Table of Contents
Introduction- 8
Part 1
Deck Design Basics- 12
Chapter 1
Where to Put It- 14
The Importance of Exposure- 16
Fit Deck to Floor Plan- 18
The Right Height- 22
Maximize Your Best Views- 26
Ensure Privacy- 30
Use Natural Assets- 32
Tools of the Trade- 34
Chapter 2
Determine Size and Shape- 36
One-Room Decks- 38
Multiple-Room Decks- 42
Choose a Shape- 46
Chapter 3
Getting On and Off- 52
Door Options- 54
Folding Walls- 58
Stair Design- 62
On-Deck Traffic- 68
Improve Yard Traffic- 70
Chapter 4
What’s Your Style?- 72
The History of Decks- 74
Today’s Decks- 76
Period Pieces- 80
Custom Guardrails- 84
Railing Kits and Systems- 88
Skirts and Skirting- 92
Decking Size and Pattern- 94
Color Your Deck- 96
General Deck Lighting- 100
Chapter 5
Selecting Materials and Hardware- 104
Traditional Wood Varieties- 106
The Exotics- 108
Pressure-Treated Wood- 110
Synthetic Deck Materials- 112
Aluminum Decks- 117
Plywood Decks- 118
Posts, Beams, and Piers- 120
Finishing Options- 122
Buying Lumber- 124
A Primer on Fasteners- 125
Hidden Fasteners- 126
Chapter 6
Build It Safe and Sound- 128
Permits and Codes- 130
Lighting for Safety and Security- 132
Safer Stairs- 134
Deck Safety Checklist- 137
Whether to Build It Yourself- 138
Part 2
Get More From Your Deck- 140
Chapter 7
Raise the Comfort Quotient- 142
Wind Screens- 144
Shade Umbrellas- 146
Other Shade Devices- 148
Screened Enclosures- 150
Privacy Structures- 154
Privacy When You Want It- 156
Gazebos and Other Deck Structures- 158
Chapter 8
Outfitting Your Deck- 164
Deck Furnishings- 166
Building Deck Furniture- 168
Deck Storage Ideas- 170
Decorative Lighting- 174
Spas and Hot Tubs- 178
Ornamental Water Features- 180
Grill Areas and Outdoor Kitchens- 182
Fire Pits and Fireplaces- 186
Chapter 9
Deckscaping- 188
Integrate Deck to Yard- 190
Deck Planters- 194
Choosing Planters- 195
Rail Planters- 196
Through the Deck- 198
Building Around Trees- 199
What to Plant- 202
Choose Well-Behaved Plants- 204
Part 3
Gallery of Great Decks- 206
Chapter 10
Ground-Level Decks- 208
Chapter 11
Raised Decks- 214
Under-Deck Drainage Systems- 218
Chapter 12
Multilevel Decks- 220
Chapter 13
Specialty Decks- 226
Deck Plans and Designs- 240
Resource Guide- 272
Glossary- 278
Index- 282
Credits- 286