Create a Destination Decks don't have to be attached to the house; they can lead to new vistas, private retreats and little nooks in the garden.

Dreamy Urban Deck This ipe deck includes a custom powder-coated steel planter with native and drought-resistant perennials and shrubs. Design by Groundworks, Inc.

Emphasizing the View The view was the foremost design factor in this elegant deck. Gardens designed by Madelyn Simon

Dreamy Deck At HGTV Dream Home 2012, the entertainment deck features a spa with a view of Utah's wide-open spaces.

Naturally Pretty A color palette of earthy browns and vibrant greens plus invisible doors connect interior spaces to this contemporary deck, creating an expanded living space. Design by Linda Sullivan

Adaptable Deck This versatile outdoor space offers three different types of entertaining areas, depending on the weather: a gathering spot around the fire pit, a deck for sunny afternoons and an enclosed gazebo. Design by Robert Hursthouse From: Bob Hursthouse

Blending Naturally Steep terrain needn't be a deterrent to outdoor living. This amazing multi-level deck provides plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining, yet stays in tune with the rugged woodsy environs.

Country Lounging This warm redwood deck pops against the bright colored pergola. Add whimsy with hanging and crawling plants in a variety of colors and a wall of floating windows. Design by Claudia Schmutzler From: Claudia Schmutzler

Cottage-Style Porch This late 19th century home was completely refurbished, including a beautiful private porch that overlooks magnificent landscaping. A comfortable seating area complements the space and an outdoor rug anchors the primary seating area. Design by Ron Nathan From: Ron Nathan

Contemporary Elements Warm, natural elements like redwood, brick and plants make this outdoor space cozy. The custom brick pizza oven adds an element of fun to the space, which is perfect for family gatherings. Design by Claudia Schmutzler From: Claudia Schmutzler

Cozy Cabana An octagonal cabana makes a cozy spot for cold drinks and watching sunsets. Design by Barry Dixon From: Barry Dixon

A Bit of Bohemian In an artistic couple's backyard, Jamie Durie created three pergolas for dining and lounging spaces. Each structure has a macrame roof made of hand-dyed ropes, from which baskets of flowers and foliage hang. From: Jamie Durie

Vegetable Boardwalk For a couple who wanted a garage remodel so they can develop their cooking-school-for-kids business, Jamie Durie created a "vegetable boardwalk" as part of the larger makeover. The vertical gardens greatly expand the amount of produce the couple can grow, and edibles are near the kitchen for easy care and harvest.

Sunbathing in the City The city seems like a world away in this urban rooftop garden, designed by Adam Miller. Artificial turf surrounds the pergolas.

Contemporary Lounge These neutrals work together to create a sleek and cozy outdoor space. The warm redwood deck and pergola are accented with creamy neutrals in the furniture and stone elements like the fire pit and walls. Design by Claudia Schmutzler From: Claudia Schmutzler

Sky-High Terrace Terraced levels feature a small hot tub, amazing city views and even a potting shed. Design by Jeff Tohl From: Jeffrey Tohl

Moveable Seating Designed by Jamie Durie, this seating area  complete with its own shade  can be moved around the deck as needed. From: Jamie Durie

Permanent Shade A cantilever roof with natural cedar underside partially shades the dining area on the HGTV Green Home 2011 deck and adds interest to the outdoor space.

Natural Oasis Beautiful plantings, colorful details and streamlined simplicity accent this Asian-style dining area, designed by Jane Ellison. From: Jane Ellison

Mountain Views At HGTV Dream Home 2011, ample decking provides plenty of places to relax and enjoy the mountain views.

Mediterranean Dining This deck was extended to provide ample space for a dining table near the luxurious infinity pool. Design by Jamie Durie From: Jamie Durie

A Daybed to Remember A fabulous swinging daybed provides resting space near the kitchen and dining counter on this contemporary urban deck. A grade-level planter adds year-round greenery. The arborvitae will fill out to create a green wall. Design by Adam Miller

Floating Roof A set of folding glass doors is the only thing dividing indoors and the outside. The floating roof, suspended between two giant trees, shades the inviting deck. A sunken deck for dining and shade-loving plants completes this Seattle-inspired design by Jamie Durie.

Creekside Retreat This timber pergola provides a restful oasis beside a creek. Rock walls and plants help define the space. Design by Dan Berger

Building Green One of the eco-friendly elements of HGTV Green Home 2012 is the barbecue courtyard. Born of architect Steve Kemp's vision for a truly green design, the outdoor space replaces the conventional backyard, which would have required major regrading of the site and the construction of retaining walls. "Now the 'yard' is open to almost every room in the house, rather than being open to one or two rooms," he says.

Enormous Fun In this amazing makeover by landscape designer Ahmed Hassan, a custom deck doubles the family's available living space. Under the cedar pergola, custom daybeds invite serious lounging (and napping).