Create your new favorite hangout just outside your door
Craving an escape from the day-to-day? Make your backyard deck or patio a true extension of your home's interior. Whether you're ready for a full-on design overhaul, or you're just giving it a simple style refresh for the summer, you can make this area into a sanctuary where you and your loved ones can unwind.
Get inspired by these 17 deck and patio ideas and turn your outdoor living space into your new favorite hangout.
Not sure what type of deck is right for you? Reach out to a pro. After all, it doesn't cost anything to talk to an expert to get a quick opinion on the best options for you given your location and situation.
Your deck or patio should be a natural extension of your home. To ensure that your outdoor oasis complements your home, think carefully about the deck material you choose to use and the design of your landscaping.
An essential part of making your backyard dreams come true is deciding on the types of deck and patio materials that’ll fit your needs, aesthetic, and budget.
There are a variety of decking and patio options including composite, plastic, and aluminum you can choose from. If you’re looking for a fun project, complete your deck with DIY outdoor furniture and colorful accessories to make it more inviting.
If you’re more of a traditionalist, then opt for wood when selecting your deck material. Today, there are different types of wood to choose from that’ll fit any budget, style, or maintenance preference. To let the beauty of the wood stand out, keep the outdoor furniture and accessories simple.
There’s nothing like a dip in a pool on a hot summer day or a long soak in a hot tub, especially when it’s outside. To create a seamless (and beautiful!) look, incorporate your hot tub and pool into the design of your patio. You can also kick up the ambiance a notch by incorporating a waterfall hot tub, which will create the vibe of a luxurious spa retreat.
Patios and decks look best when they’re seamlessly integrated with the landscaping of your backyard space. You can include landscaping that’ll hug the curves of your structure, that’ll help to create the illusion of a frame of greenery. Or, you can use layers of different types of plants in the landscaping to give the space a lush, textured feel.
Whether you’re building your deck or patio for the first time or you’re upgrading it, decide how you'd like to use the space. Would you like to use it for entertaining (all year long!), for outdoor dining, or as a relaxing place to hang by your pool? Once you have a vision for its purpose and function, you can plan for a special addition more easily.
Cooking and eating a meal outside is a wonderful way to gather with loved ones in warm weather. If you’ve got the space and you’re looking to make a major upgrade to your patio or deck, take your love of cooking outdoors with a kitchen space.
For a beautiful kitchen that’ll make you want to cook outdoors all year long go for a stone backdrop and concrete counters, complete with a built-in grill, dishwasher, sink, and fridge. Before you buy any appliances make sure they’re built to weather the elements.
To create the ultimate outdoor entertaining area, build a bar on your patio or deck. For a natural look, use reclaimed wood to create a rustic centerpiece. If you’re making one yourself, just be sure to use waterproof paint or stain.
Whether you have a large open deck or a small patio nook, you can add some character to your space with a simply styled pergola. For a cozy and secluded feel, hang sheer white curtains and romantic string lights from the beams.
Curtains are a great way to add some privacy and shade to your outdoor space. In addition to their practical benefits, curtains are a great and inexpensive way to upgrade the look of your outdoor retreat. To make it feel like you’re sipping on a frozen cocktail under a bungalow on a tropical island, opt for flowy, sheer white curtains.
Keep your patio or deck cozy all year long by adding a firepit. They come in a variety of types that can fit any outdoor space, style, or budget. To create a spot that you can easily move around, get a simple and smokeless freestanding fire pit, with chairs to match. This way, you can always add more chairs so there’s a spot for all of your loved ones.
Turn your backyard into a truly soothing paradise with the relaxing sounds of cascading water from a water fountain. Just use the proportions of your space as a guide when selecting the size of your fountain. For the look of an English garden, add a stone water fountain with a built-in statue.
If you’re not looking to give your deck or patio a major overhaul, you can still create a beautiful and comfortable outdoor retreat with the right furniture and décor. If you have no clue how to get started, look at the interior of your home for patterns, colors, and details that you can replicate.
Nothing’s better than hanging with loved ones on a warm summer day for a chill happy hour and BBQ. Create your perfect outdoor hosting spot in your own backyard and get a table with a set of matching chairs. For a more relaxed vibe, opt for a couch with a chair or two.
Standard outdoor furniture like a table and chairs are great, but there’s nothing like lounging in a porch swing. Not only is a swing relaxing and comfortable, but it can also serve as a nice visual element, especially if you have fun with the scale and proportion. To make the look more homey, incorporate throw pillows to match the color palette of your patio.
To add a splash of personality to your patio, incorporate a pop of color. Consider adding a few throw pillows, cushions, and an outdoor area rug to your patio space in your favorite hue to add contrast and energy to the space.
If you don’t have a ton of space or don’t want to have to worry about the upkeep of landscaping, then fill your patio or deck with potted plants. Earthy terracotta pots can give your outdoor space a warm feel. To add an interesting vertical element to your outdoor patio, consider hanging or wall planters.
Lighting fixtures can greatly enhance a patio's design aesthetic. For a soft glow, hang string lights above your patio or deck to help light the night.
While twinkly string lights are always a nice option, it’s far from your only choice. If you’re having a hard time deciding then mix it up. Think tea lights and vintage lanterns. As long as you match certain elements like colors or materials, it’ll look cohesive.
Colder weather doesn’t mean that you have to stop using your deck or patio. To keep it open all year long, invest in a heat lamp for your patio so you can keep your outdoor dining season going. Make it feel like you’re at a private restaurant patio and get some mushroom-shaped heat lamps to place next to your outdoor furniture.
