Spending time outside in your backyard is one of life’s great pleasures. A beautiful deck makes it easy to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine right at home. If you’re looking for deck ideas to create an outdoor oasis, explore these 50 stunning designs that will motivate you to step outside.
Fantastic Materials for Deck Building
Selecting the right materials for your deck is the first step to creating an outdoor space you’ll love. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and climate when choosing decking materials.
Wood
Wood is a classic choice that offers a traditional, warm look. Cedar, redwood, and treated pine are common decking woods valued for their beauty and durability. Consider your local environment when selecting wood; some varieties withstand moisture and insects better than others. Composite wood decking blends wood fibers and plastic for increased weather-resistance.
Composite
Composite decking integrates wood fibers or bamboo with recycled plastic polymers. The result is a durable, splinter-free decking option that doesn’t require frequent staining or sealing. Composite decking costs more initially but saves on maintenance long-term. Brands like Trex and TimberTech offer realistic wood looks with unbeatable longevity.
PVC
For a completely low-maintenance deck, opt for plastic lumber made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC decking resists moisture, mold, and mildew and doesn’t need staining or sealing. It’s a great choice for humid, rainy climates. Azek and Fiberon are leading manufacturers of PVC deck boards.
Stone and Concrete
Use concrete, natural stone, or porcelain for a contemporary patio feel. While heavy and prone to cracking, stone stands up well to weather and wear-and-tear. Bluestone, travertine, and granite make gorgeous, elegant decking options.
Deck Tiles
Interlocking deck tiles offer a budget-friendly, DIY-friendly path to a stylish outdoor living space. Made from wood or composite, deck tiles assemble like puzzle pieces over a stable base. They allow water drainage and can be relocated or replaced individually as needed.
Fabulous Deck Shapes and Layouts
The shape and layout of your deck impacts both aesthetics and functionality. Consider existing architectural features, intended usage, traffic flow, and yard dimensions when designing your deck.
Rectangular
The most common deck shape, a simple rectangle maximizes usable square footage. Rectangular decks integrate easily with homes and are simple to build. Include a combination of gathering spaces and pathways to break up the straight lines.
Square
Equal on all four sides, a square deck works with contemporary, craftsman, and cottage style homes. Square footage is somewhat limited but easily divided into conversation nooks, dining spaces, and built-in benches.
Octagonal
The eight sides of an octagon deck soften the exterior look and feel. OCTagonal decks feature a central focal point perfect for a fire pit or water feature. The shape lends itself to tiered levels, perimeter seating, and intersecting walkways.
Freeform
Custom decks with irregular, flowing outlines provide ample opportunity for creativity. Gently curved edges, unique protrusions, and accent corners give freeform decks loads of character. Seating areas, planters, and amenities can be organically incorporated.
Multi-Level
Steps, raised planters, and staggered levels break up potentially flat deck surfaces. Multi-level designs address sloping yards, delineate functions, and add interest. Sections can be linked by open-riser stairs and ADA-accessible ramps.
Wraparound
A wraparound deck hugs two or more exterior walls to capitalize on outdoor living space. It seamlessly brings the indoors and outdoors together, perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing at home. Long sides and wide widths prevent a tunnel effect.
Rooftop
Construct your oasis in the sky on an urban rooftop. While challenging to build, rooftop decks take advantage of unused above-ground space. Ensure the roof structure supports a deck’s weight, and check for any needed permits.
Super Features and Accessories
From built-ins to landscaping, the extras you incorporate heavily influence your deck’s functionality. Prioritize features that suit your lifestyle and property setup.
Comfy Seating
Plush cushions, weather-resistant pillows, and adjustable loungers turn a basic deck into a backyard oasis. Don’t skimp on high-quality, durable outdoor fabrics in colors and patterns that complement your style.
Ambient Lighting
As night falls, lighting keeps the party going on your deck. Lanterns, post lamps, stair gradients, and strand lighting supply a radiant glow. Opt for solar options to avoid wiring hassles.
