When it comes to decks, most Americans feel bigger is better, as multiple surveys indicate decks are getting larger and more luxurious, RealtorMag reports.

Today’s decks dwarf the outdoor spaces of decades ago, and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces with features like full kitchens, dining and entertainment areas, said Kim Katwijk, owner of Deck Builders Inc. in Olympia, Wash. Katwijk is a 20-year veteran of the deck-building business, and co-producer of the upcoming web series Outdoors Outdone.

Katwijk said the intersection of two major home trends is driving the growth of “monster” decks: homes are getting larger and outdoor living has reached mainstream status.

Last year, more than half of all new homes were 2,400 square feet or larger, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s “Characteristics of New Housing” report. (In 1973, the average home size was 1,660 square feet.)

As homes grew, deck sizes have, too. RealtorMag reports one survey found that since 2014, the average deck size grew by 53 percent in the Northeast, to 406 square feet.

So what makes a deck project “monster”? Size, design, materials and amenities all combine in this nationwide trend.

“Monster” decks are really big. Mark Kalady, a decking sales manager for TAMKO Building Products, Inc., said he’s recently seen residential decks grow to 3,000 square feet.

Depending on the amenities included, a deck 1,600-1,800 square feet could also be considered “monster.”

Cooking and dining areas are among the most requested luxury features, deck builders say. Luxury grills, built-in pizza ovens and full-cook stoves and sinks are becoming more common.

Fire and water features such as hot tubs, lap pools, fireplaces and fire pits are part of the trend of bringing the indoors out. These focal points serve as relaxation, exercise and entertaining stations.

Katwijk said “conversational pits” designed specifically for extended entertaining allow deck-users to enjoy time together away from the cooking and dining areas.

“Monster” decks often include multiple levels, with each level serving a different theme or intended use, such as dining, conversation, swimming, etc.

Many of today’s larger decks include living room areas equipped with big-screen TVs, wireless speakers and gaming systems. But the technology used on monster decks can extend to retractable glass walls and skylights, and even the deck boards themselves.

Katwijk said the technology behind man-made decking products like Envision composite lumber offers the luxury appearance of exotic woods, but with minimal annual maintenance.

“People want an environment where they can be outdoors, yet have all the creature comforts of their home – essentially creating a space where they can do all the things that they love,” Katwijk said.

Size, amenities and even the materials used can make a deck a “monster.” This deck features multiple sitting areas, dining table and fire and water elements, and is constructed from man-made Envision composite lumber.

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