If you’re ready to turn your deck into the perfect gathering place for your family, creating a design that fits your lifestyle and budget is important.

If you need help figuring out where to start, check out online deck image galleries or a few well-designed decks to get ideas for your design.

Style

The style of your decking design can make a big difference to how it looks and feels. From traditional shapes to more distinctive structures, a wide variety of styles can suit any home and personal tastes.

For example, you can choose square or rectangular decking that mirrors your home’s right-angled architectural elements. This gives the space a cohesive look and feels that’s easy to replicate with other features, like landscaping or stone.

You can also use raised flower beds to create a visually zoned deck area without sacrificing the open-air feel of your decking. This idea avoids needing a large, flat decking area and is easier to clean.

Materials

When designing your home deck, it’s important to consider the materials used. From wood to plastic and composite, there are several options available.

The most common decking material is natural wood. This is the cheapest way to build a deck and lasts longer than other materials.

Choose reclaimed wood or ipe wood if you want a more eco-friendly option. These materials are durable, naturally water-resistant, and look great.

Another popular option is composite decking, which combines plastic with wood fibers. It comes in many colors and is resistant to rot and insects. It is also low maintenance.

Lighting

You can add plenty of lighting effects to your custom decks, from recessed lights that illuminate pathways and steps to uplighters that focus on planting areas.

Recessed deck lighting is one of the most popular options because it mounts flush with the surface it’s installed on. It’s also relatively low-maintenance and easy to clean – perfect for a deck where you spend much time outside.

If you’re looking for something more subtle, look for flexible strips with tiny LED lights embedded in them that tuck discreetly beneath your deck railings or stairs. They’re ideal for illuminating walkways and steps but also add a nice ambient touch that can be especially helpful in the evening.

Privacy

Privacy is an important aspect of a decking design. It offers a more secluded area to relax and entertain.

Whether you want to block out unwanted views or reduce exterior noise, many options are available for creating the privacy features you need on your decking design.

Plants: Tall trees and shrubs are first-rate choices for blocking views and providing sound buffering. They also provide a lush green backdrop to the outdoor space.

Fixed lattice panels – especially those with removable screens – are another option for creating privacy on a deck.

You can add a garden on one side of the screen to soften it. Use drought-tolerant olive trees, lavender, or ornamental grasses, as well as colorful annuals and bushes that bloom in the fall, to keep your screen looking fresh all year round.

Maintenance

A deck is an outdoor living space that is a functional part of your home and a place to entertain guests. But, just like any other outdoor area, it requires maintenance to look its best.

Wood is not a low-maintenance material, so it needs regular cleaning to look good. It must also be inspected for signs of damage, such as insect infestation, rot, and decay.

You can clean your deck using warm water and mild soap or white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural product that will remove stains and dirt without damaging the wood. It can also be used to kill moss, mold, and mildew.