Most people start a deck project by picking boards. That's a fun choice, but the frame underneath is what decides whether the deck feels solid in ten years. Footings, posts, beams, and joists need to be sized and spaced correctly and built square and level before any decking goes down.
Pressure-treated wood decking costs less up front and can be stained any color, but it needs cleaning and re-staining every few years to keep from graying and splitting. Composite decking costs more, but it doesn't need staining and holds its color and shape much longer.
Railings and stairs are where safety and looks meet. Sturdy posts, properly attached rails, and even stair risers matter as much as the style you choose. White vinyl or composite railings are a popular low-maintenance choice around here.
A deck also changes how the back of your house looks, so it's worth thinking about skirting, lighting, and how the deck connects to the door and yard. We walk through all of it at the estimate so there are no surprises once the frame goes up.