Decks, patios, and the like serve to expand your living area by providing you with an outdoor living space. Patios, at ground level, work well when the ground is fairly level. But if your front or backyard is sloped or hilly, or you want to walk directly out of your house, then a raised deck may be a better option. When deciding on what type of material to use when adding a deck, there are so many different options based on your budget. Decks can be made of pressure treated wood, PVC, cedar, redwood, or composite material (usually made of wood fiber and polypropylene). Some types of materials are better in hot, dry climates, where others may hold up better when exposed to a long, cold or wet winter.