Home Q&A: Should I include a deck with an overhang on my timber-framed cabin?

A deck with an overhang or some type of porch protection offers shelter as well as no-fuss flooring on which to leave boots, bikes and more

A deck is a fantastic addition to a modular home or chalet for a number of reasons, writes Kya deLongchamps. File picture

Question

Should I include a deck with an overhang on my timber-framed cabin?

Answer

A deck is a fantastic addition to a modular home or chalet for a number of reasons. 

First of all, with an overhang or some sort of porch protection, it offers shelter for not only opening the door (what ever side that’s on), but it’s also a bit of no-fuss flooring on which to leave boots, bikes and more. 

Wraparounds to at least two sides are a popular addition.

This type of addition also hides any unattractive suspended plinth to the home, and can make the best use of different ground heights and even a view. 

Generally, these buildings have a layout where you step directly into an open-plan living room/kitchen. 

Any extra sense of arrival, including a couple of steps up to a deck, really promotes a more homey feel — a proper veranda when well designed. Keep in mind that when you add a roof or any sort of shading over the front door and/or windows, it will impact the light reaching indoors, which could be a plus or a minus depending on the amount of passive solar gain you’re after. 

Outdoor space like this is not counted as an indoor “warm space”, so you could, in theory, exceed the exempted 45sq m proposed by planning without getting into trouble. This may be easier to overcome without a full, proper fixed roof extending over the deck. 

Think about installing a pull-out roller shade secured to the front of the house. Hopefully, the government will offer more clarity on this and other matters in the coming months.

Got a question for our Home team? Email [e-mail]