Adding a deck is one of the best ways to improve your outdoor living experience. When most people think of a deck, they envision a wooden rectangular surface adorned with a grill and a patio set… but there is no need to allow your deck area to remain uninspired. With a little inspiration, deck designs can be greatly improved in a variety of ways, however, it is not unusual to have difficulty knowing where to start. This is why we compiled some top design ideas for your convenience. Gaining a little traction from some great designs can help you to decide on the right design option for your specific situation. Use the ideas below as a starting point, but definitely let your imagination roam and think outside the box (or rectangular deck).

To get the most out of your outdoor deck, consider the following seven design ideas:

1. Incorporating permanent seating is a very effective way to quickly enhance a new, or existing deck design. The seating area can also draw your eye in a way that is visually interesting if you install them in the right areas of the deck. An additional benefit for this type of design idea is safety. Installed around the perimeter, the seating can replace or augment railings and act as a natural barrier to any drop-offs.

2. Beyond the seating, create a focal point with a fire pit installation. This fixture is a bold statement on its own, but it also creates an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. There is nothing quite as exciting as entertaining guests and watching their faces as you light the evening’s fire and pass out marshmallows, or even prepare to grill kebabs. Although there are some gorgeous and elaborate ways to design a fire pit into a new or remodeled deck, there are many other simple options for fire pits, including fully self-contained propane-fueled pits that run off a standard 5-gallon tank. These can be made to look like they are built in and are easily assembled and also easily removed and stored during the winter months.

3. Plants are definitely one of the easiest and cheapest way to add some life to an existing deck design. If you want to avoid the costs associated with extensions, installations or other built-in features, try starting with some well-placed foliage, flowers, ferns, vines and other ornamental plants. If you are building a new deck, you should also consider incorporating some built-in beds or strategically placed cut-outs where trees and bushes can grow through the deck. Cut-outs can be built around existing greenery, or you can start fresh with some new plants. When selecting plants for cut-outs it’s important to make sure that they will not quickly outgrow the space you’ve allotted and it can also be good to keep in mind the amount of extra cleanup the plants might add; a deciduous maple tree will be beautiful and provide a lot of shade during the spring and summer, but come fall when it sheds its leaves you will need to have a blower and rake ready.

4. Another inexpensive adjustment is changing the colors around your deck. As with the walls on the interiors of our homes, we often just accept and work around the existing color scheme. For real wood decks there are a multitude of different stain and paint colors that can completely change the look of your deck. If you’re looking to upgrade to a composite deck, you’ll be amazed at some of the new options available: everything from dark exotic woods to striking ashen and whitewashed cedar tones. Mixing in some accent pieces of different colors in strategic areas can create an incredibly unique and beautiful look. Most composites also now come with a warranty, like TimberTech’s industry leading 30 year warranty against fading or staining, so you can be certain your deck’s color will last with little to no maintenance on your part.
When it comes to color change, don’t stop at just the surface of the deck, but also think about the exterior walls surrounding the deck – can you alter some colors to make a real statement and bring the whole design element come together cohesively? Consider using an accent color, or even a different texture or material to highlight certain areas: a different color for behind your patio set, or a faux stone façade behind your grill area, etc.

5. If you are ready for a more dramatic, larger improvement for your deck, consider the advantages of installing a pagoda. Pagodas are usually made of wood, and they provide a shaded congregation area for guests. This is a great option if your deck is situated in an area that has too much sunlight and not enough shade. Since pagodas are solid structures, if you’re considering adding one to an existing deck, be sure that the sub structure is strong enough to support the additional weight, especially if it is a raised deck.

6. If you don’t want to go as far as a pagoda, a pergola is another installation option for deck owners who desire to add an outdoor shaded area. A pergola usually has a simpler post and beam construction with an open lattice roof and sides. Some pergola owners enjoy growing vines on the lattices. This provides additional shade and an added ambiance that visitors and guests can enjoy.

7. Think 3D and think curvy. When designing a deck, consider adding multiple levels. These can be completely separate levels, or you can just use a few steps to create a separate and unique space. Although there are some amazing things you can do, it doesn’t take anything dramatic to create a delineated and visually intriguing space. Also, don’t be locked into thinking that you everything needs to be angular in your deck design. Although the shape of most decks and even the boards themselves make us think in right angles and sharp corners, professional contractors can create beautiful curved deck designs. These can be used to create a beautiful, flowing appearance, or can match features like hot tubs, pools, or even the trees and pagodas we mentioned earlier.

Summary of Decking Ideas

There are many ways to improve the outdoor area around your existing deck. These seven design ideas for decking can get you started, but the main point is that whether you are building a whole new deck, or just want to freshen up an existing deck, use your imagination and design a space that is unique, functional, will add to the beauty of your home and the amount of time you and your family and friends get to spend outdoors.