toward, a more open or see-through balustrade might be the best choice. That way, the garden or landscape will continue to feel like part of the outdoor space.
Create privacy
Where overlooking is a problem, a more enclosed design or a privacy screen can be a better choice. You do not need to enclose the whole deck to create privacy where it matters.
Create more shelter from the wind
On the side exposed to wind, a separate windbreak may be the right solution. It does not have to be the same system as the balustrade on the rest of the deck for the whole to work.
Sketch the deck and its furniture to scale, and start by rearranging the dining area, lounge, and other zones. This will make it easier to see where an unobstructed view is important, where privacy is needed, and which side needs better shelter.
What requirements apply to a balustrade on a large deck?
A balustrade should provide adequate protection where there is a risk of falling from the deck. Consider drop height, how the space is used, and what is below when planning the balustrade’s height and design.
Check which safety requirements apply to the planned deck. The balustrade's design, infill, and fixings must be adapted to its location and the loads it is intended to withstand.
In that case, the openings and the climbing protection become especially important
Child safety isn't just about the height of the balustrade. Openings, features that children can climb on, and objects next to the balustrade also need to be checked.
Prevent climbing
Avoid profiles, crosswise details, and other design features that provide natural footholds and make it easier for children to climb the balustrade.
Check the openings
Check the gaps between posts, the glass, the balusters and the bottom edge. The openings must be designed so that children cannot squeeze through or get stuck in the balustrade.
Inspect the area around the balustrade
Furniture, planters, and changes in level next to the balustrade can make it easier to climb over. Therefore, check the safety of the deck even after it has been fully furnished.
How does wind load affect the spacing between posts on a large deck?
Wind loads may require that the post spacing be reduced, especially on long sections of balustrade with dense infill and in locations exposed to wind. The greater the load, the more important it is that the balustrade’s design and fixings are adapted to the location.
How close together the posts need to be depends on the balustrade's design, infill, and location. Follow the balustrade system's instructions and make sure that the post spacing and fixings are appropriate for the load at the installation site.
A larger solid area catches more wind
Less air can pass through
Greater forces on the balustrade
Shorter post spacing may be necessary
This is especially true for long sections with dense infill and in locations where the balustrade is exposed to strong winds.
Does a large deck require planning permission?
A large deck may require planning permission or other approval, depending on how it is built. In particular, the height above ground, the location on the lot, and the distance from the house can affect what you need to check before construction begins.
It is also important to distinguish between the deck itself and what you build around it. An open balustrade used as a fall protection and a solid privacy screen may be subject to different requirements.
The deck and a solid privacy screen can be assessed differently
Height and location have an impact
The height of the deck above ground level, its location near the house, and the design of the structure can affect whether planning permission or other approval is required. Also take into account ground levels and other conditions on the lot.
May be subject to other requirements
A solid screen to block the view or the wind can be considered separately from the deck and the balustrade. The height, placement, and design of the screen may therefore affect whether you need planning permission or other approval.
Always check the conditions for your property
The characteristics of the lot, the scope of the project, and what you plan to build may affect which permits are required. Therefore, check with the relevant authority for the most up-to-date information before ordering materials or beginning construction.
What should you check before building a large deck?
Above all, check the layout, zones, heavy loads, balustrades, wind conditions, and planning permission before construction begins. That way, the deck’s design and various features can be planned together instead of having to be addressed after the fact.
Seven Things to Keep in Mind Before You Start Building
-
Did you draw the deck and its furniture to scale?
Place the dining table, lounge area, barbecue, and other large pieces of furniture on the sketch. That way, you'll see how much space each item actually needs before anything is built.
-
Are the zones arranged based on sunlight, views, and privacy?
Decide where you'd prefer to sit in the sun, where you need more privacy, and in which direction you want to keep the view open.
-
Is the dining area conveniently located?
It helps to place it near the kitchen exit. The shorter distance makes a big difference when carrying food, dishes, and other items between the kitchen and the deck.
-
Is the deck designed to support heavy loads?
If, for example, you plan to install a hot tub, that section of the deck will need to be designed to support the extra weight. Plan the placement before installing the decking.
-
Has each side been given a solution suited to its needs?
Determine where you want an unobstructed view, where you need more privacy, and whether any part of the deck needs a separate windbreak.
-
Is the balustrade's design adapted to the wind?
Long sections of balustrades with dense infill may be subject to greater wind loads. In exposed locations, shorter distances between posts may therefore be necessary.
-
Have you checked the regulations that apply to the property?
Check the permitting requirements before ordering materials or starting construction, especially if the project also includes a solid privacy screen or other major additions.
Which balustrade is right for your large deck?
Once you've decided on the layout and dimensions of your deck, you can choose a balustrade based on the view, privacy, wind, and the look you want to create around your outdoor space.
What do you need to know when planning a large deck?
When planning a large deck, consider how to divide the space, where the structure may need reinforcement and how balustrades, wind, child safety and planning permissions affect the design. Here are brief answers to some common questions.
Hur undviker jag att en stor altan känns tom?
Divide the space into zones using balustrades, plants, changes in level, rugs, or a pergola. A large, open space does not automatically feel like a room just because it is furnished.
Where does the deck need to be reinforced?
This is especially true where very heavy items will be placed, such as a hot tub. A filled hot tub can weigh several metric tons, and the entire weight is concentrated on a relatively small area of the deck. The location should therefore be determined early on so that the structure can be reinforced where necessary.
Can I use different balustrades on different sides of the deck?
Yes. Different parts of the deck can have different balustrade or privacy solutions depending on your needs. On the side facing the view, you might want a more open solution, while another side may require more privacy or windbreak. The solutions do not have to be based on the same system.
Does the size of the deck affect the wind load on the balustrade?
A large deck often has longer balustrade spans. Long spans with solid infill, such as glass, catch more wind; therefore, in windy locations, shorter distances between posts may be necessary.
How high should the balustrade on the deck be?
The height of the balustrade should provide adequate protection based on drop height, how the deck is used, and the conditions below. Check the applicable design requirements and choose a balustrade system that is suited to the site’s conditions.
What are the rules if young children are on the deck?
If children are allowed on the deck, the balustrade must be designed so that it is difficult to climb and so that any openings do not pose a risk of someone crawling through or getting stuck. Also check for furniture and other objects near the balustrade that could be used as climbing aids.
Do you need planning permission for a large deck?
This depends, among other things, on the deck’s height, location, and design. A closed privacy screen may be subject to different requirements than the deck itself and an open balustrade. Therefore, check whether planning permission or other approval is required before you order materials or begin construction.
