Deck Designs & Ideas

With summer approaching, it’s time to consider your outdoor spaces, including your deck. You could go the traditional route of staining and sealing it for a fresh look, or take advice from the experts on the top 2025 trends for decks.  “Needing to maximize their outdoor retreat, homeowners are sketching out new deck designs that combine multi-purpose spaces, environmentally friendly materials, integrated outdoor kitchens and fire features, smart technology, and biophilic design features that bring nature closer into the living area,” says Mark Lumpkin of short-term rental renovation company STR Cribs. Discover the best deck trends for 2025 that will help you host summer gatherings in your own backyard.  1. Wider Boards If you’re looking to build a new deck or replace your home’s decking, opt for a wider board for a more updated and modern look.  “Standard 5.5-inch boards are stepping aside as homeowners increasingly choose wide-width boards for their decks in 2025,” says Amanda Cimaglia, VP of TimberTech. “These wider 7.25-inch boards not only offer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic but also create seamless, uncluttered surfaces that mimic high-end indoor flooring trends, resulting in a design-forward, polished appearance that feels expansive and upscale.”  While you’re at it, consider laying your boards in a pattern for a cool effect. “Design-savvy homeowners are borrowing from indoor flooring innovations, bringing rich bespoke layouts like chevron, herringbone, and pinstripes to their outdoor spaces,” Cimaglia adds. “These artistic patterns elevate a simple deck into a statement piece that blends functionality with personality.” 2. Multi-Level Decks Have an existing deck, but want to level up? Consider building a second story.   “Multi-level deck designs will continue gaining momentum as homeowners seek to create zones tailored to specific activities,” Cimaglia says. “For example, an upper dining area might transition to a mid-level lounging deck before stepping down into a firepit space or garden. These layers provide a sense of flow and dimension, giving outdoor spaces a dynamic, purpose-driven layout.” As you design your deck, designate a function for each level. Cimaglia suggests making the upper area a dining space and the lower level a cozy lounge, for example. “Additions like connecting staircases with integrated lighting or plant borders can enhance flow and unify the space. Using consistent materials and complementary finishes across levels can help maintain visual harmony,” Cimaglia adds.  You can also opt for different materials to establish different zones.  “Multi-level decks are in, as they help homeowners define areas for separate activities, like dining, lounging, and socializing,” Lumpkin says. “A common way to do this is to use different flooring materials or introduce slight elevation changes to define each zone without breaking the overall flow.” These new multi-level and tiered decks aren’t just functional, they’re beautiful too. “They can also provide better views of the property and surrounding landscape,” says Sue Kim, director of color marketing for Cabot.  3. Sustainable Features In 2025, deck designs are increasingly incorporating sustainable features. “Eco-conscious homeowners are gravitating toward decking options that include high percentages of recycled materials,” Cimaglia says.  TimberTech offers boards made with up to 85% recycled content, including reclaimed wood fibers and recycled plastic. “These materials deliver long-lasting performance while minimizing environmental impact,” she adds.  Cimaglia says that composite and PVC decking remain frontrunners even in 2025 because they’re long-lasting and low-maintenance options that look like real wood.  4. Comfortable Outdoor Furniture “Stiff, uncomfortable outdoor chairs are a thing of the past,” says Sergey Mashkov, designer and sales manager at Sheds Unlimited. “This year, plush sectionals, weather-resistant lounge chairs, and modular furniture sets are on the rise. Homeowners seek spaces that feel just as cozy as their indoor living rooms, complete with outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and built-in firepits.” As you shop, look for sectionals and chairs that are easy to move and rearrange.  “The outdoor furniture trends lean toward modular, reconfigurable furniture that provides comfort as well as flexibility, and the decor trends include sustainable materials, bright textiles, and ambient lighting all working together to create an inviting, cohesive space,” Lumpkin says. “In one example, a client interspersed weatherproof cushions accented with reclaimed wood and set LED fixtures to create a cohesive theme that elevated the personality of the deck—an unconventional approach that dramatically upgraded the total vibe.” Another trend for deck furniture this year is built-in seating. “Homeowners are choosing decks with integrated benches for additional seating, planters for natural touches, and even discreet storage compartments to keep spaces tidy,” Cimaglia says. “Features like these add structure and organization while giving back valuable square footage, perfect for entertaining or everyday relaxation.”  5. Smart Technology Smart tech makes outdoor entertaining easy. “Smart technology has made its way to decks, too, in the form of discreet, energy-efficient options,” Lumpkin says. “Think app-controlled LED lighting, wireless outdoor sound systems, and integrated heating elements all working to ensure your comfort without sabotaging the aesthetics.” You can kill two birds with one stone by choosing moody lighting options that enhance safety around your deck and sync easily with your home’s smart systems.  “Homeowners can install smart LED fixtures that can be controlled via smartphone apps or voice assistants. This allows for customizable brightness, color, and scheduling,” says Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen.   Lenhart also suggests smart heating features that allow homeowners to use their outdoor spaces even in the chillier months. Whatever you choose, smart home technology makes it easy.  “If you’re going to dabble in smart tech features, I advise going all the