5. Are you considering dividing your deck into different areas? For example, you could have an area for lounging, sunning or reading and another area for dining, entertaining and cooking. Involve your family and make a list of activities you would like to have. You may want to include a section for children's games and playtime. Have a good idea of how traffic will flow on deck and in your backyard. Understand how family, friends and pets will be walking from front of house to backyard, from garage to kitchen, from greenhouse or tool shed to garden and so on. If you are going to have a deck area for relaxation, you don't want all traffic coming out of house to merge into this area.

6. What shape deck is best for your home? When designing your deck, consider using a variety of shapes. Keep it simple, but don't be afraid to add an angle or two to deck design. For example, add curves or diagonal lines to connect two rectangular or square spaces for deck plan. Connect different sections with paths, paving surfaces, stairways, arbors, gazebos or perhaps a water pond.

Consider using planters or flower pots with attractive plants, overhead structures or trellises, benches and steps to create a transition between areas in backyard. If you're not a good gardener, you can still create a low maintenance landscape by using shrubs and other easy-to-care-for plants. Formal landscapes are more symmetrical and use geometric patterns and straight lines. Informal styles use more asymmetry and more curves - wooden decks are often asscociated with an informal setting.

7. Do you hire a deck designer, do you use deck plans or do you design deck yourself? Consider using deck plans if you can find plans that you like. One of best ways to simplify deck building is to use deck plans that have been successfully built before. If you need to make some modifications to suit your needs and home, doing so will likely be cheaper than creating deck plans from beginning. Unless you live in a very rural area, you will need to check with your local building department to find out what requirements and restrictions exist in your area, especially if you are designing and building deck yourself. If you’re not comfortable with process, consider hiring a professional deck designer and a deck contractor.

Done correctly, building a deck will provide countless hours of enjoyment for you, your family and friends as well as increase value of your home. After all, isn’t enjoying our time off why we work so hard? Visit http://www.yourdreamloghome.com and learn more about creating perfect deck for you and your home.

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3. Restrict access to your kitchen garbage. Place bin in kitchen sink or behind closed doors. Dispose of your cigarette butts appropriately, as they can cause nicotine poisoning.

4. Electrical cords must be monitored for signs of chewing and/or made inaccessible to your Boxer. Sometimes a nasty-tasting substance can be used to deter your Boxer. Check with your vet for some recommendations.

5. We have all heard horror stories of Boxers that have gotten into holiday decorations. They are attracted to bright lights and shiny glass ornaments, so keep a close eye on your Boxer if you have Christmas decorations up.

6. There are many kinds of poisonous plants, so be sure to contact your local veterinarian for a list of any toxic plants that grow in your area.

7. Anti-freeze is highly toxic to dogs and it is a good idea to keep all chemicals safely out of reach of your Boxer, puppy or adult.