Creative deck ideas can transform your outdoor living space into a welcoming retreat. Contemporary, creative changes range from small aesthetic upgrades to larger structural additions. Whether you plan to build a brand-new deck or make updates to your current deck, we’ve got creative deck ideas for you.
INTERESTED IN CREATIVE DECK PATTERNS?
Deck patterns will require you to start with a brand-new deck due to the unique substructure needs of each pattern.
Some creative deck patterns include:
- Deck patterns with borders.
- Herringbone pattern.
- Diagonal decking patterns.
- And more.
INTERESTED IN OVERALL DECK DESIGN IDEAS?
Jump into our inspiring Deck Ideas Series to explore by backyard size, preferred style, and more. EXPLORE THE SERIES
The following five creative deck ideas can be added to your existing deck or you can use these ideas to get creative with your new deck’s design.
1. Landscape Ideas for Around Your Deck
Transform your backyard from a grassland into an inviting oasis with landscaping. The landscaping ideas you can bring to life around your deck depend heavily on the space you have available.
Here are some creative deck ideas involving landscaping based on your backyard’s size:
Small Space: Built-In Planters
Incorporate greenery into your deck’s design with built-in planter boxes. Built-in planter boxes allow you to add in flowers and greenery without taking up valuable space on your deck with pots.
For a fuller, lusher look, choose spiller plants that cascade over the edges of the planter box, such as sweet potato vine, English ivy, or petunias.
Medium Space: Blended-In Landscaping
Blend your landscaping in with your deck’s shape to create a seamless transition from deck to yard.
Add plants along your deck’s perimeter, create texture with mulch, or incorporate some hardscaping for a different dimension.
Large Space: Garden Path Deck
Encourage exploration of your backyard with interconnected pathway decks and platforms. Connect your large backyard space with pathways that wind through your yard and garden.
Place seating, either built-in or temporary, along the path where you can sit and soak up different views.
2. Deck Skirting Ideas
Deck skirting is one of many creative deck ideas that might go overlooked, but it actually has a big impact on your deck’s finished aesthetic.
What Is Deck Skirting?
Deck Skirting & Fascia Definitions
Deck skirting refers to the boards that run perpendicular between the ground and the deck surface.
Fascia boards cover the wooden frame of the deck and are sometimes called “rim joist covers.”
Deck skirting has several benefits for your deck design, including:
- Gives your deck a clean, polished look by covering the area below your deck.
- Prevents debris, grass, and animals from getting under your deck.
- Minimizes mold and mildew growth by keeping water from gathering below your deck.
Deck Skirting Design Ideas
Some deck skirting design ideas include:
Create Contrast With Fascia
Create a polished, sleek deck perimeter by using different colored boards for your deck’s fascia.
Depending on your deck’s surface color, choose either lighter or darker boards for the fascia to make the perimeter pop.
Polish Your Look With PVC Trim
Want a look that matches your home’s crisp white trim?
Choose AZEK® PVC trim for your deck’s skirting for a clean finish that’s highly resistant to staining, mold, and mildew.
3. Built-In Seating
Create a stylish, functional, and inviting space with built-in benches. Built-in seating can be added to your deck’s perimeter and along changes in elevation, making it a space-saving way to incorporate gathering places on your deck. Plus, with built-in benches made from the same durable TimberTech deck boards you find under feet, you get gorgeous seating that will last a lifetime.
4. Aesthetics-Enhancing Railing
Railing isn’t just a safety requirement for taller decks — it can be a statement-making design element. Choose from metal and composite railing options, or let your creative deck ideas run wild by mixing and matching railing materials to get just the look you want.
Composite Railing
Composite railing options from TimberTech give you the classic look of traditional millwork with minimal maintenance needs.
Aluminum Railing
Aluminum railing is perfect for a more minimalist or contemporary look with sleek handrails and thin balusters.
Mixed-Materials Railing
Like elements of both aluminum and composite railing? Some options allow you to mix elements of both for a dynamic look.
LOOKING FOR MORE RAILING OPTIONS?
Choose from different infills, handrail designs, post caps, & more to make your railing all your own. EXPLORE RAILING
5. Layered Deck Design
Create different layers or sections in your deck, where each area can serve its own function. Cozy up in a reading nook on one level and have an outdoor dinner party on another.
Add an Under Deck Living Space
Have a second-story deck with room underneath? Extend your outdoor living space with a patio built with TimberTech® Pavers. Pavers can add texture and dimension to your space.
Keep the rain from ruining the fun with a water deck management system like DrySpace™* to keep your under-deck area dry.
*AZEK’s use of the mark DRYSPACE is with the consent of DrySpace, Inc., in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (www.dryspace.com). AZEK and DrySpace, Inc. are not affiliated in any way. Neither company warrants the goods or services of the other.
Now that you have creative deck ideas for your space, it’s time to start planning your deck updates or brand-new build. For more complex design elements, partner with a TimberTech-registered contractor who can lend you their expertise and help you bring your vision to life.
Bring the Beauty of TimberTech to Your Backyard
Work with a TimberTech pro for a build that transforms your outdoor living space.
