are more popular than ever. No longer simply ornamental backyard structures, they are increasingly being equipped with all of the creature comforts, including electricity and plumbing, and used as guesthouses, home offices, spas, and more. Besides making their way into the mainstream, they are getting closer to the main house, as many people are integrating them with their decks, to extend their living areas. This practice is becoming so widespread, in fact, that it has given rise to the term, gazebo deck. Whether or not you're going to turn yours into a gazebo deck, you should check it periodically, to see that it is structurally sound, and to ensure that it is properly weatherproofed, so that it stays that way. If you can't remember the last time that you stained and/or sealed it, it may be time for another treatment. The easiest way to tell is to pour a glass of water over the boards. If the water beads up, the deck is still water-repellent; but, if it is absorbed, you'd better give it another coat or two. First, you must clean the deck, using either a deck cleaner from a hardware store, or a solution of household bleach and water. If your deck is extremely dirty, you may have to use a high-pressure washer. If it has an output of 750 to 1,000 psi, plain water will get the deck thoroughly clean. Throughout the entire job, make sure that you have your safety goggles on. Wearing a dust mask, use a sander or sandpaper to smooth rough areas, then sweep away the sawdust. If there are any sap stains on the boards, be sure to remove them completely, as they will become more noticeable when coated with clear sealer or semi-transparent stain. If the sander and cleaning solution do not get them off, try using mineral spirits. Next, apply a clear or staining sealer with a brush or a pump garden sprayer. Although some people say that a brush will help the sealer to penetrate more deeply, a sprayer will quickly and easily get the product between the deck boards. It's your choice. Just make sure that you get complete coverage; and, if you're using a sprayer, pick a windless day. Be sure to smooth out any pools of stain/sealer with a brush, or they will remain sticky for weeks, and then start to peel. Brush a second coat onto the ends, as they are coarser and more absorbent than the rest of the board. Once the job is done, your deck will be able to hold its own against the elements throughout the seasons. If you decide to include a gazebo as part of the deck, or in your yard, go to GazeboCreations.com, where you'll find one that will give you a lifetime of outdoor living enjoyment. GazeboCreations.com has a collection of spectacular treated pine, cedar, and vinyl gazebos that are designed to withstand the harshest weather for decades. You can choose one that's pre-designed, or customize your own, using the Gazebo Wizard. In a few easy steps, you can select the material, size, and style that you want, then choose from dozens of options, including different types of flooring, decorative railings, wiring, fans, cupolas, roofing material and color, and much more. You can create as many gazebos as you wish, save them to your personal gallery, and change them any time you like. also has professional design consultants and customer service representatives who are always ready to assist you. To contact them, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail .