Fence and Deck: Build The Deck of Your Dreams For many families, an outdoor deck is a summertime essential – a place to enjoy your yard, cook up those burgers, spend time together and unwind after a busy day. A deck can also expand your home's living space significantly. Author : support Published on : 1/1/2008 5:50:29 PM But how do you go about it?  What's involved?  How, exactly, do you build your dream deck? The perfect place Most decks should be located in a spot that offers an easy, convenient transition between your home and outside.  While some are free-standing, the majority of decks are built on the side or back, providing one point of access to the house and one or two points of access to the yard.   If you plan to use your deck for the occasional meal, it probably makes sense to locate it off your kitchen or dining room. Exposure is another important factor in deck placement.  Check out how much sun and shade your yard receives throughout the day and place your deck accordingly – depending on your preferences. A north-facing deck usually gets less light and may be more susceptible to wind and cooler temperatures in spring and fall while a south-facing deck could be exposed to extreme heat in summer.  Keep in mind that lattice walls or arbors (an ideal place to grow vines) can provide shade, protection from the elements and privacy. There may also be regulations on how close your deck can be to neighbouring properties so call your local building department. A divine design Deck design includes both size and style. Some experts say your deck should be about the same size as your living room or the largest room in your home.  Some homeowners prefer to start small and add onto their decks over time (just be sure to plan for additions in your design now).  Remember that bigger isn't necessarily better:  a large deck can overwhelm a small home or a small yard. And while some decks are simple, straightforward additions, others are as elaborate as the homes to which they are attached.  Many are somewhere in between. Today's decks often includes several tiers, stairways, ramps, decorative railings as well as hot tubs, planters, built-in seats, water features or gazebos.  Shapes can range from basic rectangles to complex, multi-sided creations – it depends on your preferences, budget, yard size and imagination.  The main objective is to ensure that your deck suits your existing home, your yard, your needs and your budget. Quality materials Decks materials fall into three main categories.  Wood with natural rot resistance, such as cedar, is beautiful, natural, strong and resists dry rot without the use of chemicals.  Occasional refinishing helps keep it resistant to moisture, insects and sun damage. Chemically treated or pressurized wood is less expensive than natural wood and resists rot with the help of chemical preservatives.  Treated woods may need to be resealed annually. Synthetic lumber, generally the most expensive option, is relatively maintenance free.  It's also durable, available in a range of colours and stands up well to extreme weather conditions and sun exposure. When designing your dream deck, keep in mind that you can use naturally rot-resistant wood in combination with treated or synthetic lumber. A sound structure Simple deck designs are often built by their homeowners.  If this do-it-yourself approach appeals to you, just be sure to get your building permit and find out about restrictions, regulations and local building codes that apply to your project. More elaborate decks are usually better left to the professionals – people who build decks for a living.  Not only will they help ensure your deck is built soundly, they can secure the required building permits.  What's more, they can also provide valuable expertise regarding your deck's location, design and material selection – and turn the deck of your dreams into a relaxing, rewarding reality.