50 Stunning Deck Design Ideas for 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.

On this deck, succulents tumble over the edge of a large planter, imaginatively positioned between two benches on the deck. Behind the deck, bamboo is a pretty privacy screen.

This home creates a magical outdoor setting with multiple levels. On the upper level, a raised deck is lightly shaded by a pergola. Pretty pendants hang down from the beams providing attractive lighting when the sun goes down.

The soft glow from globe lights can add charm and illumination for evening gatherings on a backyard deck.

A small deck, porch, patio or corner of a garden provides a terrific foundation for a home-sweet-home getaway. Include touches that speak to your style (retro? chic? urban?). You don't have to spend big bucks to make it work. This welcoming retreat features a crate coffee table that blends beautifully with wooden chairs. Pots of colorful annuals bring nature near.

Because this rooftop deck is small and fairly simple, its designers wanted the planting to be dynamic and whimsical. The Ipe container gardens have unusual combinations of plants in a palette of orange, lime, red and blue.

This home's backyard deck gets a huge pop of autumnal color from a long planter filled with brilliantly hued chrysanthemum plants.

On this home's deck, a vertical garden decorates one wall with an inviting mix of succulents. Their different shapes, colors and textures keep the eye moving from top to bottom and corner to corner.

Landscaping hugs the curves of this deck and creates a living frame with greenery. Using layers of plants in the landscaping gives the space the lush, textured feel of an outdoor oasis.

Tropical foliage houseplants benefit from spending summers outdoors. Plenty of air movement, rain showers and sunlight can spur strong growth in houseplants that are cooped up indoors all winter.

This deck, complemented with lush Mediterranean-insired plantings, sits flush with an infinity pool, creating a seamless visual line down the backyard.

A backyard oasis is created with the help of a raised wood deck, lush vegetation surrounding the seating area and a large umbrella that provides ample shade to the space. A large modern fire pit sits between understated lounge furniture and potted plants.

Add a pergola to create an outdoor room with shade. In this example, a mix of potted plants in dark gray planters add greenery to the deck and create a botanical wall.

This pergola-covered deck features an amazing outdoor dining area adjacent to a grilling area, making it a great spot for entertaining during warm months.

A pergola with a large swinging daybed is the perfect spot to relax in this urban outdoor living space. An outdoor kitchen area leads around to a dining table that seats eight — perfect for entertaining.

Multiple structures provide shady gathering spots on even the hottest days in this romantic backyard. When planning an outdoor space, think about your lifestyle and how you'll use it — whether as a recreational area for a young, active family or as a private, serene spot for relaxing and reading.

With a small wood pergola, lovely potted plants and a dedicated dining area, this rooftop terrace is perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with family and friends. The space's cool, contemporary design makes it all the more appealing.

This deck has a fire pit and the pleasant backdrop sound of a fountain, making outdoor entertaining possible many days (and nights) a year.

A fire pit means the outdoor space is enjoyable even when the sea breezes blow.

This expansive deck with a private hot tub is the focal point of the outdoor space, with cushioned outdoor furniture and surrounding lush landscaping.

The colorful, orange seating on this rooftop outdoor lounge space, which includes a small dining area, matches the vibrant surroundings.

Selecting the perfect color for your deck will impact the overall look of your space. This dark deck is the perfect background for the cityscape because it doesn't draw attention away from the urban views.

Colorful accents on this deck, which stretches the whole back length of the house, are a cheerful complement to this home's tan siding.

A gray outdoor sectional wraps around this modern rooftop with a lovely panoramic view. Neon green pillows and orange stools add a bright splash of color to the monochromatic space.

This cozy outdoor retreat offers a comfortable haven, rain or shine. Base neutrals riddled with flashes of color blend with the wood tones to create a space that's easy on the eyes.

This modern deck has casual dining and lounge seating, a natural container garden and a clean aesthetic.

Drought-resistant perennials and shrubs complete the relaxed vibe of this deck with its stunning urban view.

Neutrals work together here to create a sleek and cozy outdoor space. The warm redwood deck and pergola are accented with creamy neutrals in the furniture and stone elements like the fire pit and walls.

Some of the most imaginative deck designs are the result of working with the terrain. This platform is perched in a spot perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze.

This deck is built around an existing tree with a swinging hammock chair, using natural elements to create a perfect spot to relax.

Steep terrain needn't be a deterrent to outdoor living. This amazing multi-level deck provides plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining, yet stays in tune with the rugged, woodsy environs.

Decks don't have to be attached to the house; they can lead to new vistas, private retreats and little nooks in the garden.

By day, this deck is ideal for entertaining, providing a space for guests to relax. By night, the fire pit area offers a warm and cozy respite even on the chilliest evenings.

If you want to highlight a view, having more than one level allows multiple vantage points. You may choose to tier your deck space because you're seeking some public and private outdoor areas, or because you want to devote an area to a specific activity, such as grilling.

Decor in blue and gray unify this home's outdoor spaces that include an elevated deck, outdoor kitchen and pool area with a pool house.

Raising the deck area and adding beach pebbles create a separate lounge area in this modern backyard. The deck is made of Mangaris wood and accented with a small concrete fire pit.

A deck wraps around the house, with a fireplace and steps down to a sunken lounge. The outdoor spaces feel like an easy continuation of the beach and blissful ocean views.

Multiple outdoor seating areas around this back deck make the backyard a dreamy space for entertaining a small, cozy crew or a large crowd.

Built-in seating can vastly expand the versatility of your deck. If you expect to do a lot of entertaining, you'll need less furniture. The downside, however, is that once the built-ins are built in, they're there to stay and they'll dictate what you can do and how you move around your deck.

A custom deck doubles a family's available living space. Under the cedar pergola, custom daybeds invite serious lounging (and napping).

Two traditional outdoor chairs with elegant wrought iron frames provide seating on this beautiful back deck. Lively potted flowers add a delightful touch.

Rich woods create a welcoming, contemporary deck surrounding a sleek swimming pool, while a covered pavilion provides a space to gather out of the sun and enjoy the views.

A comfortable seating area complements this 19th century home's private porch, and an outdoor rug anchors the primary seating area.

Thinking about expanding your outdoor living space to replace some of your lawn? Modern building materials make it possible to design a deck that fits into the tightest spaces.

A wooden circular deck features a fire pit, long and narrow bench seat with coordinating pillows and several pots filled with flowering plants.

Giving the outdoor area the feel of a spectacular tree house, a wide deck winds around the home's exterior with railings and quiet gazebos for shelter.