Ceiling Fans
On sweltering days, cooling ceiling fans make a shaded deck downright inviting. Energy efficient models with weather-resistant blades suit damp, humid climates. Optional lighting kits illuminate evenings alfresco.
Planters and Greenery
wooded plants, colorful blooms, and sleek pots infuse life into deck surroundings. Match planters to your architecture, and select plants suited for the light exposure. Hanging varieties dangle through railings to maximize greenery.
Privacy Screens
Strategically placed screens block unsightly views and create intimate spaces on exposed decks. Use latticework, frosted glass panels, indoor-outdoor curtains, or potted shrubs as natural barriers.
Weather Protection
To lengthen your deck’s usable season, incorporate weather protection elements. Retractable awnings, pergolas, and pop-up canopies provide shade from the hot summer sun. Side curtains and clear roof coverings keep light drizzle at bay.
Spa Features
Indulge in at-home pampering with features like hot tubs, saunas, and outdoor showers. Deck-level hot tubs seamlessly blend into the surrounding space. Nearby towel racks, robes, and slippers enhance the spa experience.
Fireplaces and Fire Pits
Fire is the focal point of any outdoor living space. Portable fire pits, permanent masonry fireplaces, and chimineas extend evenings outside. Ensure all fire features meet local safety codes with proper ventilation and clearance.
Kitchen Amenities
For delightful outdoor entertaining, equip your deck with wet bars, beverage centers, pizza ovens, smokers, grills, and refrigerators. Durable stainless steel, stone, or ceramic surfaces withstand the elements.
Integrated Storage
Keep outdoor living necessities tidy but within arm’s reach. Storage benches, weatherproof deck boxes, and cabinetry stash cushions, tools, and firewood out of sight. Take advantage of the space under stairs and benches too.
Appealing Design Styles for Decks
When designed thoughtfully, your deck can complement your home’s architecture. From rustic to modern, explore design aesthetics for the perfect deck.
Traditional
Features like painted spindles, decorative trim, and bold colors reflect vintage Americana style. Classic woods, checked patterns, and aged finishes reinforce the traditional charm. Potted plants and lattice add welcoming touches.
Contemporary
Clean lines, neutral hues, and minimal ornamentation define the contemporary deck. Opt for sleek surfaces like glass railings, concrete pavers, and stainless steel cables. Resist clutter, and keep furnishings simple but high quality.
Craftsman
The craftsman style spotlights natural materials and straightforward shapes. Favored decking includes unpainted cedar and composite planks in warm wood tones. Exposed rafters, built-in benches, and stone fireplaces align with the aesthetic.
Mediterranean
Echoing sun-soaked Italian villas, Mediterranean decks incorporate stucco walls, tile floors, wrought iron accents, and arched openings. Decor skews towards ornate patterns, vibrant colors, and lush potted palms.
Tropical
Escape to an exotic oasis with bamboo coverings, rattan furnishings, and brightly hued pillows. Tropical decks conjure up carefree resort vibes with ceiling fans, tiki torches, and details like fish and seashell motifs.
Rustic
Rustic decks highlight reclaimed barn wood, galvanized metal, and chipped paint finishes. Mason jar lighting, distressed furniture, and mix-and-match textiles reinforce the homey appeal. Leave some original aging and imperfections intact.
Coastal
Sea-inspired hues of aqua and navy set the scene, accented by weathered gray decking. Incorporate nautical elements like rope railings, oar-shaped bench backs, and sail canopies. Coastal decks keep things sophisticated but still relaxed.
Budget Deck Ideas
Building a brand-new custom deck costs $12,000-$25,000 on average. There are ways to cut costs for more budget-friendly options:
- Replace only the surface – Refinishing or replacing worn deck boards keeps foundation costs down.
- DIY installation – Handling demo and rebuilding yourself saves on labor.
