Evaluate Space and Needs
Before building our deck, Cindy and I sat down and came up with a wish list. We wanted a covered space to create an outdoor room with a tin roof and a big ceiling fan. A grilling area with a small sink was also on the list. We envisioned wide steps leading from the deck to the large backyard instead of the old, narrow stairs that led to the side of the house. Building the new stairs would also reduce the number of steps from 17 to 9. Durable outdoor furniture for dining and lounging completed the list. In accomplishing all of this, sticking to a budget was also a concern. So to save money, we decided to use inexpensive and salvaged materials.

Getting Help
Our deck plan was pretty basic and on a level site, so I drew up the size and dimensions on graph paper and showed it to contractors Kevin and Austin Davis, owners of Old House Renovations in Birmingham. They worked out the details and determined how much labor and materials would be needed to complete the job. Then we agreed on a cost and time frame.

You may want to hire a professional to develop a design for you. Architects and landscape architects can help create a look, choose materials, and make sure your deck is structurally sound. Utilize their expertise to deal with slopes, drainage, and weight-bearing issues.

Before hiring a contractor, always check references, and inspect some previous work. Having a good relationship and clear communication with your contractor is important. Inspect the progress daily, ask questions, and voice concerns. If you don't, you might not get what you want.

Construct and Enjoy
In a few weeks, our deck was finished, and our living space increased. French doors from the great room open to a large covered area where we frequently cook and dine outside. Many nights after dinner, we sit and watch dusk turn to dark while listening to a chorus of crickets. The deck creates a nice transition from the house to the landscape and makes a great overflow area during parties. Its high-pitched ceiling breaks the strong vertical line of the large chimney, improving our home's appearance.

A Place to Relax
We painted some old, salvaged French doors red and arranged them in a bay window shape, which encloses one side of the deck. The doors are fixed, but they do allow lots of natural light to flow through. They also help protect the covered area from rain. The swinging couch is a popular place to lounge. Good friend Kenner Patton built the oversize wooden swing, and stylist Cindy Manning Barr selected bright fabric to cover large, fluffy pillows. Steel cables suspend the floating sofa from overhead beams. More than 6 feet long, the swing can also be used as a cozy daybed.

Material Matters
We chose tin roofing because it is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. We love to sit outside when it's drizzling and listen to the raindrops tapping on the tin. We also attached two panels of a greenhouse material called TwinWall to the roof, creating a nice skylight. This affordable, clear plastic allows lots of sunlight to stream into the covered area, so the deck doesn't feel like a cave.

Our original 2 x 4 deck rails ran vertically, so when we sat down and looked into the backyard, we felt as if we were in jail. To give the new deck a more open feel, we used 3-foot-high, 16-gauge galvanized steel fencing to wrap around our deck. It makes a strong, almost transparent railing. The galvanized steel will last forever and will never need painting.

Outdoor Kitchen
The cooking area was offset so the grill wouldn't take up space on the deck. We installed a small bar sink next to the grill, which provides a great place to wash hands or utensils while cooking and to water small potted plants. Two tin doors conceal the grill and propane tanks and create an area for storage.

Junk or Treasure?
My wife isn't always thrilled with the salvaged items I bring home, but sometimes they turn into neat decorations. Old tools make a nice emblem above the steps. I drilled a hole in each handle and bolted them to the center support of the truss. Lanterns hung from an old plowing implement brighten the entrance.

A funnel-shaped item found at a flea market makes a unique lamp. I filled an old bird feeder made of scrap lumber with pyracantha berries and candles to illuminate the covered deck.

Table Toppers
A wooden lazy Susan filled with old garden tools, candles, pears, foliage, and flowers serves as a showy centerpiece. At dusk, the flickering light of a hurricane lamp casts a seasonal glow, illuminating an assortment of buff-colored pumpkins, fruit, and berries. When setting the table, tie bundles of foliage, such as kale and maple leaves, to your napkins with red raffia to brighten each place setting.

Try these fun ideas and colorful autumn arrangements to bring comfortable style to your outdoor areas.

Containers Make A Splash
A few planters set around the deck showcase brilliant fall colors. Burgundy chrysanthemums work well with ornamental kale and cabbage. Red mustard and yellow mums planted at the base of a coral bark maple also make a striking combination. For long-lasting blooms, buy mums when their buds are tight and just beginning to show color.