Shaping Your Dream Deck
Nary a backyard retreat is complete without a deck built for entertaining. Just like any indoor space, this exterior structure can be customized to your wants and needs. Multiple levels, shady overhead structures, and spa-like amenities are all within the realm of deck design possibility—with a little planning. Take inspiration from these 17 creative deck ideas for a relaxing space built just for you. (Feel free to share it with others.)
Cedar and Glass Beauty
Consider your deck an opportunity for a bonus room. Here, a diehard salvage fanatic used his findings—and years as a glass installer—to bump out his entertaining space with a handsome deck sitting room.
Pick up more ideas from the video tour of this reader’s prize-winning cedar deck
Find other ways to bring creature comforts outdoors by creating a room with a view
Hardscaping Paradise
A young family turned a brick patio and decrepit deck into an inviting backyard escape that’s safe for little ones. A sprawling deck provides ample room for secluded seating areas within a perimeter of mature ficus trees.
See other ways the family outfitted the wood deck and brick patio area for playtime
Check for any signs of trouble in an existing deck with this six-step plan
In The Curve
A variety of decking materials will bend to your deck design whims. A round-table-style conversation is possible without the added furniture due to this deck’s curved construction and matching table/planter.
Discover your dream deck design with these enviable possibilities
Build a conversation-spurring embossed metal planter
Low Height Standards
Ease a minimal height transition into a cottage’s garden with a small deck just a few steps up. Various surface textures and heights keep the eye traveling in appreciation of the greenery.
Explore the other ways the homeowner filled her cottage’s small backyard
Create a charming cottage garden around your deck with these essential elements
Wide Berth for Container Gardens
Deep deck steps leave plenty of room for displaying a lush container garden. Overflowing containers help cancel noise and define the outdoor area as a separate space.
Get the answers to your burning (container and more) gardening questions from a pro gardener
Fill containers with these foliage-heavy combos for living pieces of art to last through the season
Side Yard at Work
A simple deck takes advantage of side yard space without compromising an 1887 Queen Anne’s architectural integrity.
Copy this streamlined look by building a simple deck
Attach the deck to your house before putting your new entertaining hub to work
Sun-Blocking Pergolas
An at-grade deck can get past its plain appearance with the added architectural dimension of a full-width pergola. Add trained climbers to these overhead structures and you get built-in shade.
See ways to make these elements work for your space with standout reader arbors and pergolas
Check out a pergola dressed in a canopy of ‘New Dawn’ climbing roses
Standout Deck Stairs
Curved stairs and stone-surface landings provide a generous post to admire nearby water views. Chunky wood railing feels at home with the rustic setting.
Create a safe path to backyards by replacing deck stair balusters or starting from scratch for new deck stairs
Rambling Composite Deck
Lush trees appear to hug a multi-level, curved deck structure with copious room for entertaining. Building a deck to fit in with the angles and height of existing foliage adds a sense of luxury that only customization will allow.
Learn more about synthetic materials for a high-tech, low-fuss deck
Perk up your old digs by cleaning and restaining a weather-beaten wood deck
Enchanted Deck Atmosphere
Marry a deck with a lush landscape with romantic transitions, like these 11-foot-tall salvaged church windows.
Recreate this expertly designed laid-back outdoor living room look
Keep the theme going in the garden by turning salvaged junk into garden ornaments
Glossy Traditional Style Deck
Off the family room, a simple, low deck—that still fits the character of a handsome 1720 Georgian—gave a couple of avid DIYers extra outdoor room.
See other examples of smart design in a remodeled Revolutionary War-era relic of a house
Brush up on your composite decking know-how with our guide
The Decks are Stacked
A series of steps—and tons of fill—reclaimed a backyard’s steep incline. Double-decker decks provide views of the landscape and capitalize on what used to be a steep drop.
See the transformation of the rest of this Shingle-Style house
Take your entertaining outside with these 39 budget-wise outdoor room ideas
Walls Need Not Apply
Get more use out of your multi-use deck and patio area by creating an open-air structure. It will extend your outdoor area’s use and become your family’s favorite gathering spot come chilly nights.
See the transformation of an overgrown lot into a three-season outdoor space
Build a round patio with a fire pit for entertaining in cool weather
Bright Beach House View
A house-spanning beachfront deck with subtle railing allows a family ample outdoor time with unaffected ocean views. A retractable awning provides solace from harsh coastal sunrays.
See before and after images of this beach house remodel
Place shade where you want it with patio umbrellas
Luxurious Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen positioned against a wall makes it easier to connect electrical and plumbing. Plus, a sliding window above the countertop means easy passing of plates and other kitchen essentials. A second-floor deck creates more outdoor enjoyment, without the entertaining efforts.
Make your open-air kitchen a prize-worthy cook space with this recipe for a great outdoor kitchen
Add outdoor dining spaces in other places with smart ideas for outdoor kitchens and dining
Room for Steamy Relaxation
If your idea of paradise includes a hot soak outdoors after a long day, look no further. It’s all about the view here, with a spa sunk low into the deck surface and encased in matching deck planks and subtle railings to keep the profile unintrusive and leafy views in check.
See other deck railing options from Hometalk to fit your personality
Other ways to take a vacation without leaving home
Lush Leaf Design
This multi-level deck design takes a playful slant (or curve) on its natural setting with leaf shapes and vein prints.
See other fearless deck styling ideas on Hometalk
Go floral and paint oversize blossoms on your porch floor
