Copy These Dreamy Deck Designs
Tying indoor living spaces to the great outdoors, decks are a great addition to any home — whether it's an apartment in the big city or a bungalow in the 'burbs.
Bring Indoor Living Out
Wrap-around decking provides a barefoot-ready surface that makes indoor-outdoor living easy at this modern Maine home.
Add a Rug for Softness Underfoot
Decks are great but constant exposure to the elements can lead to splinters. In deck areas where you plan to spend a lot of time, like an outdoor dining room or seating area, a weather-resistant rug is a nice addition.
Tie Into the Landscape
When planning your deck, consider how you'll tie it into the surrounding property. In this backyard, Chris Lambton and crew used aromatic cedar to create a two-tier deck with angled stairs leading down to a brick pathway. Mounds of colorful annuals planted around the base of the deck and a cedar planter further tie the architecture and terrain together.
Sun-Washed Structure
Located in Encinitas, Calif., this world-class deck is perched on prime waterfront property with sweeping views of the Pacific coastline. The bleached boards resemble driftwood, a perfect complement to the deck's oceanfront locale.
Rooftop Getaway
Stained wood boards create an earthy backdrop to this deck that stands head and shoulders above the surrounding homes. The deck's rooftop location provides a sweeping view of the neighborhood and nearby downtown Seattle.
Add A Pergola for Shade
For decks that get a bit too much midday sun, a pergola or wall-mounted canopy are smart solutions for adding shade while complementing your home's architecture.
New Meets Old
Primely perched off a penthouse in lower Manhattan, this deck offers sweeping views of the city while getting up close and personal with the late nineteeth century structure's timeworn facade. Designer Ghislaine Vinas chose outdoor furniture with a decidedly modern feel to contrast with the home's stately architecture.
Skyline View
With breathtaking panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, this penthouse deck is a sensational spot for entertaining.
Party-Ready Deck
Right off the kitchen, this Malibu, Calif. deck is a great place to relax or entertain. Streamlined teak sofas and oversized benches provide plenty of perches for kicking back with a snack or cocktail and enjoying the view.
NYC Penthouse Perch
Outdoor living is easy on this rooftop deck that's fully landscaped and irrigated and features panoramic views, two spacious entertaining areas and a one-of-a-kind elevated planter system.
Hidden Garden
This cheery outdoor space uses low-maintenance plants to create a small garden in NYC's urban jungle. Bright yellow outdoor pillows and mid-mod chairs pick up pops of color from the surrounding plantings.
Low-Maintenance Material
Composite decking boards, made from recycled plastics, ensure this deck will require no maintenance to keep its good looks for decades to come. The boards are available in a variety of colors, from the dark brown used here to driftwood gray, beige and redwood.
Kid-Friendly Backyard
A large tree trunk and woodsy playhouse anchor one end of this family's backyard deck. Weatherproof patio furniture nearby gives mom and dad a place to comfortable kick back while keeping an eye on the kids.
Play With Pattern
This relaxing deck is perfect for casual, California beach living. The decking's long rows of grooved slats ensure easy water runoff as well as adding an interesting geometric pattern.
