Product Review

No longer just a bland square of pressure-treated lumber nailed to the back of the house, decks have taken on new shapes, surfaces, and levels. And patios have evolved from dull slabs of poured concrete to encompass a wide range of forms and materials--from warm brick to chic bluestone to casual gravel. "Taunton's Deck and Patio Idea Book is a photographic exploration of the possibilities for these spaces, and the features that define them, including railings, built-ins, and overhead structures. Hundreds of photos depict the full spectrum of styles and sizes, from the simple wraparound deck, to the curved, multilevel redwood deck with outdoor kitchen; from the small brick patio to an elaborate series of terraced patios with stone walls.