A backyard deck is the perfect way to extend your living space outdoors, especially during summer. Though you could opt to keep it pretty basic and let nature be your decor, there are plenty of ways to customize your deck. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are 16 creative ideas to make your deck feel more like your own.
Stain the Deck’s Wood
A stunning deck begins with high-quality wood. In this example, Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Weatherproofing Wood Stain protects the clear redwood. Staining not only makes the wood look gorgeous but also provides essential protection against the elements. When choosing a stain, consider factors such as wood type, desired color, and level of UV protection needed for your climate.
Pro Tip: Jim Clark, a painting contractor who has worked on several This Old House projects, explains why stain is so popular: “A good-quality paint job will last longer, but the prep work for recoating stain is far easier and faster than paint. And prep work is the costliest and most time-intensive part of the job.”
Checkerboard Pattern Painted Deck Floor
Here, Nikki P. used Valspar Severe Weather exterior paint in semigloss white to create an eye-catching checkerboard. This technique enhances the deck’s appearance and provides an extra layer of protection for the wood. When painting your deck, be sure to properly clean and prepare the surface, use high-quality exterior paint, and apply multiple thin coats for best results.
See her step-by-step method: Painted Deck Reveal
Pergola for a Sunny Spot
A pergola provides shade while still allowing you to enjoy some sunlight. They can be oriented according to the seasons, offering maximum protection during the hottest parts of the day. Pergolas also create a defined space within your deck area, perfect for outdoor dining or lounging. Consider adding climbing plants or hanging baskets to your pergola for additional shade and a touch of natural beauty.
Privacy Lattice
Lattice offers a stylish privacy solution that still lets in a breeze. This versatile option can be customized and painted to match your deck. For added privacy, consider training climbing plants such as jasmine or clematis to grow on the lattice, creating a living privacy screen that also adds a touch of nature.
Bench Deck Border
For decks low enough not to require a railing, consider building a bench around the perimeter. This clever design encloses the space while providing seating. You can even repurpose leftover deck boards for the seat for a cohesive look. To make it more comfortable, add weather-resistant cushions and pillows that complement your outdoor decor.
Green Privacy Wall
A living wall system can serve as both a privacy fence and a beautiful garden feature. It’s great in small spaces where traditional gardening might not be practical. Do-it-yourself (DIY) kits make this project easy. Choose a variety of plants with different textures and colors to create a visually striking and low-maintenance privacy solution. Integrate aromatic herbs or flowers to add pleasant scents.
Plant Border for Your Deck
Surround a low deck with large cedar planter boxes to create a lush, tucked-away feeling. When selecting plants for your border, consider a mix of evergreens for year-round privacy, flowering plants for seasonal color, and herbs for both beauty and functionality in your outdoor kitchen. Native plants can reduce maintenance and promote local wildlife and pollinators.
Deck Planter Boxes
Railing planter boxes are an excellent way to incorporate greenery without taking up valuable floor space. You can build your own DIY planters for a fraction of the cost of premade options. When designing your boxes, make sure they‘re securely attached to the railing and have proper drainage to prevent water damage to your deck. Choose plants that thrive in your climate and complement your overall deck design.
Built-In Banquet
If you have space for a long dining table, consider adding a built-in banquet for seating. This not only provides comfortable seating but also offers hidden storage bays, perfect for outdoor cushions, games, or gardening supplies. Add weather-resistant cushions and throw pillows that match your outdoor decor.
Pro Tip: In a This Old House Magazine feature, homeowners the Coopers demonstrated just how effective a built-in banquette can be. Their deck designer built a 10-foot-long table with a slatted banquette spanning the back of the deck. The banquette featured an ergonomically designed curved seat-to-back intersection and all-weather-fabric cushions for extra comfort. “We can fit six or seven people on the bench alone,” says homeowner Misha. “We use the deck as an extension of the house, for outdoor dinner parties or Sunday brunches.”
Container Gardens
Transform a bare deck into a beautiful garden using drop-in containers, planting towers, and window boxes. This versatile approach lets you easily change the look from season to season. When planning your container garden, consider factors such as sunlight exposure, watering needs, and the mature size of your chosen plants. Group containers of varying heights and sizes for a dynamic look, and incorporate seasonal plants for year-round vibrancy.
Pro Tip: This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook advises thinking of each pot as its own mini garden: “A single type of plant gets a little monotonous. I like to mix lots of things together.” He recommends working in perennials like a gold hosta or an ornamental grass alongside colorful annuals for a richer, more layered look.
See the before and after Deck Garden Makeover
Cutout “Planter”
If you have an existing tree in the area planned for your new deck, consider designing the structure around it. This creates a focal point and adds natural shade. When incorporating a tree into your deck design, be sure to leave enough space for future growth and consult with an arborist to make sure the tree’s health isn’t compromised.
Salvaged Shutters
Repurpose old shutters to create a privacy screen. This eco-friendly option gives character to your outdoor space while adding privacy. When using salvaged shutters, be sure to clean and treat them for outdoor use. Consider painting them in a coordinating color to match your deck’s overall design scheme.
Trees As a Deck Design Element
Instead of a freestanding pergola, consider using mature, sturdy tree trunks as supports for a slatted ceiling over an open deck. This creates a unique, nature-inspired look while providing shade. When incorporating trees into your deck design, consult with a professional to make sure you don’t harm the trees’ health or structural integrity. Incorporate hanging plants or lights to enhance the design’s natural feel.
Repurposed Tarp Canopy
Create a temporary awning using moisture-resistant cotton canvas hung with metal clips or ties. This affordable and flexible solution allows you to adjust your shade coverage as needed. When selecting a tarp, choose a high-quality, UV-resistant material, and consider adding grommets to the corners for easy installation and removal.
Deck Post Lamps
Cap deck posts with carriage lights to provide both an attractive accent and welcome nighttime illumination. In this example, wiring runs from the house, under the deck, and up the hollow posts for a clean, seamless look. When choosing post lamps, consider LED options for energy efficiency and longevity. Make sure the fixtures are rated for outdoor use and match the style of your home and deck.
Pro Tip: Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, notes that “Low-voltage lighting is very DIY-friendly. The thin wiring is easy to hide on or under the deck.” This makes post lamps an accessible upgrade for most homeowners looking to extend their outdoor living hours.
Utilize Space Below
Use the area beneath a high deck to create a cozy seating area. In this example, the second-floor deck provides shade for the patio below. The decking material used is AridDek aluminum decking from Wahoo Decks, which is durable and low-maintenance. When designing a multilevel deck, consider factors such as drainage, lighting, and ventilation to make both upper and lower spaces comfortable and functional.
Pro Tip: Container-plant specialist Ellen Zachos of Plant Stuff in New York City relies on a simple recipe of “thrillers, fillers, and spillers”—tall plants in the center or back, medium-size plants to fill out the middle, and trailing plants that cascade over the edge to soften the pot’s hard lines. “Resist the urge to crowd in too many different things,” Zachos advises. “A lot of plants are fine, but a lot of different kinds of plants starts to look messy.” She recommends sticking to three to five types, tops.
See more ideas: How would you utilize the space below your deck?
