Your deck should accommodate different aspects of your lifestyle, including entertainment, relaxation, and places where the children can play.

Think in terms of how you can organize your deck space into separate areas for your different needs. Create a sheltered nook for a quiet hideaway by using decorative screens, trellises, or planters.

If you are building a deck from scratch, consider a multi-layered design if you have the space. If that is not feasible, changing the direction of the deck boards is an easy approach to visually carving out a separate space.

Using different stain colours to designate where one area begins and another ends is a great way to define space for both new and existing decks.

You can incorporate deck colour to coordinate the transition from your home's interior to the outdoors, and as a decorative element to create visual impact.

Hardware shops carries a complete line of stains, including transparent, semi-transparent, and solid colour stains. Visit your local hardware retailer to check for complete line of deck and siding stains.

Here are some illuminating ideas to keep you entertaining regardless of the hour:

• Candles - from large stand-alone pillars to clusters of tiny tea lights

• Lanterns - hurricane, paper, or glass

• String lights - wrap them around nearby trees (including any potted ones on the deck), deck railings, or along awnings and umbrellas

• Chimeneas - these small outdoor fireplaces are a great source for light and heat
  

• Solar lighting- place them along steps and entryways for safe stepping