- Standard shapes and sizes – Square footage directly impacts deck price. Consider 12×12 or 12×16 rectangles to save.
- Wood vs composite – Natural wood decking costs less than wood-plastic composites.
- Elevated small decks – Built slightly above ground, these minimize materials.
- Limit features – Stick to essentials like stairs and railings to reduce costs. Add extras later.
- Buy factory-direct materials – Avoid middleman markups purchasing direct from manufacturers.
- Reuse/upcycle materials – Upcycle scrap wood or vintage finds for fractional costs.
- Rent tools – Borrow or rent equipment for infrequent jobs rather than purchasing.
- Install in cool weather – Contractors may offer discounted rates during slower seasons.
Superb Small Deck Ideas
Don’t let limited yard space deter you from building a dream deck. Compact decks are big on style and functionality in small packages.
Multi-Use Furnishings
Opt for versatile furnishings like folding chairs, stackable side tables, mobile planters, and ottomans with lift-up tops for clever storage. Keep pieces portable to rearrange at will.
Built-In Benches
Maximize every inch by trading freestanding seating for smart built-ins. Curve bench seating around deck parameters or design custom benches flanking steps and rails. Addback cushions for comfort.
Vertical Gardening
Where ground space is limited, utilize vertical surfaces for potted plant displays. Install wall-mounted planter boxes and hanging baskets on rails, beams, and fences surrounding diminutive decks.
Overhead Coverage
Small decks are intimate spaces perfect for a cozy lounge area under an awning, pergola, or canopy. Overhead coverage provides shelter without crowding the layout.
Compact Design Elements
Look for deck amenities designed specifically for tight spots, like narrow bistro tables that tuck against walls when not in use. Opt for smaller-scale features; a two-person hot tub takes up less surface area.
Dual-Sided Access
Situate your petite deck between the home and yard to allow entry from either side. The flow-through design makes the modest footprint feel more spacious. Connect multiple small decks for greater flexibility.
Stunning Multilevel Deck Ideas
Incorporate staggered tiers, steps, and platforms to create attractive multilevel decks perfect for navigating slopes.
Cascading Upper Deck
Extend your home’s rear exit onto a deck overlooking a lower-level patio space. The elevated design provides privacy while keeping the spaces connected via graceful open stairs.
Backyard Hillside
Terrace a deck into a hillside for beautiful built-in landscaping. Vary the levels to work with the existing grade and highlight the views beyond.
Split Level with Extended Patio
Build a spacious patio off the ground floor, then add a smaller upper deck for an intimate sitting area with a scenic outlook. Link using open timber stairs integrated into the landscape.
Three-Tiered Social Spots
Get the most from a sloped lot withExpanded, overlapping decks. Devote the lower platform to active recreation like a sunken hot tub. The middle section hosts outdoor dining, while the top tier offers secluded lounging.
Stepped Design Down to Water
Descend gently toward a lake or ocean view while defining different activity zones. Large lower decks accommodate gatherings and water sports, then give way to more exclusive deck cuts nearer the shoreline.
Sunken Sitting Area
Carve out a sunken sitting circle or fire pit nook in the floor of a wraparound multilevel deck. Surround it with wide stair-step ledges or built-in benches to complete the conversation pit.
Gradual Backyard Incline
For a shallower slope, install small sets of stairs to traverse the incline. Break up the long stair run with expansive landings that double as platforms for chairs, tables, and container gardens.
Fabulous Freestanding Deck Ideas
Freestanding decks detached from your home offer flexibility in shape, size, and yard placement. Make the most of the possibilities with these standout designs.
Spacious Octagonal Poolside Retreat
Construct an eight-sided deck around an in-ground pool for endless summertime enjoyment. Oversized and open underneath, the stand-alone deck has room for copious seating, umbrellas, and bordering planter beds.
