Once upon a time, Americans used their backyards primarily for planting and parking.

Then came the 1950s and ‘60s with attached garages, TV dinners, and other Baby Boomer conveniences. Gardening became a hobby more than an economic necessity.

By the 1980s Americans discovered a new love — outdoor grilling — and that’s when its love affair with outdoor decks took off, according to austinporchandpatio.com, which recently charted the “history of the beloved backyard deck.”

In the 21st Century, that love affair continues, and there’s little doubt that a deck can add value to your house.

The question is whether the excitement of undertaking such a project can override complications that might arise during the planning and building. There are multiple hurdles to consider before you can fully enjoy a new deck.

Do you want rails? Posts? How high from the ground do you want the addition?

Also consider the difference between a deck and a patio; do they serve different functions?

“A deck is elevated and involves framing with decking,” said Justus Lambros, owner of Signature Decks in Maumee. “Patios are ground level, usually built with concrete, stone, or pavers.”

Once you’ve decided that a deck is the way to go, the first step would be to call 8-1-1 as a safety precaution before an excavation in your backyard. Each state has its own call center to notify local utility companies to mark underground utility lines on your property that must be dug around.

“From the very beginning it comes down to design,” Mr. Lambros said. “You want to know zoning requirements, easements, anything that can affect size and placement of a deck from a city or zoning standpoint. Once you have those limitations [addressed], you can work with design and think about function first, aesthetics second.”

Customizing options abound. What will your deck be made of? Wood, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and composite vary in pricing, with PVC and composite material more expensive than the wood.

A PVC deck, which contains no wood and provides stain and fade resistance and lower maintenance, is the most expensive option at an average of $9 per square foot. Composite decking combines wood, plastic, and fiber material that is denser, stronger, and heavier than standard wood; it averages a cost of $8 per square foot.

According to remodeling.hw.net, the job cost of a 16-by-20-foot wooden deck is $11,149, which is an increase of $199 since 2017.

Composite decks have a higher job cost, listed on the website of a 16-by-20-foot deck at $17,851.

If you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast, make sure you have the proper tools, such as a drill, saw, and level.

“If they’re real handy it’ll be less expensive for them because they won’t have the labor issue,” said Jim Tavernier, pro sales agent at the Lowe’s Home Improvement on Airport Highway in Toledo.

Mr. Lambros said hiring a team, though more expensive, comes with benefits.

“It's more expensive to hire a pro, but it's about time and time is money,” Mr. Lambros said. “Some people have time and others don’t have time. There’s so many things that go into building a really good deck.”

While a simple 10-by-10-foot deck without any railings or posts could be finished by a group of friends in a weekend, decks higher off the ground with more features like benches and steps could take as long as two weeks.

Shane Schutt, owner of CrossCut Decks in Holland, said his three-man crew can usually finish building a deck in about a week, depending on the type and size of the addition.

“They are pretty labor intensive,” Mr. Schutt said. “It’s going to take much longer to build if it’s done correctly to make it look good.”

Mr. Tavernier said decks come with several distinct benefits.

“A deck is something that is going to add value to a home,” he noted. “A lot of people love decks and it’s their go-to place in the spring, summer, and fall.”

Mr. Schutt said that when it comes to decks, you get what you pay for.

“People have no problem spending some decent money on their home, especially these days with everybody wanting nice stuff,” he said. “It’s my belief people [want] something nice, something that will hold the value and a place where they can kick it right in their backyard and not go anywhere.”

Contact Geoff Burns at gburns@theblade.com or 419-724-6054.

First Published July 11, 2018, 1:41 a.m.