A DECK can transform an outdoor living area into a versatile space where you can enjoy summer barbecues.
But if the expense of a concrete slab or the hassle of maintaining a timber deck put you off, there's another alternative.
Hebel PowerFloor provides the feel of a concrete floor but at a significantly lower cost and can be installed by the home owner.
The PowerFloor panels are installed over decking joists to form a solid, strong, smooth floor.
They are termite-resistant and have low noise transmission, thermal insulation and fire resistant properties.
The panels are then tiled over to look like a conventional outdoor entertainment area.
Hebel DIY expert Brad Trethowan said the ideal location of a deck was on the north/east side of a house, as it would be in prime sun from the morning to the afternoon.
"A deck located on the south and west side will transfer reflected heat into the home," he said.
Hebel provides an instruction video on how to install the PowerFloor panels, as well as a shopping list of building materials and tools and step-by-step instructions and photos.
Hebel PowerFloor is available through major hardware retailers.
More information: hebel.com.au.