The good news is that a deck isn't that difficult to build

 Wood Material To start out on theright footing, turn to some local experts for their deck planningtips. BUILDING PERMITS First thing first. You need to know how your city defines a deckbecause that definition comes with rules and regulations designedto maintain safety. A safety codes officer will review the design to make sure that itmeets building code requirements (such as safe foundation andrailing construction) and a planning services technician willreview it for placement on your lot to make sure it meets land userules such as setbacks from the property line. DESIGN "Decks have become an extension of your indoor living space," saysBraden VanBryce, owner of Fab-u-scape (formerly Deckmaster), aCalgary company that specializes in deck and landscape design andconstruction. "Think of it like a living room-- what are you goingto be doing on the deck?" Decide whether the deck will be a space for cooking, eating orlounging -- or all three -- and you can move on to the furnitureyou'll need, and then its arrangement. Mr. VanBryce notes that space is also needed at the top of thestairs for a landing. PLACEMENT Deck placement depends largely on where your entry or patio doorsopen into your yard -- but it can be difficult to visualize exactlywhat the deck will look like and the space that it will cover. Drawing it to scale on graph paper can help or you can work with adeck consultant or the staff at a building store such as HomeDepot, Rona or Loew's. Mr. VanBryce notes that these companies havecomputer programs that will not only draw the plan, but will alsocalculate the materials needed. "At the push of a button, you can render changes," he adds. "Whenyou bring it to life with a software program, people can reallyvisualize what they're building." MATERIALS Mr. VanBryce says he builds primarily cedar decks. "Being acarpenter, I appreciate the warmth and beauty of wood."