Adding a deck to your home can provide valuable outdoor living space for entertaining or just enjoying the fresh air. With so many deck plans and design ideas to choose from, creating your dream deck has never been easier. Whether you want a simple, low-maintenance deck or a more elaborate deck with built-in benches and planters, there’s a DIY deck plan that will fit your style and budget.
Choosing the Right DIY Deck Plans for Your Needs
When selecting deck plans, the first decision is whether you want a wood or composite deck. Wood decks made from cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine have a warm, natural look. But they do require regular sealing or staining. Composite decks offer low maintenance and come in a wide range of color and texture options.
You’ll also need to consider the size and shape of your deck. Rectangular and square plans work well for most home styles. For hillside lots or curved landscapes, a multi-level or curved deck plan can be ideal. Optimize your space by matching the proportions of the deck to your home’s architecture.
Once you’ve selected the decking materials and basic style, there are many creative design options to personalize your outdoor space:
Integrate Benches, Planters, or Steps
Look for deck plans that incorporate built-in benches, planter boxes, raised garden beds, or steps. These features add beauty and function to your deck. Benches provide extra seating while planters and gardens bring color. Stairs or steps can help you navigate sloped yards.
Add Privacy Features
If you’ll use your deck for private sunbathing or an outdoor spa area, choose plans with privacy walls, trellises, or fencing. Built-in privacy screens can provide seclusion while still allowing airflow. Strategically placed planters or shrubbery are another way to delineate private zones.
Choose Interesting Deck Shapes
Rectangular deck plans are common, but curved, circular, hexagonal or octagonal decks can be great choices for creating a focal point in your yard. Multi-level deck plans are ideal for homes with steep backyards, allowing you to create separate tiers connected by steps.
Incorporate Accessories
From overhead structures and lighting to storage boxes and built-in coolers, deck accessories can take your space from basic to beautiful. Pergolas, lattice roofs, and umbrellas provide shade. Lighting adds ambiance for nighttime use. Storage keeps toys contained. An outdoor fridge or cooler keeps drinks cold.
Coordinate Railings and Stairs
Wood and cable railings offer many design options, from simple straight rails to more ornate patterns. Wrapping stairs with skirting boards dresses up plain staircase stringers. Lighting installed on stair risers or under railings adds a warm glow.
By tailoring your deck plans to match your lifestyle, you can create an outdoor oasis perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying some private relaxation.
How to Build a Simple Rectangular or Square DIY Deck
Rectangular and square deck plans are classic options perfect for novice builders. Follow these steps for constructing a basic wood deck:
Choose Decking Materials
Pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood are all suitable decking lumber options. Compare costs and availability. For decking boards, look for lengths of 12′, 16′ or 20′ without excessive splitting or warping.
Design and Layout Deck
Sketch your deck plans to scale. Mark post locations at 8′ to 10′ intervals. Allow 18″ – 24″ for footings depth. Check with local codes for beam sizing. Many areas require a minimum 6×6″ beam.
Install Footings
Dig holes for footings as specified in plans, generally 18-24″ diameter by 18-24″ depth. Pour concrete into footing holes. Use a post anchor jig to hold posts plumb. Let concrete cure fully before moving to next step.
Set Support Posts
Cut 4×4 support posts to length. Set posts in cured concrete footings. Brace temporarily to hold plumb. Verify posts are aligned and square.
Attach Beams
Measure and cut deck beams to length. Use galvanized joist hangers to attach beams to posts. Secure with galvanized nails or screws.
Add Joists
Measure between beams and cut 2×8 joist lumber to length. Space joists 16″ on center. Attach joists to beams using more joist hangers.
Install Decking
For easiest installation, use 12′ deck boards. Allow 1/8″ gap between boards. Stagger end seams between rows. Fasten with two galvanized deck screws at each joist.
Complete Railings and Stairs
Cut posts, balusters, and rail boards for railings. Use an angled railing bracket at seam. Build basic stairs with stringers, treads, and risers. Use decorative newel posts and railings to finish.
With proper planning and safe construction methods, even novice DIYers can build a beautiful rectangular deck to enhance their backyard.
How to Build a Circular or Curved Deck
Circular and curved deck plans can provide a stunning focal point in your yard while maximizing outdoor living space. Follow these tips to build your own circular deck:
Sketch Deck Plans
Draw the deck dimensions to scale. Include the full diameter for a circular deck. For curved decks, draw the curve radius and length. Mark support post locations.
Set Support Beams
Circular decks may use one center support post. Curved decks need posts every 8-10 feet around the curve. Notch posts to receive beams or use post saddle beam connectors.
Anchor Deck Posts
Dig footing holes for each post, 24” diameter x 24” deep. Pour concrete footings. Position posts and brace plumb until concrete sets. Remove braces after curing.
Cut and Attach Beams
For the inner beam on a circular deck, cut to length and bend slightly to match the curve. Notch outer beam ends to fit over inner curved beam. Attach with galvanized hardware.
Add Joists
Cut joist boards to length. Space 16” apart around curve. Use joist hangers to attach to beams. Allow small gaps between board ends for drainage.
