21 Deck Ideas To Enhance Your Outdoor Space
21 Deck Ideas To Enhance Your Outdoor Space
Dreaming of hosting parties or just chilling out on a beautiful deck? Whether your dream starts with a brand-new backyard deck or a renovation of your existing one, there are plenty of design options to choose from to create the ideal outdoor living space that fits both your style and budget.
| Type | Cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $25 – $50 |
| Cedar | $30 – $47 |
| Redwood | $28 – $54 |
| Mahogany | $30 – $57 |
| Ipe | $50 – $70 |
| Recycled composite | $45 – $70 |
| Wood-plastic composite | $40 – $70 |
| Premium PVC | $60 – $80 |
| Bamboo | $27 – $52 |
| Vinyl | $30 – $60 |
| Aluminum | $100 – $125 |
Deck design ideas
When planning your new deck, it's important to consider which design and layout will best suit your lifestyle and home. The right deck design can enhance your outdoor living space, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Consider these popular deck design ideas:
Platform deck
Platform decks sit low to the ground, offering simplicity and versatility in design. They're ideal for single-story homes or for creating an easily accessible outdoor living space without the need for stairs.
Freestanding deck
Freestanding decks aren't attached to your home, offering flexibility in placement and design. They're ideal for creating a separate outdoor retreat or for homes where attaching a deck isn't feasible.
Raised or elevated deck
Raised decks are elevated above ground level, offering enhanced views and additional usable space underneath. They're ideal for homes with a second-story entrance or for maximizing outdoor living areas on sloped properties.
Side yard deck
Side yard decks utilize narrow spaces alongside homes, offering a solution for limited outdoor areas. They're ideal for creating private nooks or for maximizing usable space on compact lots.
Wraparound deck
Wraparound decks extend around multiple sides of a home, offering expansive outdoor living space and panoramic views. They're ideal for seamless indoor-outdoor flow and for homes with picturesque surroundings.
Rooftop deck
Rooftop decks are built on top of structures, offering unique elevated outdoor spaces. They're ideal for urban homes with limited ground-level options or for maximizing views in any setting.
Garden deck
Garden decks integrate with landscaping, offering a harmonious blend of hardscape and nature. They're ideal for plant enthusiasts or for creating a lush, green outdoor retreat.
Multilevel deck
Multilevel decks feature two or more tiers, offering distinct spaces for various activities. They're ideal for sloped yards or for creating separate areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining.
Covered deck ideas
Covered decks extend your outdoor living season and protect you from the elements, making them a valuable addition to any home. Some popular covered deck ideas include:
Pergolas cost $10 to $65 per square foot installed and offer partial shade and a stylish architectural element.
Retractable awnings cost $200 to $6,000 to install. These flexible covers allow you to enjoy both sun and shade as desired and can be easily retracted during severe weather.
To enhance your outdoor space with a stunning pergola, be sure to explore our Pergola Ideas guide. It’s packed with inspiration and tips to help you choose the perfect design that complements your home and lifestyle.
Pool deck ideas
Pool decks are a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living space. With the right design, you can create a stylish and functional area that's perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the water. Consider elements like attractive materials, comfortable seating, and strategic lighting to transform your pool surroundings.
Once you've chosen your deck design, don't forget about the finishing touches. For ideas on how to complete your deck with the perfect railing, check out our Deck Railing Ideas guide.
Wooden deck ideas
If you're drawn to the timeless appeal of natural wood, you're in luck. There's a great selection of wooden deck materials out there. From budget-friendly options to high-end exotic woods, you'll find something that fits both your style and budget.
Pressure-treated pine
An affordable and widely available option that is resistant to insects and decay, pressure-treated decking costs $25 to $50 per square foot installed. It's a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners, but it may require more frequent maintenance than other wood types.
Cedar
Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture and insects, offering beautiful grain and an unmistakable scent. With an installed price of $30 to $47 per square foot, cedar is known for its stability and tends to resist warping and twisting better than some other woods.
Redwood
Known for its high durability and resistance to warping, redwood provides a rich color and natural beauty at $28 to $54 per square foot installed. It's also naturally resistant to insects and decay, making it a low-maintenance option among wood decks.
Mahogany
Mahogany offers a rich color and fine grain while being naturally resistant to decay, with an installed cost of $30 to $57 per square foot. Mahogany is prized for its luxurious appearance and tends to darken beautifully over time, developing a deep, rich patina.
Ipe (Brazilian walnut)
Ipe decking costs $50 to $70 per square foot installed. An extremely dense and durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot and insects, Ipe is so dense it can last 50 to 75 years with proper care, making it a long-term investment.
Composite deck Ideas
Composite decks are ideal for homeowners who want to spend more time enjoying their deck than maintaining it. The low-maintenance, long-lasting composite materials resist fading, staining, and mold. Composite decks cost $40 to $80 per square foot on average to install, but most consider it a worthwhile investment for the long-term benefits.
Recycled composite decking
For recycled composite decking, Trex leads the way in eco-friendly decking solutions. Trex decking costs between $45 to $70 per square foot installed. It's made from 95% recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and recycled plastic film, making it an environmentally conscious choice that resists fading, staining, and scratching.
Wood-plastic composite decking
Wood-plastic composite (WPC) decking blends wood fibers and plastic to create a product that looks like traditional wood but is more durable. TimberTech is a top brand in this space, offering long-lasting, low-maintenance decking that many homeowners love. TimberTech decking costs between $40 and $70 per square foot installed and features industry-leading warranties, making it a reliable choice for outdoor spaces.
Premium PVC decking
AZEK takes the lead in PVC decking technology. AZEK decking costs $60 to $80 per square foot installed for this top-tier product. Made of premium PVC, it boasts superior durability and excellent resistance to fading and staining. AZEK also offers a 50-year fade and stain warranty, ensuring decades of worry-free outdoor living.
Other deck material ideas
If you're looking beyond traditional wood and composite decking, you'll be pleased to discover a world of innovative materials that can transform your outdoor space. Whether you're aiming for a modern look, prioritizing eco-friendliness, or seeking something truly distinctive, there's likely a material that fits your vision perfectly.
Bamboo decking
Bamboo decking is an eco-friendly alternative that offers both sustainability and durability. With prices around $27 to $52 per square foot, bamboo is an affordable choice for environmentally conscious homeowners looking for a high-performance material that combines natural beauty with strength.
Vinyl decking
For a deck that won't have you spending your weekends on maintenance, vinyl decking is another great option. Cost-wise, vinyl decking runs between $30 to $60 per square foot installed. It's popular with homeowners who want durable, weather-resistant decking that offers an upscale look in a variety of colors and designs.
Aluminum decking
Aluminum decking is a modern solution that is lightweight and exceptionally durable. It's an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance deck option. However, at $100 to $125 per square foot installed, it will definitely stretch the budget.
Getting estimates from deck builders
Now that you're brimming with inspiration for your dream deck, it's time to bring your vision to life. Keep in mind these suggestions when seeking estimates from deck builders or deck remodelers:
Get at least 3 quotes for comparison.
Ask for references and examples of past work.
Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured.
Discuss timeline and potential challenges up front.
Clarify material choices and their impact on cost.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.