The toughest part of design is training yourself to think about ordinary things from a different perspective. Expressing design ideas as hard lines on graph paper may provide you with confidence and direction but can also persuade you to carelessly ignore the spaces between the grids. Try to keep an open mind. Some environments lend themselves to more abstract or organic expressions. You may want to reference a special landscape feature in your deck design with an unusual angle or even an arcing or curving form.

Abstract design strategies should not be applied unnecessarily or haphazardly, as they tend to increase the complexity of construction. When combining forms consider how you want them to intersect or overlap. An asymmetrical composition of forms applied thoughtfully can result in an interesting off beat expression. This can give your deck a certain personality or flare. Use your better judgment to know when and where to use restraint. Learning to responsibly "think outside the box" may seem like a contradiction but it is an integral part of design thinking. Most deck designs will not deviate far from standard geometric forms because of the designer’s unwillingness to break from convention. There is no rule that states a deck must be a rectangle or use only 45-degree angels. Don’t be a slave to the grid and make the most of your options.