The Enquirer, August 4, 2007 -- Decks are all grown up, transformed from their birth as roofless rectangles tacked on the back of homes of the '60s and '70s.

Some local examples of the deck's evolution:

Inspired by his love of the sea, Nodas and Maria Papadimas of Cleves built their Trex deck with curved outcroppings like the bow of a ship, fashioning the composite's straight boards into gentle curves by using a heated blower and adding a raised platform for seating.

Sue and Dan Price's Loveland deck has four elevations, sectioned by railings to designate areas for the hot tub, swimming pool, eating/grilling and sunning areas - all overlooking the woods.

Susan and Ron Otto of Park Hills chose glass panels instead of balusters that would have obstructed their hilltop view of downtown Cincinnati from their angled GeoDeck perch.

Ann and Jim Muccio, also of Loveland, say guests describe being on their two-room deck built by Decks 'N' More "like being on a Southern plantation. You feel like you are transported."

"People want more than just a place to sit or put a picnic table," says Rich Maile of Maile Build, Remodel & Design in Erlanger, who refurbished the Ottos' deck.

"They want a place for parties, a spot for sunning, sometimes a screened-in area, a place for grilling or a fire-pit. It's almost like the spaces inside today's homes - there's a move to gathering areas, great rooms and kitchens."

The move to composite decking from pressure treated lumber is leading the way to much of the change.

"With low-maintenance materials available, like TimberTech, we are able to do so much more - incorporate curves into decks, making designs even more interesting," says Tim Stephens of Archadeck in Waynesville, whose two-level deck for Chris and Carey Walley of Springboro recently won a design award.

Gently curving along the back of the couple's traditional two-story home, the deck flooring is laid out in contrasting patterns with step-ups to a hot tub alcove trimmed in decorative screening and a step down to the backyard, edged in natural stone.

Folks who may have been put off by the faded gray colors of early composite materials are taking a second look, lured by thoughts of avoiding the staining and annual repairs required for treated lumber decks. The color-fastness of composites has improved greatly, as well as the availability of colors to complement a house.

Maintenance of synthetic materials is minimal, a plus for many, that offsets the increased composite price.

Design options also boost the popularity of composite materials.

"There's no question we are seeing a lot more character through shapes - octagonals, corners cut outs - and running the decking in different directions to give a more custom, charming feel," says Maile.

"A few years ago we were building 400-square-foot decks," says Stephens. "Now they are at least 600 square feet and as big as 1,800 square feet and up. It's an extension of the indoors that everyone wants."