Rogersville

Rogersville means Wheeler Lake, and lake houses put harder demands on a deck than a subdivision backyard does: constant humidity, more sun off the water, and heavy use for four months a year.

That's a strong case for composite. Boards that don't grey out, don't splinter under bare feet, and don't need to be sanded and resealed every spring are worth the premium on a house you want to relax at rather than maintain.

Screened porches are the other Rogersville staple. Evenings near the water are the best part of a lake house and the worst part of mosquito season, and a screened room settles that argument.