Install Deck Boards
Use flexible composite boards or thin 1×6″ bendable cedar boards for easiest installation. Allow small gaps between boards. Stagger rows. Screw down with deck screws.
Build Integrated Stairs
Cut stringers to match curved shape. Use full length deck boards for treads. Attach risers. Add railing posts, balusters, handrails to finish.
With careful planning and flexible decking materials, curved and circular decks are an achievable DIY project. The elegant shape will add beauty and function to your yard.
How to Build a Multilevel Deck for Sloping Yards
For homes with sloped or hillside backyards, a multilevel deck can be the ideal way to create useable outdoor space. Follow these steps:
Plan Deck Levels
Survey yard and mark slope changes on sketch. Design levels to step down gradually with the slope. Keep height between levels under 36”.
Dig Footings for Posts
Excavate footing holes at each post location, 24-36” diameter and 24-36” deep. Pour concrete footings. Install posts after curing.
Set Support Beams
Use notched 6×6 posts to support inner and outer deck beams on each level. Secure with galvanized hardware.
Add Joists
Measure for joist length between beams on each deck section. Space joists 16” apart. Use joist hangers to attach to beams.
Install Decking
Use 2×6 deck boards. Allow 1/8” gaps between boards for drainage. Stagger rows. Fasten with two screws at each joist. Complete all sections.
Build Railings and Stairs
Install 4×4 railing posts at deck edges and level changes. Attach balusters and 2×2 railcaps. Build stairs with stringers, treads, and risers to connect the levels.
Finish with Details
Add lighting at post caps and stair risers. Attach planter boxes to rails or posts. Extend deck with a patio section.
Multilevel decks require extra planning and materials but make beautiful use of challenging sloped yards. Take your time and build safely.
Low-Maintenance DIY Deck Ideas
Low-maintenance decks feature durable, weather-resistant materials that stand up to the elements while keeping yearly upkeep to a minimum. Here are some easy-care deck ideas:
Use Composite Decking
Composite deck boards made from wood/plastic blends resist moisture, fading, and decay without sealing or staining. Capped composites feature an extra protective shell.
Choose Low-Maintenance Railings
Vinyl, composite, or cable railings eliminate the need for sanding and refinishing. Aluminum balusters won’t rust. Infill railing panels provide safety without vertical balusters.
Install Polycarbonate Roof Panels
Polycarbonate roofing over part of the deck blocks UV rays and rain, reducing wear. Water flows right off the smooth surface. Look for UV-protected polycarbonate.
Select Easy-Care Outdoor Furniture
All-weather wicker, vinyl strap, and recyclable plastic furniture withstand sun, rain, and humidity without mildew or mold. Stainless hardware won’t rust.
Add Concrete Pavers Underfoot
Extend the deck footprint with concrete pavers on gravel. This footer surface requires no maintenance and helps limit weed and grass growth underneath.
Use Moisture-Resistant Materials
From hardware and fasteners to stone veneer and decking boards, choose materials designed to withstand moisture. Stainless steel hardware and fasteners avoid rust.
Incorporate Smart Features
Integrated drains, sloped decking, and large deck board gaps promote drainage to limit water damage and mildew. Built-in storage keeps essentials handy but protected.
With the right design choices, you can build a beautiful, maintenance-free deck for enjoying for years to come.
Simple Deck Design Ideas to Add Privacy
If you plan to use your new deck for private sunbathing, relaxing, or entertaining, incorporating privacy features is a must. Here are some simple design ideas to make your deck more secluded:
Attach Lattice Privacy Panels
Lattice panels mounted to deck railing posts or on top of railings provide an instant privacy screen while allowing air flow. For sturdiness, choose heavy-duty vinyl lattice.
Install Permanent Planters
Large permanent planters built into the deck perimeter create beautiful privacy barriers. Choose taller evergreen shrubs, bamboo, or ornamental grasses to maintain coverage year-round.
Add Overhead Shading Elements
An overhead trellis, pergola, or retractable awning above the deck establishes a ceiling that feels more intimate and enclosed. Grow vining plants on trellises for living green walls.
Use Strategic Fencing
Fencing with spaces between vertical boards provides privacy without blocking light and views completely. Match the fencing to your existing yard fencing for unity.
Position Privacy Trees
Take advantage of existing yard trees or plant new ones to block views without caging in your deck. Evergreens placed near the deck perimeter work well for year-round coverage.
Install Sliding Panels
Create movable privacy screens with panels of wood, lattice, plastic, or fabric. Set tracks at the sides or top to allow sliding panels to open or close off sections.
Use Smart Shade Sails
For a modern look, install triangular shade sails in strategic spots overhead. They can be angled to block views when closed while still allowing refreshing breezes underneath.
With these simple yet creative ideas, you can easily transform an open deck into your own secluded outdoor oasis.
Cool Deck Railing Ideas
Deck railings provide safety and visual appeal. From simple straight railings to more ornate designs, there are many creative options for customizing your deck railing:
Post-to-Post Cable Railings
Cable railings with thin cables strung between posts create an unobstructed outdoor view. For safety, they must have top and bottom rails and tensioning hardware.
