• There are many creative ideas for decks.Relaxing Deck image by gardenia from Fotolia.com
  
  Outdoor decks are an important part of any home. They are the place where people often spend time with friends and family. For this reason, it is important to create a welcoming atmosphere on the deck. There are several creative ideas for outdoor decks that include different kinds of construction, lights, fountains and other accessories.
  
  

Creative Ideas for Construction

• Many decks only have a single level.deck with a view image by Bruce Shippee from Fotolia.com
  
  When it comes to building materials, many outdoor decks are made of wood. However, wood requires quite a bit of maintenance. Because of their exposure to the elements, wood decks need painting, sanding or resealing. Also, other problems like insects and rot occur with wood. As Bobvila.com states, the alternatives to wood decks are "composite wood and plastic lumber decking options [that are] low-maintenance or no-maintenance, durable, environmentally friendly...affordable and worry-free." In addition, these materials have a genuine wood look and feel, without the inconvenience of splinters. "Most composite decking materials are made from a blend of wood industry by-products or recycled products...and some form of plastic," accoding to Bobvila.com.
  
  When it comes to the actual design, most outdoor decks only have a single level. One creative idea is to build a deck with more than one level. This could simply mean adding a couple steps to the end of the deck then adding another part to it. This is called a multi-level deck and include spiral, vertical, or horizontal designs.
  
  

Creative Ideas for Lights

• Electric lights are limiting in where they can be placed because of the wiring.light with extension cord image by Gareau Enterprises from Fotolia.com
  
  Lighting can create a relaxing ambiance for outdoor decks. Many outdoor decks do not have lights on them, except perhaps a floodlight connected to the house. There are several creative options for lighting. The classic option of electric lights and the newer option of solar-powered lights is used by many deck owners. Electric lights are more limiting in where they can be placed but they stay bright. Solar-powered lights can be placed just about anywhere but their level of brightness depends on the strength of the sun on any given day. These lights can be placed anywhere from the top of the posts to in between steps. Lights on top of the posts are called lighted post caps and create a beautiful atmosphere for any outdoor deck.
  
  There are also outdoor party lights that add color and fun and can be hung or placed anywhere near an outlet. Yet another type of light is the solar-powered rock light. These faux rocks have solar-powered lights in them and can be placed anywhere, as long as they get their daily charge from the sun.
  
  

Creative Ideas for Fountains and Other Accessories

• Fountains come in many shapes and sizes and add to the relaxing ambience on outdoor decks.fountain image by david harding from Fotolia.com
  
  Fountains are another creative idea for outdoor decks that add to the relaxing ambiance. These come in just about every shape and size and can be placed almost anywhere, depending on the type. Fountain kits can also be purchased to create your own fountain design. Solar-powered rock lights can also be placed around the fountain to create a natural look. Another creative idea for deck accessories is an outdoor surround sound system. This fun feature allows you and your guests to enjoy music from the radio and CD's while being outside.