• Without an enclosure, a rear deck offers no privacy for homeowners.deck image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
  
  If you need a great place to relax in the outdoors without worrying about being pestered by bugs or the hot sun, you need to choose the right type of deck enclosure. If desired, choose a material that allows for maximum privacy. For example, frequent sunbathers may want a privacy screen through which the neighbors cannot see.
  
  

Sun Deck

• A sun deck is a deck enclosure suited especially to cold climates. This enclosure allows you to sit on your rear deck and look up at the stars even on cold nights. You can order a kit or arrange a contractor to custom install a sun deck. A typical model consists of aluminum framing and glass windows and panels. To let the sunlight in and maintain your privacy, choose the right amount of tint for the glass panes. This enclosure can also be equipped with one or more doors and windows that open (motor-powered or powered by manual window cranks). Some sun decks have a curved eave design (where horizontal panels meet vertical panels).
  
  

Wood Enclosure

• For a rear deck made of wood or composite wood, another idea is to use wood for the roof and walls of the deck enclosure. For example, a cedar rear deck is easy to match with cedar beams and trusses. You can fill in the empty spaces between beams with glass or metal screen material. Hire a roofing contractor to add shingles that match the roof of your home. A contemporary enclosure might be whitewashed wood, a great alternative to a natural reddish-brown finish like cedar wood.
  
  

Bamboo

• If you want a green enclosure to cover your small rear deck pad, consider the green appeal of bamboo wood. For example, you can purchase a kit for a rectangular bamboo pavilion that fits the length and width of your concrete slab, brick or wood deck. This temporary structure can even be stored inside the garage during the winter. A pavilion design generally includes lots of open spaces, not affording protection from snow or rain. If you live in a warm climate and want to leave the pavilion up all year, cover the empty spaces with metal screen and install bamboo privacy shades. For a sturdy pavilion, you can even install roll-down shades or awnings. In severe weather, be sure to cover your bamboo pavilion with plastic.