What can I do to build a deck surface which will look good and be low maintenance?

Install decking bark side up.

Install decking with the bark side up to minimize grain-raising.

Use one nail per bearing .

Use only one nail per bearing to minimize splitting. A staggered nailing patter permits slight movement during the wood's natural seasoning process.

Leave space between deck boards.

Leave about 1/8-inch space between deck boards to permit drainage of water. This will also help to keep dirt and debris from accumulating between deck boards.

See Redwood Deck Construction