An outdoor deck can give your backyard an attractive focal point, as well as a practical space to enjoy warmer weather or brisk evenings outside. Whether you opt for a professional installation by a licensed contractor or want to learn to install decking yourself as a DIY project, knowing what building a deck entails can help you gain an understanding of what’s involved. Whether you want a grand, multi-level deck or a simple wood patio, the installation process involves determining the type of design you want for your deck, choosing your materials, and understanding the various parts of a deck. Figuring out the cost of your deck is also another essential part of building your deck, especially if you have a set budget to work within. The types of materials you choose, as well as square footage all play a role in determining the cost to build your deck. On average, a composite deck costs between $30 and $60 per square foot installed, while natural wood decks cost about $25 to $42 per square foot including installation, especially for exotic or high-end wood like cedar and redwood. Learning about the different types of materials you can use to build your deck — and the level of maintenance involved in each — can help you plan for your deck installation, as well as how to care for it in order to get years (or decades) of enjoyment from it. In this collection, you’ll find articles designed to walk you through every aspect of deck installation — from information on how to install wood decking, composite decking, and outdoor deck installation tips to make for a smoother process.