If you are handy with your PC, you might also consider purchasing special computer software that will let you design wood decks and see how they will look. If you decide you like one of them you can print out a copy of the plans, as well as a supply list - and take both to your local DIY center, or give to your contractor, to get the necessary materials.

A third essential in a good wood deck design is that it will be sized right for the amount of property available for building. Have you ever seen a huge deck propped up against a tiny house, crowded into a small lot? Or perhaps a very small deck next to a huge mansion? In both cases, the deck is not properly proportioned to the house/lot and it will come off looking ridiculous.

You can get ideas for wood deck designs from radio and TV ads (especially infomercials), from various books and magazines, as well as the Internet. You can also get good ideas about wood deck designs from your friends and neighbors. You can also buy special software applications for your home computer that will let you experiment with various wood deck designs, without actually committing to a specific construction project.

Once you have the general idea for your wood deck firmly in mind, then it's time to develop specific design plans. You can adapt and use a wood deck design pulled from a book or magazine article. You can also use special computer software to draw up your wood deck plans - and then you can print them out. If you want to make sure that your wood deck design is a sound one, you can hire a professional: a contractor or designer.

When getting an estimate from a contractor for your wood deck design construction, you should insist on a written estimate. It should be a complete estimate of all costs. The estimate should also specify the cost of materials separately from all labor charges.

Of course, the wood selected for your decking project should be able to last for years exposed to elements. You will need to use pressure-treated or preserved wood. Don't waste money using plain lumber as it will not last as long. Properly treated wood will also help preserve your wood from insect infestation and decay due to moisture.

As you work on getting various written estimates for your wood deck designs, you will notice, of course, that labor charges can vary significantly from contractor to contractor. If materials charges vary significantly from one contractor to another, compare the estimates very carefully to make sure that a contractor is not trying to use cheaper materials to lower the cost, or increasing their profit margin by charging a lot for using cheaper lumber and hardware.