Don't just assume it can span joists on 16-inch centers. Some are engineered to work on 12-inch centers. The flip side is that you can create curvy designs not possible with wood lumber.

"Add a pergola to your deck with roof and privacy features. Follow me, April Wilkerson, on The Craftistry for more DIY projects and hands-on building!" ...

CAMBY, Ind. – Building a deck from start to finish will generally cost thousands of dollars, depending on the materials, size, style of deck and who builds it. If you already have a deck but … ...

Float a wood deck on top of a budget-friendly pea gravel patio to create a minimalist feel. Surround a small backyard with tall fencing to add privacy if you have neighbors on all sides.

An Egyptian garden plan from 1400 BC includes a pergola. Today’s pergolas — constructed primarily from wood or metal — incorporate canvas, stone, clay tiles, plastic or even glass.

3. Mixed-materials deck. Combining wood decking with concrete elements — like the low wall and stairs shown here — works especially well with contemporary, modern and urban homes.

The rooftop deck is accessed from the kitchen via a few storage-integrated steps. It has some seating and tables, plus the pergola is removable for when it's in transit. It looks like a nice way ...

The experts at Consumer Reports tested the best wood decking boards for building a deck in your yard—here's what they found.

A ranch, raised ranch, or contemporary house style can work well with many deck designs. It’s more challenging to make a deck work with older home styles, such as Tudor, colonial, or 1920s bungalow.