You may want to plan for a sunny portion of the deck, take advantage of desirable breezes or place part of the deck next to an existing tree to provide shade for warm seasons.

Your municipality – You should also check the legal limits on where and how you may build your deck: zoning ordinances (lot coverage, easements, setbacks), the need for a building permit, and building code requirements.

Your local building officials can provide you with information on lot restrictions and building requirements for your municipality and on the snow, frost level and other conditions in your area which you must take into account in your planning.

Your design – Ensure that your deck will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing by thoroughly planning all details and sketching them out on graph paper. Begin by plotting all your existing site features and then draw in how your deck will best be adapted to the site. Be certain to plan your deck vertically as well as horizontally, and ensure that it is designed in compliance with all building codes and ordinances.

Bring a drawing with all the dimensions to a Deck Design Centre at the Home Depot. That way a Lumber Associate can help you custom design your deck and provide you with a complete list of the materials you'll need to build it.

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