ALL DECKED OUT BUILD THE PERFECT OUTDOOR OASIS.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Staff Writer

Decks have been dealt a new deal.

No longer just the wooden planks that serve as an alternative to patios, decks have become trendy fashion statements, featuring bold colors and patterns and synthetic materials that are easy to install and maintain.

But it's not just new decks that are sporting the latest looks. Old wooden decks can be revitalized or given a decor makeover in a matter of hours.

``Traditional redwood and cedar decks have changed a lot. Now you can make them look like outdoor living space and get really creative with colors and patterns that range from Adiron designs to checkerboards to hopscotch patterns for kids to play on ... or even blue waves washing across the wood,'' says Tammy Bell, spokeswoman for Thompson's WaterSeal products.

Most people seem to prefer redwood and cedar decks for all the obvious reasons - they are naturally resistant to insects, rot and decay and sturdy enough to hold a party of people without collapsing. But even the look of stained wood can become boring and the maintenance too time-consuming.

Gitta Killian, a Granada Hills homeowner, said after several years of staining her redwood deck to restore its natural shade, her husband, Kenneth, painted it white.

``I wanted a change, and the white floor showcases my plants and furniture,'' she says, ``and best of all when my friends see it they say, 'Wow.' ''

The spacious wood deck on top of Ann Spaulding's carport has also been painted. It's now red and contrasts with her white furniture where the Valley Village resident relaxes with friends over cocktails to catch summer breezes.

Don Thompson of Woodland Hills has a small yard but a great view, so he built a natural cedar deck that hangs over the hillside, then trimmed it with brick and added a gazebo.

``I like it, but if I had it to do over, I'd consider one of the new plastic or resin products because they're easier to install and maintain,'' he says.

For those who are considering a deck for the first time, you're in luck. If you're looking to hire a professional, turn to the local phone book for a listing of licensed building contractors, or contact your nearest building supply store; not only do they sell construction materials, but they can even install the deck for you.

For do-it-yourselfers, you will need a building permit if your deck will be more than 30 inches above the ground, according to the Los Angeles County Building and Safety office.

A quick look at Web sites, such as www.decks.com, are also helpful. You'll know how to talk like a pro when it comes to buying the supplies or hiring a contractor, as subjects run the gamut from synthetic woods to products for rails, benches and hot tubs as well as drain systems for raised decks.

Deck lovers can also use a computer search engine by typing in the keyword ``decks,'' which calls up mainly wood alternatives, which we've divided into several categories so you'll know the lingo in the deck department.

NATURAL WOOD: Redwood, cedar and cypress are the classics because they are naturally resistant to rot and decay but also strong enough to take a beating from rain, snow and harsh sun. With time, the natural brown color becomes gray, which requires sanding, sealing and other maintenance work. The upside is the status of wood grain and a new generation of products to keep it gleaming. Expect to pay about $12 for a single 8-foot plank at stores such as Lowe's or about $1.50 per linear foot, according to ``Better Homes and Gardens Deck & Patio Planner'' (Better Homes & Gardens; $14.95).

PRESSURE-TREATED WOOD: This is a decking material made with pine or fir shavings that's tinted green or brown and pressured or molded to look somewhat like real wood at about a third of the cost. It's safe to touch and handle, and won't hurt plants or groundwater, but it does contain chromated copper arsenate, so wear a mask when cutting it - and never burn it, because it could release toxins into the air, according to experts at Better Homes and Gardens.

COMPOSITE DECKING: It's made of wood fibers and resins from recycled plastic and looks a lot like the real thing. It is easy to cut and doesn't have to be sealed each year but can be stained, says Omar Sanchez, the deck expert at Lowe's in West Hills. He adds that this type of deck material appeals to many customers because it's easier to install than natural wood. Also, it won't splinter or crack. The downside? It only comes in brown and turns gray like natural wood, so you still have to treat it, and it's not strong enough for weight-bearing joists. And be prepared to spend twice as much as real wood, he adds.

