The backyard patio or deck has long been a favorite place for summer fun and cookouts, but more and more, people are discovering new ways to repurpose their outdoor space. An outdoor living room can expand the functional area of your home by taking advantage of your extra space outside.

Of course, homeowners bear the greatest burden for keeping new decks free from mold, but there are some things a builder can do: Gap the decking properly (minimum 1/8”) for drainage. Pitch the deck properly away from the house for drainage (minimum 1/8” in 8’).