Critical details
As with a patio or courtyard, the enjoyment of your deck is influenced by details. Before building, consider why you are building the deck and the ways you intend to use it. Plan for features you can add to enhance various activities.

Built-in seating
Most decks are built with the intention of people gathering on them. You can purchase outdoor furniture for the most flexible approach to seating. Decks also offer the option of built-in seating, which can substitute for a railing. Although built-in furniture is less versatile, bench seats come in handy when you have a crowd.

Shade
Although decks don't absorb light and heat the way paving does, a little shade or shelter is helpful. For dappled shade, consider extending a pergola from the house, or extend deck posts 8 feet above the deck floor to support a lath structure.

Another option is a canopy. Constructed with study supports and weather-resistant fabrics, these retractable coverings offer several advantages over arbors or pergolas. For one, they provide shade instantly, but can be rolled back to allow warming sun on cool days. A canopy also provides shelter from rain.

Planting
Container gardens make decks come alive with color and scents and even fresh herbs to toss on the grill. And because they're portable, containers can be rearranged to make more room on the deck or to rotate in new color or flowers.

Built-in planters are less versatile than containers, but make a stronger design statement. Larger planters may require less watering than freestanding pots, and can house larger, more permanent pots.

The final deck planting option is to surround the deck with landscaping. Permanent perimeter plantings help the deck blend with the rest of the garden. Use care when planning such landscaping if you're planning to expand the deck in the future. You should also keep in mind the mature size of trees and bushes so they won't overwhelm the deck as they grow. Lastly, avoid planting trees nearby that drop twigs (like willow or silver maple), fruit (like mulberry), or flowers (like magnolia). Get recommendations from your local nursery or extension service.

Lighting
For security, safety, and nighttime enjoyment, add lighting to the deck. Whether mounted on the house or built into the railing, lighting extends the use time of the deck. If you have steps, lighting them is a must to prevent mishaps.

Screening
To increase the sense of privacy, consider adding a screen to block unwanted views. Screens can be solid walls, a vine-covered fence, or a line of tall evergreens.

Cooking
One of the most popular deck activities is cooking. There are simple steps for enhancing your outdoor cooking experience. If you use a gas grill, run a gas line to it instead of using bottled gas. Consider adding a custom-built grilling area with an extra-wide railing to serve as a shelf. Put a waterproof canopy over the grill to protect the area during a storm. Be aware that cooking with charcoal on a deck is illegal in some communities because the burning embers present a fire hazard on a wood surface.