Your Deck Deserves Better Than Basic
A deck is more than a platform — it’s outdoor square footage waiting to become your favorite room. Whether you have a sprawling multi-level deck or a modest raised platform, thoughtful decorating transforms it from functional to fabulous.
Define Zones
Large decks benefit from designated areas, just like open-plan indoor spaces. A dining area near the kitchen door, a lounge area further out, and perhaps a container garden along the railing. Use furniture groupings, rugs, and planters to define each zone.
Furniture Essentials
Dining
A weather-resistant table and comfortable chairs for meals. Teak, powder-coated aluminum, and all-weather wicker are top choices. Ensure enough clearance around the table for chair movement.
Lounging
An outdoor sofa or sectional, deep-seated chairs, or chaise lounges for relaxation. Quality cushions in fade-resistant fabric make the difference between furniture that beckons and furniture that’s endured.
Accent Pieces
A side table for drinks, an outdoor coffee table, a pouf for extra seating, and a blanket basket. These finishing touches make a deck feel furnished rather than merely equipped.
Railings as Design Elements
Your railing is a long, continuous surface — use it. Railing planters for flowers and herbs, clip-on lights, or simply a fresh stain or paint. A well-maintained railing frames the deck and its views.
Overhead Elements
Shade Solutions
A pergola with a retractable canopy, a shade sail, or a large umbrella provides relief from sun and light rain while defining the space vertically.
String Lights
Draped from posts, the house, or a pergola, string lights are the quickest way to make a deck feel magical in the evening.
Hanging Plants
Baskets of trailing flowers or ferns hung from overhead structures add lush, dimensional greenery.
Container Gardening on Decks
Large pots with small trees, ornamental grasses, or seasonal flowers soften the hard lines of decking and railings. Group pots in odd numbers and vary heights. Use pot feet or saucers to protect the deck surface and ensure drainage.
Privacy and Wind
Privacy Screens
Freestanding screens, trellises with climbing plants, or outdoor curtains provide privacy from neighbors. Bamboo or reed screens are affordable and effective.
Windbreaks
Screens, hedging, and strategic planter placement reduce wind exposure. This makes the deck more comfortable and protects candles and table settings.
Deck Surface Care
Refinishing
A freshly stained or sealed deck looks dramatically better. Power washing followed by a quality deck stain transforms weathered boards.
Outdoor Rugs
Rugs define seating areas, add color, and feel good underfoot. Choose rugs designed for outdoor use that allow water to pass through.
Lighting Beyond String Lights
- Step lights for safety on deck stairs
- Post cap lights on railing posts for ambient glow
- Solar path lights at the deck perimeter
- Candle lanterns on tables and the floor for warmth
- Fire pit or fire bowl as a dramatic centerpiece
The Evening Deck
The best decks are designed for evening use as much as daytime. Lighting, comfortable seating with throws, a fire element, and protection from bugs create an outdoor space you’ll use long after sunset.