Whether you're designing a cozy cottage, a modern mansion, or a beachfront retreat, decks and porches can elevate your Sim's home by adding dimension, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. In The Sims 4, players have the freedom to create custom designs or draw inspiration from real-world architecture.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about building decks, porches, and even poolside platforms in The Sims 4.
Getting Started: Entering Build Mode
Before constructing a deck or porch, you’ll need to enter
Build/Buy Mode. Here’s how:
Open the game and select your desired lot.Click the hammer and wrench icon in the top-right corner to enter Build Mode.Navigate to the Walls & Empty Rooms section to find deck foundations.If you're building from scratch, start by laying down walls and floors. If you're renovating an existing home, you can modify the structure to incorporate new outdoor spaces.
Types of Decks in The Sims 4
The game offers several deck shapes to suit different architectural styles:
- Triangular Deck – Ideal for angular, modern homes.
- Square & Rectangular Decks – The most versatile options for traditional builds.
- L-Shaped Deck – Great for wrapping around corners.
- Octagonal Deck – Perfect for gazebos or unique layouts.
- Rounded Decks (Large & X-Large) – Best for curved, elegant designs.
- Diagonal Decks – Useful for unconventional floor plans.
Placing a Deck
Select your preferred deck shape from the menu.Click and drag to place it on the ground or over a foundation.- To raise a deck, click on the upward arrow when placing it.
- To attach it to a house, align it against an exterior wall.
Adjust the height and size as needed.Decks can also be built
over water, including ponds and (with the Island Living expansion) oceanfront properties.
Customizing Your Deck
Once placed, you can enhance your deck with:
1. Foundations & Platforms
- Use the foundation tool to elevate the deck for a more dramatic look.
- Adjust foundation heights to create multi-level decks.
2. Fences & Railings
- Choose from wooden, wrought iron, or modern railings to match your home’s style.
- Mix and match fence types for visual interest.
3. Pillars & Supports
- Add columns or pillars beneath raised decks for structural realism.
- Experiment with different materials (brick, stone, wood).
4. Stairs & Accessibility
- Ensure Sims can access the deck by adding stairs.
- Use spiral staircases for compact spaces.
Building a Wrap-Around Porch
A wrap-around porch adds charm to farmhouses, Victorian homes, and rustic builds. Here’s how to create one:
Start with an L-shaped or curved deck that follows the perimeter of the house.Adjust the height to match the home’s foundation (usually slightly elevated).Add railings for safety and style.Decorate with:- Rocking chairs or benches
- Plants and flower boxes
- Ceiling fans or string lights (from Seasons or Cool Kitchen Stuff)
- Outdoor rugs and side tables
Pro Tip: Use the "bb.moveobjects" cheat to place decorations more precisely.
Building a Deck with a Pool
Combining a deck with a pool creates a luxurious outdoor space. Follow these steps:
Place the deck first, ensuring enough space for the pool.Add the pool using the pool tool (found in the Outdoors section).- Choose from pre-made shapes or design a custom pool.
Add pool borders (under the pool options) to blend it seamlessly with the deck.Enhance the area with:- Lounge chairs and umbrellas
- A poolside bar (from Dine Out or Backyard Stuff)
- Outdoor showers or changing areas
Note: Pools cannot be placed directly under decks, so plan accordingly.
Advanced Deck-Building Tips
- Use the Grid Tool (G Key) to align decks perfectly with your home.
- Combine multiple deck shapes for unique layouts.
- Add roofing over part of the deck to create a covered patio.
- Experiment with terrain tools to blend decks into sloped lots.
Final Thoughts
Decks and porches are more than just aesthetic additions—they provide functional outdoor living spaces where Sims can relax, socialize, and enjoy the scenery. Whether you're building a simple backyard deck or an elaborate wrap-around porch, this guide gives you all the tools needed to create stunning outdoor areas in The Sims 4.Now, grab your virtual hammer and start building!
Tags:
Life simulation game, EA Games, Sims 4 expansion packs, Create-a-Sim, Sims 4 mods, Sims 4 cheats, Sims 4 gameplay, Sims
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows , macOS , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One
Publisher(s):Electronic Arts
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