Despite our region’s snowy winter, it’s not too soon to be thinking about outdoor entertaining in the spring. Build (or rebuild) a deck off your home, and you’ll have a spot for grilling or chilling.

Dear James: I want to add a deck to the back of my house. There is now only one step at the door, and the yard slopes across the house. Parts of the deck will be resting on the ground. How can I build ...

As hard as it may be to believe right now, winter will in fact end, and our thoughts will turn to warm weather fun. Don’t have an outdoor gathering space? Now is the time to start planning.