9 Inspiring Deck Ideas and Designs

Whether wood or composite, decks offer a place to relax, soak up the sun and entertain while also adding value to your home. If you're thinking of adding a deck or updating an existing structure, here are 10 deck designs to inspire you.

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Deck with Modern Railing

You can give an old deck a new look by adding modern railings. This deck design from Supreme Deck Builders features black balusters that give the deck a modern look when combined with wood railings. The railing elevates what would otherwise be in line with traditional wood deck designs.

Photo: Courtesy of Supreme Deck Builders Inc.

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Deck with a Fire Table

Add some coziness and comfort to your deck by building a fire table. Large deck designs like this one from Affordable Views by RJB Construction offers a space to relax and warm up thanks to built-in benches next to the fire table.

Photo: Courtesy of Affordable Views by RJB Construction Inc.

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Deck with Privacy Fence

One of our favorite deck design ideas, this partially covered deck from Deome Builders has an area with a built-in hot tub and a privacy fence. Converting a deck railing into a privacy screen blocks views and drowns out noise and wind.

Photo: Courtesy of Deome Builders Inc.

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Deck with Pergola

If you need a little relief from the sun on your deck, build a pergola. Outback Builders designed this deck which offers a shaded area thanks to a pergola, along with a sunny, open area.

Photo: Courtesy of Outback Builders

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Composite Deck

Composite decking materials, such as those used in this wrap-around deck from Eckhoff Construction, are low-maintenance when compared to wood. And it will likely last much longer than traditional wood deck designs. Composite is also a great choice for small deck designs that don’t require a lot of material.

Photo: Courtesy of Eckhoff Construction

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Deck with Built-in Bar and Benches

Deck designs like this one from Carlson Projects has a built-in outdoor bar and benches that create a space for entertaining or extra seating. The stand-up paddle board storage area is both convenient and a conversation piece. Get inspired by these multi level decks with sweeping views and multiple seating areas.

Photo: Courtesy of Carlson Projects Inc.

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Small Deck with Patio
http://hobsonlandscapes.com/carpentry/small-yard-deck-patio/

Small Deck with Patio

Small space? No problem! This design from Hobson Landscapes offers a small deck combined with a patio to make use of the mini backyard. It’s the perfect place for family and friends to gather.

Photo: Courtesy of Hobson Landscapes

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Large, Open Deck

This large, open deck design has plenty of space for relaxing and dining. Since it is low to the ground, they didn’t include a railing around the entire deck. Always check local building codes.

Photo: Courtesy of Decks Unlimited

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Deck with Spiral Staircase

Another one of our favorite deck design ideas, a spiral staircase gives this deck an updated look. The tight pattern takes up less space then stairs coming off the deck perpendicularly.

Photo: Courtesy of Screwheads Decking and Supply

Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham spent years working in newsrooms, for television and newspapers, and has won several awards for her writing. In 2015, she left her full-time job as a newspaper editor to focus on freelance writing and editing. She has been a Family Handyman contributor since 2017.
In 2019, Rachel lived through a major remodeling project on her home, and she uses that experience to inform her Family Handyman content. She's also an avid gardener (both native plants and vegetables), enjoys keeping up with decor trends and spends a lot of time traveling, cooking and hanging out with her family and their giant dog.