Adding a deck area to your property is the most cost-effective way to add square metres to your home. A new deck can cost up to around $300 per square metre for a hardwood deck professionally installed and obviously less for just materials in a DIY project.
Several factors will determine the design of your deck: what you will use it for; how many people live at the property; how the new deck will harmonise with house and garden; whether it has a view. A deck leading from ranch sliders or French doors will give a nice indoor/outdoor flow to the property, especially if you match the decking with the house floor. If you plan to have an outside dining table and chairs, allow a minimum width of 3.5 metres; they take up more space than people realise. If you expect your deck to have young children playing on it or heavy traffic from a property entrance nearby, consider using hardwood decking boards.
Think about planning the BBQ area away from the house but close to the deck dining areas, and consider whether you want the seating areas to take in a view but be protected from the weather.
Shade sails of various shapes and sizes are a cost-effective way to create covered areas. A more permanent verandah can be fixed to wall but needs building consent.

Read more in the Aug/Sept 2010 issue of The Shed