If you haven’t seen on my Instagram yet, we’re deep into our DIY deck build project! I’m learning that building a deck from scratch is REALLY hard. So many little decisions to make, and tbh this is all new to me. But after doing tons of research and now diving into our own deck project, today I’m sharing three big design rules you should consider to help narrow down your backyard deck ideas.
Design Rule 1: Create a functional layout.
First and foremost, your deck should be functional. So before finalizing any of your backyard deck ideas, decide the purpose of your deck.
Is it just a landing to get to your backyard? Is it a place to hang out? In a dream scenario, how do you hope to use your deck?
Your answers here should guide you to determine the size and layout that will work best.
To host dinners on your deck, make sure it’s big enough for a large table and chairs. If it’s just a landing spot to get to your backyard, leave enough room to put a few plant pots and a doormat. For room to lounge, leave room for an outdoor couch and/or patio chairs.
Next, think about some practical additions to your deck design.
Shade
If shade is limited, consider adding a pergola or a wall panel to help block the sun at certain times of the day.
You might also try adjusting the position, height, or direction of your deck to provide some shade (if possible). Or be sure to leave enough room for a shade umbrella or retractable awning.
Seating
Add built-in bench seating or plan enough room for furniture. Think through if you want an outdoor couch, loungers, a set of chairs, a table, etc.
I’d recommend looking at options for outdoor furniture BEFORE you finalize your deck dimensions/layout. That way you can look at real measurements and adjust your deck size/shape as needed.
Privacy
If your deck feels exposed to your neighbors, you could add a privacy panel, railing, or fence.
You could also add outdoor curtains to a pergola or porch. Pinterest has tons of cool ideas for how to do this!
Cooking
Think through a good spot for a grill in your backyard, if you have one.
If it makes the most sense to set a grill on your deck, make room for it! Preferably set away from the house for fire prevention.
Adding Multiple Levels
Choose and design these wisely! Why add multiple sections/levels to your deck? What can you fit onto each section? What purpose will they serve?
Having multiple levels on a deck, even divided by a step or two, can look nice. But they can also disrupt your layout and flow and make the space awkward and sometimes unusable.
Make sure, if you use multiple levels, that they serve a purpose beyond just looking nice.
Stairs Placement
Where you place your stairs will impact the traffic flow to your backyard. Observe your backyard and where you want people to exit into it. You can add multiple sets of stairs around your deck if it’s lower to the ground, or have one main set of stairs to use for taller decks.
I’d recommend placing your stairs so they exit into the main part of your yard. This will create an inviting feel and will be easier to use.
Landscaping & Pathways
As you browse through backyard deck ideas, you may notice the landscaping *around* a deck plays a big part in the overall look of the deck.
Think about walkways, flower beds, and the transition from your deck to the backyard.
You might add a section of rock or mulch for a flower bed around your deck, create a paver walkway, or let it bump right up to the grass.
There are lots of options here! I recommend getting inspired by Pinterest and make note of what you like best.
Deck Placement & Orientation
You may not have much wiggle room to change the location and orientation of your deck. But if you do, here are a few important considerations.
Where does the sun set and rise?
Would you rather have a morning coffee or an evening hang? Having the sun shine directly on your face when you’re trying to spend time on your deck is unpleasant. Consider when you’d enjoy being on your deck the most, and adjust the position or orientation of your deck if you can to accommodate that. (Or use privacy panels, sun shades, or pergolas instead!
Where do you want to access your deck?
A few common entry points are from the living room, dining room, kitchen, or a primary bedroom. Take it to the next level with multiple entry points, if you’d like.
If you’re adding a brand new deck to your home, this is an important design consideration! It will change the flow of not only your interior but also your deck itself.
Wherever you place your door, know that you’ll be creating a walkway. Be sure to leave enough room in your interior for people to enter and exit easily, without it feeling cluttered or clogging up traffic flow.
If you’re replacing a deck and already have an exterior door in place, now is a good time to reconsider where your door is placed. If it’s been causing issues, where could you put the door instead?
Where are the best views?
Frame your deck intentionally to give yourself the best views possible.
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Design Rule 2: Choose a style.
Deck style is allusive, even to me. But I’m learning that there are some parts of a deck’s design that really impact the overall style and look. Here are a few important backyard deck ideas to think through:
Railing Design
Railings are one of the most visible architectural features of a deck. They literally frame the space and set the tone.
- Modern look: horizontal metal cables, black aluminum, or glass panels feel sleek and minimalist
- Traditional look: white painted wood or colonial spindles give a classic feel
- Rustic or coastal look: rope rails, chunky wood posts, or driftwood inspired textures create a relaxed vibe.
- No railing at all (if allowed according to local code): creates an open, seamless transition to your backyard. Works best with ground-level decks.
Deck Materials & Color
There are so many options today for materials and color. What you choose will definitely impact the overall look and style, so choose carefully!
Materials:
- Natural wood (Cedar, redwood, Ipe, Pressure-treated): Like cedar, redwood, Ipe, etc. These instantly feel warm, organic, and classic. They can look rustic, cottage-like, Scandanavian, modern, or industrial depending on the stain color you choose.
- Composite decking (TimberTech, Fiberon, Deckorators, Trex, etc.): This has come a long way in recent years. Composite decking requires way less maintenance than real wood and can look really nice depending on the brand and color-way you choose. We’ve used composite decking for two decks now, and my only complaint is that it can get pretty hot in the direct sun. Composite decking definitely leans more modern or contemporary, but depending on the color and pattern you choose, it could fit into almost any style.
