By Laura Gaskill <a href="http://www.houzz.com.au" target="_blank">Houzz</a>
A deck can beautifully bridge the gap between indoors and out, providing an inviting, comfortable space from which to enjoy your backyard. And far from being a basic rectangle at the back of the house, a deck can be customised to fit your house and lifestyle to a tee.
Here are eight deck designs to get your creativity flowing.
1. Party deck
If outdoor entertaining is what your backyard is all about, think about how you can work your favourite party features into the deck plan. In the party-ready space shown here, there is room for a hammock, a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen and plenty of built-in seating.
Browse more beautiful decks on Houzz
2. Tree-hugging deck
Custom fitting a deck around a tree is a wonderful way to integrate the deck farther into the backyard. Consult an arborist before beginning work to be sure you allow enough room for the tree's mature size.
3. Petite deck
Working a deck into a smaller backyard can actually make the space feel larger – and more usable. The owners of this charming Spanish colonial bungalow in Southern California built a deck extending into the backyard, making the most of the space between mature yucca trees.
4. Corner deck
If your home has a corner 'missing' from the layout, filling in the exterior space with a corner deck can complement the architecture. And if you can add sliding glass doors leading onto the deck, so much the better.
Discover thousands of garden design ideas
5. Master bedroom deck
Decks don't need to be huge to have a big (and very positive) effect on lifestyle. Case in point: a small deck off the master bedroom, with just enough space for a pair of lounge chairs and a table to set a drink and a book.
6. Shed deck
Give a shed the fancy treatment with a mini deck across the entrance. Whether you use your shed to store gardening tools, as a kids' playhouse or as a writer's getaway, a deck will help it be a welcome addition to the garden.
7. Multi-level deck
When you are working with a sloped or narrow lot, splitting up the deck into multiple levels can make the best use of the space. An outdoor kitchen could be positioned on the upper level (nearest the house) for easy access to the indoor kitchen, while a seating area or fire pit could be placed a few steps down, creating a private hangout zone.
Search top carpenters in your area
8. Destination deck
Who says a deck has to be attached to the house? If you want to be drawn into a beautiful backyard, consider placing a freestanding deck platform in your favourite spot. Nestling the deck into trees or creating high landscape plantings behind it will help it settle in.
This article originally appeared on Houzz.