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 to be honest 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 like shade, seating, and privacy.
If your deck gets a lot of sun, consider adding a pergola or leaving space for an umbrella.
Think through furniture placement early so you can size your deck to fit everything comfortably or opt for built-in seating and storage.
And if your yard feels exposed to your neighbors, privacy panels can be a great addition.
You could also add…
- Cooking or grill area
- Multiple levels to create zones and extend the size
- Strategic stair placement to your yard
- Landscaping to incorporate the deck into the rest of the yard
My 31-page Deck Design Guide dives deeper into layout planning, form vs. function, optimal placement for stairs, sight-lines and deck orientation, and landscaping ideas to go around your deck. Check it out here.
Design Rule 2: Choose a style.
There are some parts of a deck’s design that really impact the overall style and look. You want to be sure you’re choosing elements that all pull in the same stylistic direction. 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. A modern style railing might have horizontal metal cables, black aluminum, or glass panels, whereas a more traditional style would use white painted wood or vertical slats.
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! Natural wood feels warm and organic, while composite decking gives a clean look and is more maintenance.
As for material and stain colors, lighter tones look airy and bright, medium colors can be a great neutral option, and darker stains feel bold and dramatic.
A word of caution: Always bring home samples before committing! What looks great online might not look the same in person.
We ran into this issue multiple times, and I’m so glad we ordered samples before just trusting the images we saw online.
When you’ve nailed the main materials, you can customize your style with thoughtful details:
- Board pattern: Horizontal for clean lines, diagonal or chevron for movement.
- Shape: Square decks look modern and simple; curved edges feel softer and more organic.
- Built-ins: Benches, planters, or pergolas add personality and purpose.
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.
This Deck Design Guide includes lots of visual style examples, plus more info on deck materials, colors, board pattern options, fascia trim, deck skirting, and built-in’s that can elevate your deck and make it highly custom.
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.
Design Rule 3: Add finishing touches.
Once you have your layout and style determined, think about what other ways you can make your deck look unique, finished, and styled.
Lighting, decor, and furniture are the like the cherry on top of your whole deck design. Lights like string lights, solar path lights, or built-in stair lights add warmth (and safety too). Layer in textures and color through your furniture and decor, like…
- Outdoor rug
- Throw pillows
- Lanterns
- Pillows
- Candles
- Poufs
- Coffee table
- Sofa or chairs
- Planters
- Fire table
If your space allows, create multiple zones for cooking, lounging, and hanging out. These finishing touches make a huge impact on how welcoming your deck feels during the day and at night.
Grab the Deck Design Guide for links to these mood boards, plus more ideas on lighting plans, my favorite go-to shop for outdoor living, and other finishing touches for your deck.
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.
Not every deck has to follow the same formula. Rules are meant to guide, not box you in. If breaking a rule gives your space more personality, go for it!
What matters most is designing a deck that feels like you and fits your lifestyle for years to come.
Read to start building your dream deck? Grab my Deck Design Guide now and start planning!
It’s a 31-page, in-depth design guide with…
- My personal recommendations for decks
- Detailed descriptions of deck styles and how to implement them (Modern, Traditional, etc.)
- In-depth explanations on options for railings, fascia, deck skirting, deck colors, materials, and more
- Photos & examples of various deck designs
- Diagrams for deck patterns
- Checklists to start your project
- Access to my secret Pinterest boards for inspiration
- Mood boards with lighting, decor, and furniture ideas (with links!)
- NEW: a printable Deck Planning Design Worksheet!
The Ultimate Guide To Deck Design
A practical, deep-dive guide to help you create a deck that elevates your home and the life you live in it. Key design rules to follow, inspiration, and tips to help plan your project from start to finish.
Whether you’re DIY’ing from scratch or working with a contractor, this guide gives you the framework, rules, and confidence to design a deck that’s beautiful and functional.
What’s Inside:
- 4 Key Deck Design Rules — Learn how to plan your layout, choose your style, and add finishing touches that make your deck feel complete. Plus, what rules to break and why.
- Design Element Explainers & Examples — Practical prompts for every design choice: shade, seating, privacy, railings, fascia, deck patterns, deck materials, lighting, decor, and more.
- Deck Planning Worksheet — A printable worksheet to help you sketch, plan, and finalize your design before building begins.
- Tried-and-True DIY Tips — Real insights from two personal deck builds, plus lessons learned so you can avoid common mistakes.
- Encouragement & Inspiration — Images, Pinterest boards, and links to inspire your design.
If you are…
- Feeling overwhelmed by all the deck design decisions ahead of you (layout, stairs, railing, materials, lighting) and don’t know where to start…
- Nervous about making a costly mistake and want to make sure your design is solid before you start demo…
- Spending hours scrolling Pinterest but still can’t quite picture how to pull all your ideas together for your specific space…
This guide solves those problems for you!
How This Guide Helps You:
- Never miss an important design detail. You’ll think through every layer of your deck’s design before you even start building.
- Design with confidence. Make smart decisions with clear steps and a visual framework for your deck.
- Save time, money, and headaches. Prevent costly mistakes and know exactly where to start.
- Turn your ideas into action. By the end, you’ll have a complete, ready-to-build deck plan in hand.
- Feel proud every time you step outside. Design a deck that looks intentional, fits with the style of your home, and elevates your home and your life in it.
This guide is one, organized place to nail down your deck design decisions and keep track of all the details.
Your deck should add value to your home. Not just financially, but by creating a space you and your family will use every day and love for years to come.
If you are…
- A homeowner planning your first deck build
- DIYer looking for design guidance before starting
- Replacing or upgrading an existing deck
- Deciding between DIY’ing it or hiring help
This Guide and Deck Planning Worksheet was made for you, from one DIY homeowner to another. From my own personal experience building a deck and DIY’ing our home, you can trust that I get what it takes to take a project like this from start to finish.
What You’ll Receive:
- 31-page digital e-book (PDF format)
- Printable Deck Planning Worksheet
- Instant download so you can start designing right away
Put pen to paper and bring all your design decisions together with the printable Deck Planning Worksheet. This includes…
- Checklists
- Style guides
- Space to sketch
And thoughtful prompts to help you finalize your deck design, all in one, organized place.
Your future backyard is waiting. Start designing your dream deck TODAY!
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3 Responses
This was very informative! My dream would be to have a bigggg deck with a pool deck off of it! Maybe someday!
Great post and lots of information to consider. We’re planning on doing something in our back garden, so this was good timing to read.
This was such a helpful breakdown! I love how you explained not just the “rules,” but also when and why it makes sense to bend them. It really takes the pressure off of trying to make everything “perfect.” The reminder to plan furniture and function before finalizing the layout is such a game-changer too. I’m feeling so much more inspired (and less overwhelmed) about tackling my own backyard project after reading this!