Generally speaking, is it more aestetically pleasing to run the decking parallel or perpendicular to the exterior wall of the house?

Thanks!

I am currently building my deck with this system and will run the boards parallel. To me it makes it look like an extension of the house but everyone has their own opinion.

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. It is a tad easier to build.
2. Only one row of blocks are exposed from the edge.
3. If the deck is wider than 16ft, typically it does not require splices in the surface boards.

Good Luck
Deckman