50 Deck Design Ideas + Inspiration

You may think of your deck as just an innocuous wooden platform jutting out to your backyard, but with a little planning and a good design, that space can become a fabulous al fresco family room, area for entertaining or a place to kick off your shoes and just chill.

Consider some ideas for a deck that expresses your style outdoors and how you can make the most of your surroundings — whether that includes a spectacular view or lush trees and greenery — to create your just-right outdoor retreat.

This deck — designed to create a carefree and comfortable vibe — is the perfect entertaining space with ample room for guests to relax.

See the deck ideas on the following slides.

Building a wall on one side of this outdoor dining area gives the deck the feeling of a finished room complete with goose neck lamps that complement the red dining chairs. The opposite side of the deck includes a row of planters to create a subtle wall of plants dividing the space from the rest of the yard.

This cabana with a slat wall for privacy makes a perfectly functional and relaxing outdoor retreat.

This small deck with a modern Americana theme adds to the home's entertaining space. The curtains can be pulled for privacy from neighboring homes or left open to enjoy outdoor views.