People are going to need a photo to help you.

It does not yet exist. Do you think I should post photos of where it will go?

Not sure what materials you are looking to use, but here are some projects that used our exotic hardwood. Check out our page for even more inspiration!

you could post a pic of the back of the house to give people a sense of that. What type of design advice are you looking for (other than good)? Deck design, deck materials, what to put on the deck?? Personally I love plan views so thanks for that!! How are you going to get on to the deck from the house? what part of the country are you in (asking because of weather - do you have extreme changes in temp etc)

One thought... I added a deck in San Diego to the back of my house - it was the width of the house, so in addition to the back door opening on it and I changed out a window in the back bedroom/office to a door to allow two ways of accessing the deck. Over the "right" side with the door from the office I put up a pergola/awning/whatever you call it, and built along that right edge (instead of a railing) a box planter, bench, box planter, bench, box planter configuration. On the outside of the planters I ran lattice to the top of the pergola and planted a vine to grow up them. Then I hung outdoor curtains between them because I didn't want to look at my neighbor's house/yard (it was scary and has since been demolished because it was so bad). The bench planter deal replaces the need for a railing and adds some practical seating. The pergola could have an outdoor fan mounted to it if you live someplace less nice than san diego as I now do. The table went under that side and you get this nice eating space (which we used daily).

Geoff - think you want to make an idea book from browsing houzz exteriors and searching for decks - save the ones that you like the best to an idea book and then later go back and see what common elements you love
it was the fence zigzag that threw me off completely!