The first project is this dramatic wraparound stairway (Photo, above). Unlike most deck stairs that simply offer access to the yard, this stairway unites the deck and yard to blend these two areas into a seamless outdoor living space. With wide steps, a sturdy rail, and lighting, the stairs are as functional as they are handsome.

And if you think that building stairs sounds intimidating, don't sweat it. Our step-by-step techniques will show you how to size and lay out the stairs to match the height of your deck. Then we'll guide you through building everything from the supporting stringers to the final accents.

To wrap up our deck revitalization, we'll head under the deck to build a handsome skirting system (Photo, left). It hides the unsightly underside of the deck with framed lattice panels that echo the look of the privacy screens up top.