The newest brand in this category that's getting a lot of buzz but is not readily available yet is Trex Wood Polymer lumber. This composite decking is approximately 50 percent plastic, made from grocery sacks and stretch film, and 50 percent wood waste from woodworking manufacturers. It readily accepts paint or stain and has a slip-resistant surface. For more information and/or dealers, see www.trex.com. Similar brands in this category include Choice Deck and Timberlast.

ELASTIC FIBERDECKS: Designed for condo balconies, this decking material is made with fiberglass in a cement base by Versatile Deck Coatings of Long Beach, says Andrew Giladi, owner of Titian Decks in Sherman Oaks, who adds that it accounts for the biggest part of his business.

PLASTIC: This material's claim to fame is that it's lightweight, very easy to install and comes with a series of clips instead of nails and screws. It's available in several colors and textures, but like other synthetic materials is not strong enough for weight-bearing joists and posts, which may make a difference if you were planning on having a crowded dance floor built on a hillside. It's also twice the price of solid wood and has little style status.

VINYL: This type of decking has a textured nonslip surface and ultraviolet inhibitors that make it superior to plastic, but it resembles metal more than wood. The upside is no fading or weathering, but the price is about double that of real wood.

RUBBER LUMBER: Although it's not a popular choice at local stores, it's made from recycled tires and plastic and is ultra-durable and ultra- expensive. But eco-fans will love it.

Deck details

Get a building permit. Call the Building and Safety office for Los Angeles County at [phone] or [phone] before 11 a.m. weekdays, or see the agency's Web site at www.ladbs.org. Permits are required for any deck built more than 30 inches off the ground or any deck built on a hillside. Fees start at $75 and can go as high as $2,000, which would include inspections done at four stages: cement foundation, underpinning and beams, then flooring and railing.

-- Decks can extend your yard, unlike a patio, but they'll need a safety railing.

-- Consider a licensed, bonded contractor for elevated decks. For more information, call the Contractor's Guild of California at [phone], or see its Web site at www.contractorsguild.com.

-- Do research before buying materials - and have a shopping list.

-- All decks need to be regularly cleaned; nothing is totally maintenance-free, even though companies will claim it is.

-- Wood decks can be stained or painted numerous colors.

-- Synthetic decks usually come in one or two colors.

-- Sun will weather and fade wood decks, but even plastic will rot with time in extreme temperatures.

-- Realizing how many home owners are now spending time and money on their homes, several television networks are now dedicated to the do-it- yourselfer. The DIY network begins a five-part series, ``Build a Deck,'' that airs locally at 4 p.m. July 21-25. Or wait until Aug. 2 and HGTV's ``Fix It Up!'' show will teach you how to build a deck in a single episode that unfortunately airs at 5:30 a.m. on the West Coast. Consider taping.

CAPTION(S):

9 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) Traditional wood decks can be given an urban contemporary look such as this colorful checkerboard design created with Thompson's new Water Seal Deck & House Solid Latex Stain products, finished with clear waterproofing.

(2 -- color) Gitta Killian of Granada Hills got tired of her natural wood deck, so she painted it white. She keeps it looking fresh with an annual spring cleaning and fresh coat of paint.

(3 -- color) This Adiron deck style was created with three shades of tinted wood protectors applied to bare wood - courtesy of Thompson's Water Seal products available at Lowe's and other home improvement stores.

(4 -- color) Ann Spalding of Valley Village always wanted a sun deck, so she had one built on top of her carport, where she entertains friends in the evening.

(5 -- color) Traditional cedar decks not only have high style-status but also won't rot or decay. Natural wood will last for years when routinely washed, stained and sealed.

(6 -- color) Blix Thompson and her dog, Mufasa, relax on the redwood deck built by husband Don Thompson to extend their hillside backyard. Decks such as this will require a building permit.

(7) Don Thompson of Woodland Hills designed this redwood deck 20 years ago, when there were no wood alternatives.

(8) When you've got little backyard space, a deck is the answer, says Ann Spalding, standing on top of her carport.

(9) A painted deck such as Gitta Killian's, above, puts the spotlight on colorful furniture and flowers.

Box:

Deck details (see text)