In almost every respect, a deck or patio is an outdoor room; it's by far the least expensive way to expand the size of your home, taking some pressure off of indoor areas meant for eating, food preparation, and just plain "hanging around". In Texas, a deck can be an especially useful addition to your home during the fall and winter (I use my west-facing deck a lot in mid-winter - when it's often sunny, clear and in the sixties.) Plus, it's invaluable in the spring, when many flowers and trees break into bloom. The most appropriate time to start planning a deck is NOW. The best time to use your deck is most of the year, eliminating only the very hot and very cold or rainy days.

Let's define terms – a "deck" is not the same as a "patio". The latter is built directly on the surface of the ground – usually as a big, unattractive slab of concrete. Whereas a deck is built above the ground – so cooling air can circulate underneath and excess water won't puddle where you walk. Its weight is supported by posts sunk into the ground, and it's usually made of wood. Various "bells & whistles" such as seating, railings, awnings, planters, latticework or storage places can be added to either.

Plants can be added as well. Temperatures in Denton have cooled off to the point where so-called weather "experts" will soon be telling us to cover up our outdoor plants. But if you're a card-carrying Texan you'll remember that there are some truly glorious days between now and next summer. This makes for the opportunity for lots of great outdoor living.

A deck's location is undoubtedly its most important feature. How do you access it? If you'll sip your morning coffee there, go for an east view, but be wary of the sun's glare. For dinner parties on the deck, south or west may be better (perhaps with an overhead arbor). The deck could be partly in the sun and partly in the shade – so where you sit can vary according to the temperature. Actually, an overhead trellis can filter the sun and make a place for plants to grow.

A deck also has the advantage if greatly minimizing damage to existing trees and shrubs, since the vast majority of roots are undisturbed by the construction - which largely takes place above ground level. In fact, decks can often be built around existing trees without doing them much harm. You won't be altering existing drainage patterns either. If wood is used as the building material, a deck can blend nicely into the aesthetics of your landscape.

It may sound like you can build a deck in a weekend. No way! Unless it's really simple and you'll go for unsafe, unimaginative work. Instead, plan on two or three months (up to six months for a multi-level deck) between the time you decide you want one, and the first time you step on it. I strongly suggest you start with a drawn-up design, so you can make all your revisions and changes (which you will make) on paper – it's less expensive that way. And unless you're really good, you might want to consult a professional – you may save money in the long run and you'll have access to the latest in construction materials and techniques…as well as creativity.

Owen Yost is an area Landscape Architect specializing in designing low-maintenance landscapes incorporating native plants with hardscape such as decking, fences, terraces, walkways, walls etc. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Keep Denton Beautiful and the Native Plant Society of Texas. His Denton office is at 4516 Coyote Point; call 940.382-2099 or 383-9655. E-mail, Yost87@charter.net