For families, especially those with young children, an covered deck isn’t just a luxury—it’s a practical way to expand your home’s usable space. With the right design, a deck paired with a patio cover can transform how you use your home, providing a year-round outdoor retreat that’s perfect for young kids and hosting gatherings.
Expanding Your Home with a Covered Deck
We like to tell homeowners that adding a deck with a patio cover is like adding an extra room to your home. It gives you the flexibility to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather. Stephanie Kirby, a busy mom of two, shared how her new deck changed her family’s daily routine:
“We can be outside, too, and running around and having a little bit more of the indoor-outdoor kind of lifestyle, especially with the deck that’s partially covered at least, too, which is really nice.”
The covered portion of the deck allows her family to stay comfortable during rainy weather. Instead of being couped indoors, her family can still enjoy meals, playtime, or relax outside:
“Even when it’s rainy, if we can sneak out or now go underneath the deck and use that patio area, it just creates a lot of family memories out here.”
For families dealing with limited indoor space, we’ve found a covered deck offers a cost-effective way to expand their usable area without the expense of a full home addition.
A Safe and Family-Friendly Design
During her project Stephanie made clear to us that safety was a top priority, especially with two small children. During the design process, Stephanie initially leaned toward cable railings but changed her mind after one of our estimators pointed out potential safety concerns:
“We did really like the cable railing at first, and then it was brought up from some of the designers that, given that we have small kids, it’s really easy for them to climb up on. We ended up going with the black aluminum railings… It was a very good idea that we went vertical and not horizontal.”
Vertical aluminum railings are a popular choice for families because they combine a sleek, modern look with child-friendly safety features. They also require little maintenance, giving parents one less thing to worry about.
The Ease of Composite Decking
For families like Stephanie’s, time is precious. That’s why low-maintenance materials are essential. Composite decking, such as Deckorators, was an easy choice:
“We knew we wanted to go composite and not wood because we were looking for something that was really low maintenance.”
Unlike traditional wood, composite decking is resistant to mold, mildew, and weather damage, making it ideal for busy families. Stephanie explained how this fits their lifestyle:
“With two kids, it’s so nice not to have to worry about staining or fixing boards. It looks great and just makes life easier.”
Deckorators composite decking also comes with long warranties, ensuring the deck will stay in great shape for years.
A Space for All Seasons
Stephanie’s deck wasn’t just designed for summer use—it was built to be enjoyed year-round. The partially covered design protects against the rain while still letting in light and air. This makes the space ideal for everything from quiet evenings to larger gatherings:
“We’re very much looking forward to having family gatherings here… and especially outside, too, with this space now. It’s nice to have a place where everyone feels comfortable.”
Covered decks are also a great solution for extending the life of outdoor furniture and creating a weather-protected area for grilling and dining equipment.
Perfect for Entertaining and Everyday Use
The deck has become the heart of Stephanie’s family life, serving as a space for casual dinners and larger get-togethers.
“It’s been amazing to just be able to come out here after dinner, run around, and have dinner on our new deck now. It’s a place we can use every single day.”
For families who enjoy hosting, a deck creates the perfect atmosphere for entertaining. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a few friends or a large family gathering, the deck is a versatile space that makes hosting easy.
Why a Covered Deck is Worth It
When asked if the investment was worth it, Stephanie gave us an enthusiastic response:
“I think just do it. It seems like a lot of money, but we are so pleased and happy with it and can’t wait to use it. Definitely worth the investment.”
An outdoor living space isn’t just a home improvement—it’s a cost effective lifestyle upgrade. It gives families a place to relax, connect, and enjoy the outdoors year-round without the limitations of weather.
