Thomas Edison famously said that genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration. So let us spark your inner genius with these ideas for outdoor spaces. Please click below to launch the slideshow featuring nine inspiring decks.
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Metal Connector Nailer
N95 Respirator
Angel Guard Deck Demon
-
One Redwood Tree, Reincarnated. After a lightning strike felled a California redwood, the lucky homeowners had it milled and stored on their property. Years later, they used the wood to build three decks and a wheelchair-accessible pathway, along with planters and benches. Green anodized-aluminum balusters complement the simple deck design and are almost transparent against the surrounding foliage.
-
Outdoor Rooms With a View. The multiple levels of this expansive deck define areas for dining, sitting, and sunning. A large stone planter incorporates color and texture to the deck and further defines the separation of spaces. The cable railing keeps deck visitors safe but doesn’t obstruct the view.
-
Well-Lit Deck. Nobody wants the fun on their deck or patio to stop when the sun goes down, but keeping the party going and keeping everybody safe requires good deck lighting. Your strategy should involve three types of lighting: essential, targeted, and ambient. Essential lighting is required by code at doors and stairs. Targeted lighting is for specific tasks like grilling or eating. Ambient lighting creates an inviting space and brightens dark areas. Here are examples of all three.
-
SPONSORED. The superior bendability of Clubhouse Decking is perfect for the growing demand for curved decks and bent boards. Clubhouse’s dense cell structure allows it to be heated and bent without bubbling up and compromising the woodgrain texture that makes Clubhouse so eye-catching. Its advanced chemistry outperforms other brands when heat bending is required, making it the contractors’ choice when consumers seek unique designs and one-of-a-kind outdoor living spaces.
-
Vermont Cabin. This woodlands retreat is nestled on a wooded hill to take advantage of expansive mountain views. Attractive wood finishes on the exterior include custom milled pine shingles, a white cedar walkway and surrounding deck space completed with a sandblasted steel rail overlooking the peaceful landscape.
-
Railing Retrofit. When a home needs repairs, there sometimes is also an opportunity to make significant visual or structural upgrades. Such was the case with this deck. The framing was sound, and the pressure-treated decking could wait a few more years until it had to be replaced, but the painted rim and railing were in bad shape. This renovation dressed up the deck with new posts and rails, cable infill, and trim around the rim. This not only opened the deck to a better view, but it also transformed the whole exterior.
-
The Kitchen-Deck Connection. The challenge: Renovate a cramped, dated kitchen and create direct access to a sunny backyard with a pool. In addition to a full kitchen remodel, the answer included swapping a trio of windows for a set of French doors that open to a cozy new deck with room enough for a small table and a couple of chairs. Stairs from the deck lead to the backyard and the pool, and the area under the deck is enclosed by a latticework panels, providing a place for storage of yard toys and tools.
-
SPONSORED. Clubhouse Decking is the first of a new generation of PVC decking that incorporates advanced material science, world-class engineering, and patented performance manufacturing to produce a deck that is stunning in every kind of weather. Clubhouse is protected by an ingenious capstock technology that’s blended into a single-extrusion process for a stunning low-gloss, natural matte finish that resists oxidation, clouding, fading and staining far beyond outmoded composite or plain PVC decking.
-
Protected Corner. Angled off the face of the house to capture the best views, this unaffected yet well-conceived deck was shaped to form a protected corner for the table and chairs, while leaving a clear walking path from the back door to the steps and pathway. Built-in benches provide casual seating and good protection from an accidental step-off.
View Comments
"The cable railing keeps visitors safe but doesn't obstruct the view". Nothing could be further from the truth. They are illegal in some locals. Sure, you and I are OK, but wait till your hyper-active grandchild comes over and when no one is watching climbs the cables and falls to his/her death. Another Fine Homebuilding bomb.
Outstanding design!
Fantastic