Get your dream deck

How to get the right backyard retreat for your house.

Lighting considerations
Lighting considerations
Though local codes rarely govern deck lighting, it's a good idea to install sconces around doorways and small recessed lamps on stair risers to prevent accidents at night.

On this deck, the homeowners topped the railing posts with lanterns. Other ambient light options include spotlights, mounted in nearby trees or on an overhead pergola, and solar-powered deck lights, which are easy to install since they require no wiring.

If you do choose solar, be sure to go with a high-quality set - the mechanisms in cheaper brands necessitate replacement every five years or so, which makes them a not-so-green choice.

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The pros and cons of the various materials you can use to build your dream deck (more)
A deck can handle even the rowdiest parties as long as the beam that carries the floor joists is properly bolted to the side of the house. (more)
See the rest of the photo series here. (more)

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Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.