You should not be confined to simply the decks and patios ideas that the local builder has for you when you hire him to make the deck. Instead, you should look in books that come complete with many photographs. You should have a good idea about what you want before you hire anyone to do the job so that you will really be happy with your new deck or patio when it is complete.
http://www.hgtv.com/topics/decks/index.html has a bunch of different ideas and designs for decks. Decks.com also has free deck plans available to be mailed to you.
There are a lot of sites that feature photos of patios and decks.I would try kmart,walmart,and target to start.You may een get some good ideas from the sites as well.
The HGTV website has an entire section on deck designs. They have pictures of decks and landscaping for decks and patios. The DIY network also have a number of deck designs the pictures on both sites can give you great ideas.
HGTV.com is a site specifically designed for home improvement ideas. There are specific sections for patio and deck designs, complete with fully colored pictures.
www.ask.com/Pictures+Of+Patios Has a lot of pictures of patios and also design ideas for your perusal. American home magazine and Better Homes and Gardens will have pictures in their magazines and on line. There will be books of pictures available at Home Depot or Lowes for purchase these usually have design ideas as well.
You can start to learn how to build decks by buying some deck building software in order to familiarize yourself with decks. You can also visit some websites online or the library to get some other ideas and the step by step directions.
Peter Jeswald has written: 'Basement ideas that work' -- subject(s): Remodeling, Basements 'Deck ideas that work' -- subject(s): HOUSE & HOME / Outdoor & Recreational Areas, Decks (Architecture, Domestic), HOUSE & HOME / Do-It-Yourself / Carpentry, Design and construction 'Patios and Walkways Idea Book (Idea Books)'
Many contractors and construction companies have pictures of completed projects on their websites that you can view and get ideas from. Or join a forum where people share pictures of their completed projects.
I would watch the TV show, deck wars or deck outs are some good shows for deck ideas. You might want to get some house and home magazines also have tons of ideas for patio, deck and furnitures as well.
Decks.com is an excellent place to start when looking for deck ideas and building materials. There are lots of engineered materials for deck now-a-days and some work better in a given application than others. Amazon.com also has many books on deck design, materials, and DIY instructions.
It is a good idea to utilize the empty yard to build a deck and patio. You can refer to home and gardening magazines that do share ideas with pictures and DYI steps. You may also review online websites including: http://www.hgtv.com/topics/patio/index.html http://www.hgtv.com/topics/decks/index.html
Many DIY forums have pictures of decks and patio projects. Also, you can chat with other DIY'ers who are doing the same projects as you to bounce ideas off of. If all else fails, go to magazines or your public library. Or even try a contractor who has done this before.