Not really. There is no structural difference between the deck plans that have the surface boards running parallel or perpendicular to the house.

When the surface boards run perpendicular to the house, there are a few advantages:

1. The deck is slightly easier to build.
2. Only one row of Dek-Block® piers are exposed from the edge of the deck.
3. If the deck is wider than 16ft. splicing of the surface boards may not be needed.