Randy Varga is the founder and owner of Decking Northwest, which he started in 1984 after a few years of working in carpentry. "Decks are the most fun part of any home construction," Varga says.

Why should I consider adding a deck to my home?

"People build decks to expand their living area or [to replace] a deck that's deteriorated. To me, a porch is a covered area that's part of the house. A deck has been added on and doesn't have the same architecture as the house. I wouldn't call one better than the other; it's just a matter of budget, what your needs are and the design of the house."

What kinds of materials do you use to build a deck?

"We start from the ground up. We put in a concrete foundation, then add posts, beams and joists, which are made of pressure-treated wood. On the surface, we'll use a composite, a hard wood or a soft wood, based on pricing and the customer's preference. Some people love cedar and want it even though it requires more maintenance. I really try to get people to use a composite [because] there isn't any maintenance other than washing it."

What's the average price for a new deck?

"I'd say $10,000 to $15,000 is the average. The average deck size is about 450 square feet. I've given bids for more than $100,000 for some projects, and I've given bids for $1,200 for others. We're licensed, bonded and insured. The state of Oregon requires we have a one-year warranty, so even if we don't write a warranty, we'll warranty everything for one year."

What do I need to do to maintain my deck?

"No matter what kind of material it's built with, you're going to want to clean it once a year. I recommend washing it in November — the summer's over and the weather's not too bad to be out cleaning your deck. For a wood deck, you'll need to clean it once a year and put a sealer on once a year. Look at the manufacturer's care and maintenance specifications. You can also get a good reference and hire somebody [to clean or seal the deck]. If you bring a professional in, you'll get a professional job."