Top 60 Best Backyard Deck Ideas – Wood And Composite Decking Designs

If the backyard sets the stage for your home’s potential, the deck is undoubtedly the stage itself.

Whether you are entertaining guests or taking a quiet moment’s repose, the deck is where luxury and leisure meet, and your deck’s design speaks volumes of your approach to both.

No matter the size or scope of your house, there is a perfect backyard deck to suit your needs. From simple brick and cement verandas to palatial Pacific-inspired lanais, there is a wealth of backyard deck ideas to choose from. Summer nights and early spring mornings are just around the corner, making this the perfect time to transform your house’s exterior into a celebrated domestic paradise. From stained wood to polished stone, the backyard deck was made to match your material of choice.

A backyard deck can evoke the splendor of a retreat in the Hamptons or simplicity of the finest suburban stronghold, and your moment of reprieve can award a lifetime of enjoyment. The outside world may provide little time or space for those timeless moments worth savoring–a cold beer with your closest friends or starry night curled up with your partner–but these backyard deck ideas are your chance to take that moment back and what’s more, make it last.

Backyard Deck Ideas

Covered decks can be the ideal place to take in the scenery. Not only does this mountain house have big, beautiful front windows, it also has an awesome outdoor space to hang out on. The wood decking material is a great choice as it matches the rustic design seamlessly while also providing a natural feel.

If your backyard has a view like this, it only makes sense to create as much entertaining space as possible. This series of tiered wood decks is the perfect way to make usable space out of sloping grades. We especially like the way the decking changes directions in certain areas. Use this technique to designate areas of a large deck for different uses.

Wooden decks can be perfect for small spaces. This small covered deck is a great space for grilling, eating, and enjoying a glass of wine. Situated perfectly off of the main living area, this deck also provides a great way to add some entertaining space during a large party. With the french doors open, guests can flow in and out at their leisure.

If you’re looking for a way to bring some color and life into your deck design, this idea may be perfect for you. A multi-colored deck like the one pictured here is a fun way to bring some interest underfoot. There are several ways to achieve this look, but the easiest way is to stain batches of decking in three or four different colors. Simply mix and match the colors as you install the deck boards for an interesting, random look.

Ground-level decks are perfect for improving the aesthetics of small backyard spaces. This deck is built around several trees in order to provide room for them to grow. When building a ground-level deck, consider adding height with built-in features like planters or seating areas. If there is a slight slope to the yard, building two tiers is a great way to add some interest and function.

Built-in pergolas are awesome for small decks in desperate need of shaded seating. These shade-suppliers should be accounted for during the design process. Since they can be quite heavy, it’s important to know where the posts will be located so you can dig proper footings to carry the weight. It’ll be heavy enough with all your guests after you finish this great backyard deck idea.

If you’ve got a few different functions in mind for your backyard deck project, take a design cue from this setup. The upper deck has a privacy-style railing around a hot tub for lounging in luxury, while the bottom tier is the ideal place for grilling and entertaining. The stairs then lead down to the yard, where another patio can be used for a table and chairs to kick back and relax around.

If your deck runs alongside a kitchen window, a design like this could maximize your entertaining potential. The window shelf is in the perfect place to serve as both a buffet and a food prep area. Food can be passed through the window to and from the grill, making short work of cooking for big parties.

Built-in planters are an excellent way to break up decking tiers while also creating a space for gardening. This backyard deck idea is a great way of using the planter to incorporate stairs. If basic deck stairs aren’t your thing, use this design anywhere you need to get from one level to another with style. A pair of planters framing a set of stairs can be an attractive focal point that adds flow to a multi-level deck area.

For too long, in-ground pool patio areas have been reserved for concrete and stone. This beautiful backyard deck idea provides a warm, inviting, and unique option for lounging around the pool. We especially like the modern take on this backyard space. Look for outdoor furniture with sharp angles and shapes to give your backyard space a contemporary feel.

If you’re looking to give everyone a reason to gather around, a deck-top fire pit might be the perfect addition to your deck seating area. There are many designs and options, so finding something to fit your aesthetic shouldn’t be a challenge. The circular seating area makes sure everyone feels involved in the conversation. While this design might require a bit of space on your deck, we’re sure no one will mind giving up square footage for great memories.

Long wrap-around decks may be a lot of work, but for the impact they make on a backyard space, the time spent is well worth it. This long deck runs along the side of the house, transitioning between seating areas and walkways. The blue-gray color complements the dark-siding perfectly. Use a design like this in a narrow back or side yard to create functional seating while still leaving room for a grassy play area for children or pets.

Great outdoor lighting can do so much for a deck’s space. These lighting fixtures are recessed into the deck surface, shining up at the modern cable railing. They do an excellent job of framing the deck space while providing some late-night ambiance. There are other lighting options if recessed fixtures aren’t your thing. For example, post-top solar lights can add a similar flair without the extra work.

This deck-lighting idea looks incredible at night. The under-mount lights are built into the underside of the railing so they’re not noticeable during the day. Come nightfall, a flick of the switch sends light from under the top-rail to the deck surface, illuminating the cable railings along the way. If you’re looking to add lighting to your deck project, this design will be the envy of all your friends.

Backyard Deck FAQs

How much does it cost to build a 20×20 deck?

There are too many factors to that question to give a definitive answer. You have to consider the height of the deck, decking material, stairs, and the cost of labor if you aren’t building the deck yourself. A 20×20 deck could have a cost range between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on all these factors. 

How do you build an inexpensive deck?

Ground-level decks are the most inexpensive to build. They rarely require footings or permits so there’s a large savings in the planning alone. Also, you’ll save money since there are no posts, ledger boards, beams, or stairs to purchase. 

What are the different types of decks?

As far as materials go, you can build your deck from pressure-treated pine, redwood, cedar, ipe, composite, and vinyl decking boards. As far as grades, there are ground-level, second-story, cantilevered, and multi-tier decks. When it comes to designs and features, the options are limitless.