A deck is a great way to extend your living space and add some style. The trick is to make it as useful as possible, without looking cluttered.
For example, using garden sleepers to create a raised planting bed, ready to be filled with flowers is easy and affordable. Paint them the same color as your decking to unify the look.
Shape
There are a number of ways to separate different areas on your deck. You can use walls, railings or stairs, but furniture also works well – especially sofas and chairs with high backs that are designed to provide privacy and create separate seating zones.
Another practical deck idea is to build a raised area that is level with the patio doors of your home. This is a great way to get the best out of a smaller yard, and creates a seamless transition between indoors and out. The deck can also be topped with pretty blooms in containers and a stylish dining set for an extra special touch.
The shape of your deck can have a big impact on how you use the space. If you have a larger property, you might want to consider an L-shaped deck that stretches out across your backyard, and wraps around the side of your house. This is a great option if you have a lot of garden furniture, as it allows for easy movement between indoor and outdoor living.
If you’re working with a smaller plot, your builder may recommend a square or rectangular deck that extends directly out from your house. This works well if you have a lot of furniture, as it provides ample space for sitting and socializing.
You can use different colors of decking boards to add interest and create distinct zones. Darker colors heat up and disperse moisture faster than lighter ones, so they are less likely to break down or rust over time. A light sanding and a coat of weather-protective stain will restore the look and finish, and you can even customize it further with paint, using demure pastel shades suited to romantic cottage garden schemes or bold brights that can boost a sense of fun.
You can also use recycled wood to make unique furniture for your deck, such as this rustic table. If you’ve got plenty of leftover boards, a simple design such as this is a quick and affordable DIY project. You could even turn them into a flower pot frame, as shown here, with a few tins of exterior paint.
Materials
If you’re planning to build a deck, consider the materials used in it. The choice of material will affect how long your deck lasts and what type of look you want to achieve. Wood, composite, and PVC are the most popular options, but each one has its own advantages. You can also choose to use a combination of these materials in your design.
Skirting is an important element of any deck. It can be used to hide the gap between the ground and the deck or to add visual interest to the area underneath it. Skirting is also an excellent opportunity to tie your deck into your garden. For example, you could plant climbing plants to create a natural connection between your deck and the rest of your garden.
Another practical and stylish trend in deck design is integrating lighting into the railings. This can provide a soft, inviting glow while you enjoy the outdoors at night. It also helps to keep your deck safe and secure.
A simple way to make your deck stand out is by using a unique material for the skirting. This design uses wooden planks to create a fence-like appearance that matches the thickness of the deck boards and railings above. The dark color of the planks gives this design a contemporary feel.
You can also opt for a more traditional look by using concrete for your deck’s skirting. This option is perfect for front-facing decks, as it can bring a sense of stability to your home’s facade. You can also incorporate a design that blends in with the surroundings by mixing and matching different types of material.
If you’re interested in creating a custom deck for your new home, you should speak with a professional to discuss the possibilities and costs. They can help you decide on a size that will suit your family’s needs and how to maximize the space. They can also give you ideas for adding other features to your deck that will increase its value and make it more enjoyable. For example, you can add a hot tub, water feature, or fire pit to your deck for additional relaxation and comfort.
Lighting
Whether it’s used as a quiet nook for reading or a gathering spot with friends and family, decks are the ideal outdoor living spaces. Even a small one can be transformed into a place to enjoy the great outdoors and relax after work. And with a little design know-how and practical tips, it’s easy to create an attractive deck that’s sure to be well-used.
Even if your space is limited, you can make a small deck feel more spacious with smart design and multi-use furniture. To make the most of this small deck idea, keep seating away from the walls and create a lounge area with multiple couches or chairs around a fire pit. This will draw your guests’ eyes up and around the deck to help it look larger.
The right lighting can really enhance a deck’s look and create a relaxing atmosphere at night. Hanging lanterns, string lights, or even a chandelier is a great way to brighten your deck. This will also help your guests see the area better, making it safer to walk around and entertain.
To get the most out of your deck, use plenty of plants and flowers. This will add color and contrast to the deck’s design, helping it to pop and stand out from the surrounding greenery. It will also add a pleasant aroma that will help you to relax and de-stress from the day’s activities.
Steep up and down slopes are often harder to tame than gentle ones, which is why many homeowners turn to multilevel decks for their practical and aesthetic appeal. These deck ideas can be designed to extend a house into the surrounding natural environment in a gradual and pleasing manner, while providing easy access to different areas of the yard.
Another practical deck idea is to build a roof over part of your deck. This will offer shade and protect your furniture from the sun. This can be done by using a pergola or as in this example from New Eco Landscapes. The wooden beams are arranged in a curvilinear pattern that mimics the shape of the home.
Design
A deck can be as simple or as complex as you wish, and its design should complement the home and fit into the landscape. It’s also a chance to add your own style and taste, whether it’s with the stain color on floor boards or railings that surround. A deck is a space for entertaining family and friends, so the design needs to accommodate seating and food prep as well.
If space is limited, multilevel deck ideas offer an appealing way to overcome a spatial challenge. When done right, these designs extend the building into the landscape in a natural way, often acting as bridges or connectors. Multilevel decks can also serve as a backdrop for landscaping, creating an interesting visual contrast between the natural and built environments.
Even small decks can benefit from a design that integrates built-in planters into the layout. These features can be clustered in a space-saving group at one side of the deck or positioned to mark changes in level and add interest to an otherwise straightforward deck. For larger decks, these elements can be used to break up a large space and provide a more intimate feel.
Another accent feature that’s both practical and decorative, a firepit can bring warmth to chilly evenings and encourage friendly conversation among those seated around it. A deck with a firepit is an easy addition to any backyard and can be styled in an array of designs, from simple abutments to elaborate focal points.
Depending on the size of your deck and how you intend to use it, it may make sense to install a screen enclosure to keep out pesky insects. These enclosures can be screened completely for privacy, or they can be open in appearance to allow for unobstructed views and breezes.
Decks can also feature an organic shape that follows the lines of a nearby pool or other landscape feature. This can be a show-stopping aesthetic, but it can also be challenging to build and maintain. It’s best to consult a professional before going this route, as you’ll need to consider extra support structures to help bear the weight of the roof.