A family in the Chicago suburb of Homer Glen needed to replace an aging cedar deck that extended out from their home's second-floor kitchen and living room areas and that featured a stairway down into the backyard. Seeking a new, more permanent structure, the family enlisted Millennium Construction's services. Using their desire to include brick columns as a starting point, we worked with them to select the right materials for the new deck — and to create a design that could bring their vision to life while improving the overall aesthetics and versatility of their outdoor space. For the new deck's surface, we chose brownstone-colored AZEK® decking that complemented the home's siding. Unlike the wood deck it replaced, AZEK decking doesn't require staining every few years, and it doesn't absorb water or buckle as traditional composite woods can. Instead, its PVC boarding is nonabsorbent and stain- and scratch-resistant to provide a lifetime of virtually maintenance-free use with only infrequent washing. Extending out from the second-floor deck, we built a stairway leading down to the backyard. At the bottom of the stairs, we opted for an open platform area instead of a simple stoop for a more open, inviting feel. This also created an additional outdoor leisure space at the ground level. The brick columns built to support the deck were topped with iron post lamps to provide a classic look and a pleasing light source for evening recreation. To match the lamps, we installed a textured Fortress Iron Railing between the columns. Galvanized and coated for many years of maintenance-free use, the Fortress product supplies the traditional elegance of wrought iron, while also blocking outdoor views less than thicker railing materials like composite wood can. We waterproofed the bottom of the deck using a Trex®RainEscape® deck drainage system. By providing complete protection of the area below the deck from rain, sun and other elements, the RainEscape system makes it possible to install ceiling fans, TVs, speakers and more in the outdoor living space below a deck without worry. We finished the deck bottom in wood paneling and then painted it. We hid the drainage pipe for the RainEscape system in the crown molding, which we ran to a gutter emptying out into the yard below the deck stairway. In the shaded area underneath the deck, we installed two ceiling fans for a cooling effect. We also put in recessed ceiling lights and connections for a flat screen and speakers so the family could watch television and listen to music anytime in a relaxed outdoor setting. After brick pavers laid the patio floor, we screened the area in, placing French doors at each end of the screen room. At six feet wide, the doors retain easy access into the house for furniture and other large items. While the family opted not to install windows in the screen room, the framing system we used also gives them the flexibility to enclose the space fully from the elements with four-track windows should they wish to do so in the future. With the new deck and screen room, the family now enjoys a more attractive upstairs area off the living room and kitchen areas where they can grill, entertain and bask in the sun on pleasant days. The screened-in area below gives them the ability to remain outdoors when it's hot or rainy, or when they want to watch their favorite shows. The end result is a house with a more refined look — and a family with a variety of new ways to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of home.