Mixed Materials Railings
Combine materials like wood posts with black aluminum balusters and sturdy composite top rails for durability with a custom look.
Curved or Radial Railings
Bend straight railing components into fluid curved shapes. Use flexible synthetic decking boards for curved top rails.
Decorative Post Caps
Top railing posts with pyramid finials, ball caps, or solar post caps for a finished look. Choose caps sized for 4×4 posts.
Inverted Glass Panel Railings
Frameless glass railing infill panels mount under the top rail for unseen structural support. This nearly invisible style maximizes views.
Lighted Railings
Install solar post cap lights or staircase under-step lights for dramatic nighttime ambiance. Use mini string lights on top rails to add twinkle.
Patterned Composite Railings
Many composite railing manufacturers now offer decorative, patterned top rail options. Choose stamped woodgrain textures or unique designs like rainchain.
Contrasting Colors
Make railing details pop with contrasting black posts and rails on a white deck or white balusters on a black railing.
Deck railings give you a chance to reflect your personal style. Whether you prefer an unobstructed view or decorative details, there are many possibilities for your perfect railing design.
Great Deck Designs for Entertaining Guests
When designing a deck for entertaining, look for plans that incorporate seating, lighting, storage, and amenities. Here are some deck features that make hosting guests easy and fun:
Built-In Benches
Benches with adjacent planters or rails create conversational nooks for seating guests. Enclose bench foundations with decorative skirting or lattice panels.
Buffet Table Space
Leave room for a freestanding buffet table along the house wall of the deck to stage food and beverages for self-service.
Serving Windows
Connect your deck to indoors with a serving window cut into the exterior wall. Pass food and drinks through easily.
Grill Station
Design your entertainment deck around a built-in grill station complete with side counters, overhead vent hood, and nearby beverage refrigerator.
Fire Pit or Chiminea
These fire features bring warmth and ambiance for evening entertaining. Locate safely away from structures in an open deck area. Provide seating around the pits.
Outdoor Kitchen
For avid cooks and entertainers, include a full outdoor kitchen on the deck with sink, grill, counters, cabinets, and bar area.
Lighting Features
Strands of Edison bulbs overhead, stair riser lighting, corner uplighting, and garden lighting create a festive, welcoming glow for evening guests.
Storage Boxes
Tuck deck cushions, blankets, toys, and entertainment accessories out of sight but within reach in weatherproof storage boxes or chests.
By incorporating guest-friendly amenities, your new deck can become party central for all your warm weather entertainment needs.
Awesome Lighting Ideas for Your Deck
Proper lighting transforms a deck from day use only to a versatile space that can be used and enjoyed at night as well. Consider these creative lighting ideas during deck planning and design:
Post Cap Lights
Opt for post caps with built-in solar lights or wired electric lights to illuminate your deck with a warm glow. Position the lights for optimal visibility and ambiance.
Step Lights
LED strip lights installed beneath stair treads cast a path of light to safely navigate stairs after dark. Power step lights with small solar panels or wired connections.
Railing Lights
Attach small pendant or recessed lighting fixtures along the top deck railing to highlight the space and create an inviting atmosphere in the evenings.
Pathway Lights
Line the deck pathway and yard perimeter with small, low-voltage path lights on short stakes. Choose solar options for easiest installation.
String Lights
For festive flair, stretch strands of outdoor bulb string lights overhead. Drape them from pergola beams, overhead lattice, or corner posts.
Flameless Candles
Set flameless LED candles along the railings or built-in planters to mimic real candlelight ambiance without the fire risk. Use remote controls for easy on/off.
Landscape Uplighting
Install uplights in nearby trees and shrub beds to cast a subtle glow and create depth. Direct light upward or highlight specific focal points.
Under-Deck Lighting
LED tape lighting mounted to the underside of deck boards overhangs surrounding foliage with illumination from above.
With the right lighting elements, your new deck can truly shine day and night. Layer different lights for brilliant twilight ambiance.
Creative Shade Ideas for Sunny Decks
If your new deck will get blazing midday sunshine, you’ll want to incorporate shade elements to make it comfortable during peak sun hours. Here are creative options for shading deck spaces:
Retractable Awning
A retractable awning can cover the entire deck or just a portion. Close it when shade is needed or retract it out of the way. Choose fade and water resistant fabrics.
Umbrellas
Free standing or mounted deck umbrellas provide portable shade. Opt for tilt and rotation features to adjust shade as the sun moves. Choose sturdy umbrella bases.
Sails and Shade Canopies
For modern appeal, install triangular shade sail canopies in areas that need shade coverage. Stretch the fabric between posts.
Permanent Roof Sections
Cover part of the deck with a permanent roof. Polycarbonate and corrugated metal roofs allow light through while blocking UV rays.
Overhead Lattice
Crisscrossed overhead lattice creates an open roof that filters sunlight. Training vines over the lattice produces lovely dappled shade.
Retractable Louvered Roof
High-end retract