Colors:
- Dark colors (espresso, dark gray, black): can look classic or modern and can make greenery pop
- Light colors (beige, driftwood, pale gray, white): can look airy, coastal, and don’t get as hot in the sun
- Medium colors (warm woods): can create great contrast with neutral color homes and fit into lots of design styles
Make sure to get samples of any decking material or stains you’re considering. Hold it up to your house and make sure it looks good with your siding color!
We ordered small samples from Trex and were surprised to find we hated all of them in person.
Look for a local lumbar store or deck store with bigger samples to compare, touch, and see them in person. They can point you in the right direction for quality materials and give you cost estimates for all your backyard deck ideas. It was really helpful for us with our current deck project!
Keep in mind, while deck material and color definitely plays a part in the overall style of your deck, you can sway it with your decor and furniture choices too.
My recommendation is to pick neutral options that give you long-term opportunities to change your mind on furniture, decor, and the overall look of your backyard.
Don’t go too deep into what’s trendy now. Go with the options you like best and think you’ll enjoy for a long time to come.
Deck Board Direction & Pattern
This impacts the visual movement and flow of your outdoor space.
- Horizontal (parallel to the house): looks very clean line, elongates the space visually side-to-side
- Vertical (perpendicular to the house): draws the eye outwards toward the yard
- Diagonal or chevron: adds more movement and interest
- Picture frame or transition borders: creates really intentional edges that look more high-end and well-crafted
Deck Shape
- Rectangular or square: if you want clean line/modern, go for a simple shape like this
- Rounded or curved: can feel more organic, custom, or high-end
- Multi-Level or tiered: a bit more traditional, adds some architectural interest and defines zones on large-scale decks
- Angled corners or cutouts: for smaller yards, this can make your deck look dynamic and intentional
Built-In’s & Customizations
These details can take your deck to the next level. They can feel personal, intentional, and very high-end.
- Built-in benches or planters: saves space and creates zones
- Outdoor kitchen or grill station: creates an entertaining-focused deck and is very luxury
- Storage solutions (hidden benches, cabinets, or under the deck): frees up space and keeps the clutter away
- Fire pit area or hot tub nook: create a retreat in your backyard with a customized deck design around these cozy, relaxing features.
- Pergola, privacy screens, or awnings: add shade, height, and layers to your deck design with these.
When all of these backyard deck ideas are cohesively chosen, they tell a design story. For example:
- A deck with black metal railings, straight line decking, square shaped, and natural-wood looking material can feel modern, Scandinavian, or architectural.
- A deck with light cedar wood, curved edges, and built-in planters can feel organic, relaxed, and nature-blending.
- A two-tiered deck with horizontal wood railings, chevron board layout, and an integrated bench/firepit area feels custom, cozy, and perfect for entertaining.
As you look around for backyard deck ideas, take notes of what you like and don’t like.
Then try to implement those details in your own deck design.
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Design Rule 3: Add details.
Once you have your layout and style determined, think about what other ways you can make your deck look unique, finished, and styled.
Here are some backyard deck ideas for decor and styling:
Deck Decor Ideas
- Table Decor
- Accent pillows
- Outdoor rugs
- Outdoor wall decor
- Plant pots
- Poufs
- Decorative lanterns
- Candles
- Door mats
- Outdoor curtains (for a pergola)
Deck Furniture Ideas
- Drink cooler cart,
- outdoor kitchen cabinets,
- Egg Chair
- grill set up,
- shade umbrellas/canopies/pergola
- deck chairs
- outdoor dining table
- outdoor couch
When To Break The Rules For Deck Design
Of course, these rules are NOT hard and fast. Every home and backyard is unique, so what works for one space may not work for another.
To express your personal style.
Sometimes following all the rules makes a deck look generic. Breaking a few rules lets you infuse your personality whether it’s playful, dramatic, or modern. In a subdivision where homes tend to look similar, breaking the “norm” can create a one-of-a-kind backyard that pulls away from builder-basic.
Rules change over time.
Trends change. What’s in will ebb and flow when it comes to home and landscape design. So I always encourage people to just pick what they like and will enjoy for years to come.
Backyard Deck Ideas: Design Rules You Should Know
I hope these backyard deck ideas gave you some inspiration for your deck project. Hopefully they guide you in the right direction as you create your best deck design for you, your family, and your home.
- Design Rule 1: Create a functional layout.
- Shade
- Seating
- Privacy
- Cooking
- Levels
- Stairs Placement
- Landscaping & Pathways
- Deck Placement & Orientation
- Design Rule 2: Choose a style.
- Railing Design
- Deck Materials & Color
- Deck Board Direction & Pattern
- Deck Shape
- Built In’s & Customizations
- Design Rule 3: Add little details.
- Lighting
- Decor
- Plants
- Fire Table
- Furniture
- Storage
- Other Accessories
In all honesty, the reason I share posts like this is not to give you a list of rules to follow and stress you out. It’s to guide you in the right direction.
From someone who does DIY’s and has an eye for design, consider me your friend just giving a little advice.
By the way, I shared all our personal backyard deck ideas for our DIY modern deck project on this post here. Details like what railing we chose, board directions, decking material, and how we’re making it look modern.
Questions or ideas? Leave a comment below!
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