When we looked at installing a deck, I talked to 5 different contractors, including Lowes (Nature View). There were some variances in their approaches. The main one was attached vs. free standing. After thinking it over, researching on internet, and discussing it, my husband and I both preferred not to put holes in our beautiful new house and chose the free standing option. This also allows us to convert it to a patio after the soil settles many many years down the road if we desire. One contractor only used wood, one (2?) only used fake (Trex or Timber Tech typically) and others offered either. My husband wanted wood - yep, he really did although I think it was due more to cost than preference. I was not about the staining and maintenance plus we have enough bugs around and I didn't want additional stress of any wood boring insects while I wanted to relax on my deck. So we used Trex. I did research on these also and there used to be some problems with them, but it appears that was earlier on. Of course, these will not decompose naturally so they are not as environmentally friendly, but alas. It took us about 3 1/2 months from start to finish. The Lowes sales rep didn't forward the HOA approval timely though so it probably would have been a 1/2 month less with that. It also had to go through 2 more approvals. The actual construction took about a week and half (with another 2 approvals in there plus Thanksgiving). Teri is the Office Manager and she was organized, nice and good with communication. There were a couple of times I would have liked to been contacted when I wasn't, but overall, I was very pleased with the office at Nature View. She did a great job incorporating what we wanted in our deck - our vision if you will. Lowes delivered some of our materials to someone else - not sure who - hopefully they figured it out later. However, we got everything eventually, but another week delay there. The entire physical job was completed by a team of 2 - Quintin and his brother (nice & polite). They did an excellent job in the completion and detail of the deck. I am very happy with the way it turned out. It is 16' X 16' with a 2' foot bumpout on the one corner. We chose the saddle with the white trim to go with our yellow house with white trim and it really looks great. Unfortunately, it was completed just in time for the freezing temperatures, but alas, it will be great in the spring. Their day usually started around 11, but they were coming from Pataskala to Plain City so quite a drive. The clean up crew and Lowes came 2 days later to get the trash and some excess material, respectively. Overall, I would highly recommend Nature View. I am very pleased with how the deck turned out. It was well done and very sturdy. It even costs less than I thought it would, although that may have been related to the time of year also. ;) But again, spring will be here in a few months.