Even though basic wood or composite decking designs can look incredible, there’s so much you can do to enhance this extension to your home. A few simple touches can make your outdoor deck usable throughout the year, or you can go all out and create a two-tiered masterpiece custom deck complete with a whirlpool and stunning views.  Coming up with deck design ideas can be difficult at times, which is why we created this post to share some of the latest and most loved deck designs today.

Building a deck doesn’t have to mean installing a rectangle of timber in your backyard; it can transform your entire property. Prince William Home Improvement is the best custom deck builder company in Virginia, and we’ve got some excellent deck design ideas to spruce up your outdoor space.

Structural Deck Ideas

Decks come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s a lot to think about when it comes to mapping out how you want your redesign or new deck to look. Most people tend to use a deck as a transition between the indoor and outdoor areas, but it can also look great as a separate entity. Classic platform decks to the ground floor of your house and steps down into the garden, and more contemporary deck design styles are building on this. You can create multilevel structures that serve various functions by incorporating specific features.

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Go All Out With Multilevel Deck Designs

If you’ve got a big yard and love having your friends and family over for parties, a multilevel backyard deck is a perfect spot for entertaining. With a sprawling custom deck design, each level can have its own function. You could have the grill, fire pit and sun loungers closest to the house on the ground-level deck, and the second layer can serve as an outdoor living room. A third level can incorporate a unique focal point, such as a hot tub or fire pit.

People who want to build upwards can even have their own outdoor living space leading from upstairs. Just imagine the luxury of being able to step outside your bedroom into your private backyard deck. Including a pergola on your deck can also add an extra design element, such as led lighting at night, that can make your deck shine or string lights to give that whimsical deck feel. 

Combined Patio and Custom Deck Design

You can get the best of both worlds by combining a deck and a patio. The stone finish of the patio tends to lend itself well to luscious greenery, vegetable growing, potted plants and hanging baskets for green thumb owners and plant lovers. At the same time, the deck can provide a beautiful outdoor living area or outdoor kitchen for relaxing and dining.

Custom built deck, patio and screen room

Gastronomical Garden

If your family loves to cook, you can even have an open-air, outdoor kitchen integrated into your backyard deck. This means having a grill outside as well as a sink, a fridge and cupboards to get the full outdoor cooking experience. Those who love to barbecue will already know how amazing it feels to cook in the open air, but this takes deck designs to the next level.

The Pool Deck Design

One of the most popular reasons for having an outdoor deck is to surround a pool or hot tub with a lounging or seating area. No one wants to step out of their pool onto grass or mud. An above-ground pool is highly affordable, and decking can integrate it seamlessly into its surroundings. You can build several layers to the decking with loungers and a dining area to create an at-home vacation experience you and your family can enjoy throughout the warm months.

A Deck With a View

Those who are lucky enough to have a house with views can benefit from a balcony-style backyard deck project. This gives you extra outdoor space on top of your backyard, where you can relax, soak in the sun and enjoy the visual interest in your new deck.

Most building codes include railing rules that stipulate you need a railing at least 36 inches high surrounding decking built more than 30 inches off the ground. You can make these deck railings a style feature by creating elaborate barriers or by using sheer glass so the view remains unobstructed.

Health and Wellness Spaces

Designing your deck as a health and wellness space is one of part of the top custom deck design ideas for 2023. It ties in with the increasing focus on personal well-being and the desire to have a sanctuary at home. This idea involves creating an environment that promotes relaxation, peace, and healthy activities.

Create a quiet corner on your composite decking specifically for meditation and yoga. A flat, even surface is essential. Use comfortable seating like floor cushions or a soft bench for relaxation. Consider a small water feature for its calming sounds, and plants for a natural, serene environment. Incorporate calming colors like blues, greens, and earth tones in your furniture, accessories, and plantings. Plants are known to have therapeutic effects. Choose plants not only for their visual interest but also for their fragrance. Lavender, for instance, has a calming scent.

Railings as a Feature

Deck railing design has evolved over time, becoming not just a safety feature but an integral part of the overall deck design. Here are some deck railing design trends for custom deck design ideas for 2023:

Wide Top Rail

Another popular custom deck design idea for 2023 is the use of a wide top rail that can serve as a shelf. It’s a convenient spot to place a drink, book, or even some potted plants.

Lighting Integrated into Railings

Lighting is an important aspect of deck design, and integrating it into the railings is a practical and stylish trend. Lights can be installed on the posts or under the top rail for a warm, inviting glow.

Stylistic Deck Ideas

Now that you’ve decided the purpose your deck is going to serve, you can decide on the overall aesthetic you’d like it to have. When it comes to deck designs, consistency is the key to a flawless finish. Even if you choose bold colors and prefer excess over minimalism, a running theme brings the look together. You can match the style to your indoor living area, but with endless color palettes and custom deck design ideas for 2023 to choose from, you can get creative and bring your personality to the project.

custom decks by PWHI - custom deck with plants and flowerbeds

Custom Decks With Curved Lines

Traditional wood decking is a square affair. Usually, the rectangular slats are complemented by clean, straight lines and linear fencing. It’s possible to break this mold and create curved deck edging. This often contrasts with the finish of the home, looks modern and particularly suits a deck with a hot tub.

Integrate Trees and Flowerbeds To Your New Deck

Instead of merely building the deck on top of clear areas of land, you can shape it around the preexisting flora and fauna. Snaking a path of wood deck around flowerbeds gives your yard the atmosphere of a mysterious secret garden. Constructing it around trees makes the entire living space look more natural and well-integrated.

Classically Nautical Deck Design

A nautical theme is a highly popular choice for the finishing of a beautiful deck design. You can paint the slats and fencing white and choose white furniture with striped blue cushions to bring the beach to your home. Add lanterns and a cute anchor decoration to finish off the nautical aesthetic.

Elaborately Exotic Deck Design

For people who want their deck designs to bring a splash of color to their outdoor space, a Moroccan-themed deck area can look stunning. Multicolored cushions with mirrored detail and Moroccan lanterns bring a sophisticated but sumptuous feel to your sitting area. You can find outdoor furniture in a variety of shapes and colors, so your yard can match your unique style.

Simply Elegant Scandinavian

Minimal design is in vogue right now, and the Scandinavian look of built-in furniture that perfectly matches the floor in a chalet-style can look impressive. You can have panel lighting installed into the steps for a look that’s elegant and refined as well as practical.

Integrated technology

With more people spending time outdoors, integrating technology into deck design has become more popular. This includes outdoor Wi-Fi extenders, charging ports, built-in speakers for music, and outdoor televisions.

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Custom Deck Builder in Virginia

If the design of your dream deck is beginning to take shape in your mind, get in touch with Prince William Home Improvement or call 866-598-7692 today to make those dreams a reality. We have experienced deck builders servicing Virginia areas that will be with you every step of the building process, from choosing the deck material of your choice to cleanups after build. Our professional installation methods and solid construction knowledge ensure your own deck will last. Contact us today!