Secluded Garden Hideaway
Escape to a charming garden sanctuary constructed amidst mature trees and flowering shrubs. Wood chip paths connect the standalone deck to relaxing hammocks and park benches tucked throughout the landscape.
Backyard Pavilion
A stately pavilion surrounded by pillars makes a striking freestanding deck. Top with a pyramidal roof, then furnish the interior with hanging beds, benches, and high-top tables for an exotic yet inviting entertaining escape.
Rooftop Lookout Above the Garage
Perched atop a garage or shed, an elevated rooftop deck overlooks the entire backyard. Lounge on this private, shelteredaerie and feel immersed in the tree canopy.
Lakeside Retreat on Pier Footings
Nestle a freestanding deck on the shore of a lake or river. Set on pier footings, the scenic platform sits just above the water level, perfect for sunbathing, stargazing, and waterside lounging.
Backyard Studio Space
Repurpose a standalone garden shed or studio as a charming detached deck. Update with French doors, weatherproof finishes, and electricity. Use as a creative retreat or poolside guest cottage.
Eye-Catching Deck Railing Ideas
Deck railings provide safety along with style. Complement your design aesthetic with these attractive railing options.
Framed Glass Panels
Frame clear glass panels with wood supports for contemporary flair. The transparent rails maintain views while enhancing curb appeal. Use tinted or etched glass varieties for subtle decor.
Decorative Metal Cutouts
Iron, aluminum, and steel railings come in unlimited decorative shapes. Opt for nature motifs like leaves, vines, dragonflies, or abstract swirls. Metallic finishes like bronze, pewter, and copper add richness.
Horizontal Cable Wires
Sleek stainless steel cables stretched horizontally between posts bring transparency and modern lines to deck railings. They’re perfect for unobstructed panoramas.
Rope Weave
Achieve breezy nautical style by weaving sturdy rope through drilled railing posts. Vary the pattern or rope color between sections for added visual interest.
Mixed Materials
Combine wood posts, metal balusters, and cable accents to create one-of-a-kind mixed media rails. The eclectic look pairs well with coastal, farmhouse, and contemporary spaces.
Flower Box Planters
Make the most of your handrails by topping them with built-in flower boxes. Cascading blooms soften the edges while infusing vibrant color. Use self-watering boxes for low maintenance.
LED Light Strings
Enhance ambiance and safety by adorning wood or cable railing with LED light strings. Go for year-round white or multicolored for festive flair. Power solar lights to avoid wiring complexity.
Inspiring Deck Stair Ideas
Deck stairs should be stable, safe, and illuminated for navigation. But they also provide an opportunity to incorporate personality and custom design.
Spindle Accent Stairs
Draw the eye to staircase details by alternating closed and open risers. Or frame steps with carved balusters and decorative spindle work extending below the tread.
Curving Stairs
Elongated gentle curves soften a staircase’s straight silhouette. Wrap around trees, garden borders, or corners of the deck perimeter. Ensure ample tread width and headroom beneath arcs.
Wood Slice Steps
Affix wide cross-section cuts of tree trunks as organic slab stair treads. Complement with a branch railing. For added flair, illuminate the steps with mini ground-level spotlights.
Brick and Stone Steps
Natural paving stones, bricks, and fieldstone give stairs a quaint cottage look. Keep the palette cohesive by choosing materials found elsewhere on the property.
Floating Steps
Cantilever stairs with concealed supports seem to float, uninterrupted by rails or risers. The seamless appearance works for contemporary or industrial styles. Risers may be glass for transparency.
Stone Sidewalls
Build substantial stone sidewalls to border more substantial staircases. Use boulders, dry stack stone, or matching retaining walls to make a statement.
Wide Shallow Treads
Extend the depth of each step while reducing the rise height for a more relaxed staircase run that’s easily navigated. Ideal for wider decks and gradual slopes.
Cozy Deck Canopy Ideas
Overhead canopies create shady spots for relaxing or dining alfresco. Consider these possibilities for