Underfoot but Still on the Mind

Throughout time, humans have recognized the importance of seeking refuge from harsh elements that can threaten our lives. However, alongside this necessity, there has always been a strong yearning to reconnect with nature. We want to establish a connection with the natural world, albeit on our own terms, rather than subject to unpredictable whims of the climate and circumstances. To fulfill our longing to reconnect with nature, a significant portion of our activities have centered around creating outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend with our homes. These spaces serve as a gateway to the outside world, allowing us to enjoy favorable weather conditions at any given time of our choosing. These open-air areas are known by various terms and have taken on different forms like lanais, porches, screened enclosures, and patios, among others. The prevalent outdoor spaces in Western culture, which are typically built and connected to houses, are decks, balconies, and patios. To make better informed decisions on which options to create and of what materials, we will explore the possibilities for building decks and balconies, usually elevated above ground level.