Dear Bonnie: With a sloping backyard close to the same height as the first floor as yours, it is trickier to build the support structure for the deck. Another option is a slightly raised deck, but you ...

What Is a Floating Deck? Despite its name, a floating deck (AKA a ground-level or a freestanding deck) isn’t found on water. It’s actually a low-deck platform that can be placed anywhere in the yard.

From the bigger picture, like creating a practical outdoor living space or trying a split-level design, to simpler decisions like finding the best planting and privacy options, you'll find plenty to ...