Decks, patios and screened porches extend the living space of your home by creating functional outdoor rooms. They accommodate your family's way of life with flexibility for recreation, relaxation or entertainment. A deck or patio creates space for barbecuing, dining, sunbathing, children's play or simply enjoying nature. The most important part in designing your deck or patio is the planning phase. A few factors worth considering are:

• How large is the site?
• Is the ground level or sloped?
• What type of sun does the site receive?
• How much privacy do you want?
• What activities will take place on the deck/patio?
• If steps are incorporated into the design, where would you like them to land?
• Is a screened porch or gazebo needed for protection against the elements?
• How much time will you devote to maintenance?
• How much have you budgeted for this project?