41 Deck Design Ideas to Create a Fabulous Outdoor Living Space

You may think your deck is an innocuous wooden platform jutting out to your backyard. Still, with some planning and a good design, that space can become a fabulous al fresco family room, an area for entertaining, or a place to kick off your shoes and chill.

Consider some ideas for a deck that expresses your style outdoors and how you can make the most of your surroundings — including a spectacular view or lush trees and greenery — to create your just-right outdoor retreat.

Whether wood or composite, decks offer a place to relax, soak up the sun and entertain while adding value to your home. If you’re considering adding a deck or updating an existing structure, here are 41 deck designs to inspire you.