11 Deck Design Ideas to Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space

During the summer, impress your guests with an outdoor entertaining space that easily flows from inside to outside or keep it intimate to suit your immediate family. Vamp up your outdoor space by going big with additional areas, new decks, and amenities or keep it small with a DIY project like refurbishing your outdoor furniture. Either way, read more below on some deck designs and backyard ideas that will wow everyone.

Overview and Benefits of a Well-Designed Deck

A well-designed deck takes a lot of thought and effort that comes off effortlessly. Remember the material of your deck, such as timber decking, which can determine the best colours and hues for any outdoor furniture. When well executed, with matching outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and a coffee table, a well-designed deck can be the focal point of your home. It can create a welcoming environment that can be great for entertaining, relaxation, or socialization. Either way, there are no cons to lounging outdoors in your backyard.

Design Idea 1: Take your Living Room Outdoors

Why not include a living room in your outdoor area? Creating an outdoor living room has never been easier. Create this in nearly any backyard space, from multi-level decks to small spaces. There are tons of backyard patio sets that include chairs and a table in a bundle deal. If you need something else, buy precisely the seating that you need.

Design Idea 2: Create shade with a Pergola

Cited as one of 2023’s hottest deck trends, adding a pergola to your patio is an easy design trick that elevates the space. They come in all different shapes and sizes, ranging from fully to partially covered. Simply choose the colour, material, and roof finish you’d like and install it in the location of your choice; it’s that easy.

Design Idea 3: Get cozy around a fire pit

Gone are the days when you’d have to compromise style for warmth. Retailers everywhere offer fire pits in different design styles and shapes. If contemporary is your style, opt for a dome-shaped fire pit with fireproof rocks that give off a modern deck approach. Or, go for a square or horizontal size that best fits your space to provide the timeless touch to your outdoor deck.

Design Idea 4: Bring in some water elements

If space and budget allow it, consider adding a hot tub or pool area to your backyard. Nothing screams of summer and bringing people together more than enjoying a hot day by the swimming pool. Depending on the route you go, you can make a pool deck that flows from your porch into a sitting area or create a separate space for a hot tub. Including a water element adds value and practical use to your outdoor space.

Design Idea 5: Add some greenery

Adding plants and other topiary elements to your backyard deck can instantaneously transform a space to make it feel more aligned with nature. Opt for large planters, potted plants, or statement trees that add that green thumb touch to the area. If not, consider blending your landscape design elements into the design by using your space and naturally adding patio furniture in places that fit.

Design Idea 6: Dine outside in an outdoor kitchen

Skip on going to a restaurant and eat on your patio instead. Adding an outdoor kitchen area allows you to enjoy cooking a meal while being part of a group. This is great for barbecues, outdoor dining, or outdoor bar areas. The deck design ideas and possibilities are endless, ranging from a full outdoor kitchen with an adjacent dining table set to installing a half bar area with an island and optional seating.

Design Idea 7: Create privacy with screens

If privacy is of top priority for you, then you can always add additional protective barriers around your outdoor living space. Consider a screened-in porch that acts as a 24/7 barrier, or choose to section off specific spaces with privacy screens. Either way, it’s a simple way to visually enhance, protect, and make existing space more intimate.

Design Idea 8: Consider a composite deck

Composite decks are very popular and can be easily maintained all year long. These functional decks come in various design choices and styles, so picking one can be extremely personal to your aesthetic. This low-maintenance deck makes for an excellent choice for those looking for something that is installed once and lasts a long time with minimal upkeep. 

Design Idea 9: Make it a rooftop deck

If you have a levelled space on your roof, why not put your deck there? A rooftop deck is a unique and very stylish addition to your home. Depending on the size of the roof will determine the size of the deck and what you can make of the space. An easy way to amplify these is by adding outdoor lighting in the form of string lights and creating a whimsical atmosphere. Add a few chairs for a seating area, and you have a cozy deck to gaze at the sky. 

Design Idea 10: Cover your space with a covered deck

Unlike the screened-in porch or privacy screens, a covered deck gives you shade from those scorching hot days while adding a stylish touch to your deck. This is a great option and is easily accomplished with two-level decks. If not, these can be easily installed over the section of the deck you’d like covered. Opt for a full-sized or partial cover, depending on the design you want to achieve.

Design Idea 11: Make it a multi-level deck:

A multi-level deck can be that big wow factor that adds value to your home. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to multi-level decks. You can build off of a small deck space by adding a dedicated seating area, dining area, or outdoor room. The key to making it stylish is incorporating some dimension, such as adding a raised or sunken deck. Anyway, you build these out; adding one gives you the best stylish and functional outdoor area. 

Tips for Designing a Deck that Meets Your Needs and Lifestyle 

We recommend doing the following when designing a deck that meets your needs and lifestyle: 

• Identify what you want: it’s important to identify what you are looking for and how that fits your lifestyle before diving into design. Ask yourself important questions, such as how often you will use your deck, whether you want to add amenities such as a hot tub or pool, etc. Identifying these priorities creates a roadmap for you to follow. 
• Consider costs: decking materials, installation, and continual maintenance can rack up a pretty penny. Make sure your plan aligns with your budget to allow you to bring life to your outdoor dream space. Check out our articles on how much decking costs per square metre, and estimate the size of your deck to get some approximate figures. 
• Have fun with it: designing your home should be fun, so don’t take things too seriously and let your creativity run wild! It’s never too late to build a stylish outdoor area, so get inspiration from the design ideas above and incorporate them into your space this summer.