Are you looking to bring your yard into 2019 with a bang?
A deck might be the thing! Stylish an easy to maintain, they are an interesting and versatile feature in a garden. With so many designs though, it can be daunting to know where to start.
Don’t worry! We’ve put together nine stunning deck design ideas to help you bring your home into the new year in style.
1. Platform Decks
Though simple in style, platform decks can add a stunning, versatile garden feature. They adapt to all styles from very modern to more traditional to suit your home.
Railings aren’t always necessary as they are low to the ground. Defining the edges is important though. Built-in planters and benches are an effective way to do this if railings aren’t your thing.
If you’re looking for something with a bit of shade, you can integrate a pergola into this design. This can be a great way to add a smooth transition from home to garden.
2. Raised Decks
If your home has above-grade first floors and foundations, a raised deck is for you. To meet safety regulations, they must contain railings and stair access.
It’s great for adding space but if you think it will be too intrusive it doesn’t need to be. Foundation posts are concealable with skirting, planting beds or both.
Skirting options often consist of lattice panels between the deck and ground. Consider climbing plants that you can train up the lattice to tie the structure into your garden. This will help the deck blend in and transition well.
3. Two-Story Decks
This deck design does exactly what it says and provides outdoor space to the upper level and the lower. This can add a significant amount of room to your home’s floor space.
The foundation posts can pose a bit of an aesthetic dilemma. You can add boarding and a partial skirting, along with a planting bed. This added color will blend the structure in.
Climbing plants are another great transition element. Thicker posts, with a stone style foundation, can give a more appealing look. You can even use rock faced pillars for something more eye-catching.
4. Multilevel Outdoor Room
Why not take your multi-level decking a step further? You can add a partial paneling to your lower level decking to create a shaded entertaining room.
Cut windows into the panels to let in light and the view of the garden. Plenty of planter boxes will tie the room into your garden and the upper decking creates shelter. Adding lighting such as spotlights will make it a comfortable space after dark.
With a staircase leading to the upper deck, you create a real show-stopping feature. Leading the room onto an exposed entertaining deck adds more versatility. This design can be practical whatever the weather.
5. Deck and Patio Sections
When thinking of adding a backyard deck, remember their versatility. You don’t have to use decking alone, they can combine well with other materials like stone and tile patios.
Why not combine the two with a decking offering a comfortable raised seating area. A few steps down you transition into the larger patio with more seating around a central feature. A water feature or fire pit, for example.
The decking is perfect for smaller groups. For larger groups and parties, the two sections integrate together. This adds not only practicality but a fun and unique point of interest.
6. Multilevel Decks
If you have a sloping or multi-level garden, this design is ideal. You can follow the natural contours of your yard. Using a short set of stairs between levels mean the lower levels would block out the upper ones.
You can create separate areas or mini-yards on each level. Make sure to use of the yard’s micro-climates.
One level nearest the house can before entertaining. If one level is more shaded, pick shade-loving plants and even consider a water feature here. Another level makes use of sunny spots, a place for relaxation or a vegetable patch in raised planters.
7. Freestanding Deck
Some houses do not allow for a ledger board which fixes a deck to a house. Freestanding decks fix to the ground using footings, posts, and beams. You don’t need a ledger.
They are useful if you have a feature or place in the yard you want to highlight that is away from the house. They allow you to make the very best your yard has to offer.
It is easy to integrate them into natural extensions of a landscape. With climbers and careful planning and placement, they can look like they were always a part of the yard.
8. Floating Deck
Floating decks ‘float’ a few inches about the ground. If you have a large enough pond or water feature or want to have one, these decks are perfect. The floating aspect means you can extend it over the water for seating or a viewing platform.
On a similar note, you can use them over the lawn or over a rock garden and still get an outstanding result. If you want to have no railings, make sure to check local building regulations. Many will need the deck to be no more than two steps above the lawn.
9. Add Curves
You don’t have to use only squared shapes. Adding a curved aspect can make your decking unique and stand out.
Something like a curved bench on a multi-level adds interest as well as practicality. As do built-in planters with a curved design. You can even integrate the planters with the bench for the added wow factor.
Be bold! A round deck shape or even something like an octagonal deck can optimize space if it’s at a premium. You can get more use out of otherwise unused tight corners or spaces.
Stunning Deck Design Ideas
Looking at deck design ideas is a great way to work out what you want and find inspiration. Practicality is as important as looks. You want to find something that works for you and your garden.
Do you want space? All-weather purpose? A unique and quirky focal point? Your decking should add to your yard’s natural assets and remember, you can be creative. Have fun with it!
If we’ve inspired you to find that perfect decking, why not contact us and find out what we at Diamond Decks can do for you.
(210) 383-8113 
hello@diamonddeckstx.com 