A new or replacement deck should reflect your lifestyle. It should correspond with your stage in life. For example, baby boomers may want to transform their space outdoors when their kids leave the nest...no more trampolines and swingsets. Families, on the other hand, are looking for more room to entertain their kids and friends.

A deck design should go beyond creating a flat surface. A note of caution: homeowners should avoid built-in benches on decks because of safety hazards and because permanent seating limits flexibility, space and view. The latest deck trends include:

• Designs and patterns using composite materials and geometric designs on oversized decks to add interest and eliminate that "basketball court" feel.
• Exterior lighting not only adds elegance but extends outdoor entertaining time into the evening.
• Unusual shapes such as octagon and rounded corners vs. traditional rectangular.
• Signature details such as craftsman-style  overhangs.
• Undercover systems to prevent exposure to weather such as screened-in porch with second story deck.
• Breaking up space and adding interest to the space with directional and diagonal decking.
• Upgrading unusable space (steep sloped backyard) with deck and covered porches.
• Copper rails that maximize the view, add elegance and offers a neutral, natural look.
• Privacy screens, arbors, trellises and modified roofs create an outdoor room effect instead of a glorified patio.
• Overhead structures can help regulate the amount of sun hitting the deck and are ideal for covering the outdoor grill area.
• Rafters and shadeboards with decorative designs also can create interesting light patterns on the deck throughout the day.

By thinking of the deck as more than a floor outside, you can create a sanctuary that’s functional and can be used year-round!