Logan Voss
You must design your outdoor deck properly to entertain your guests and ensure they’re comfortable. You’ll be surprised how much impact design has on guest satisfaction and fun. Does your deck lack visually appealing materials? Is it overcrowded with furniture? Does the space not “flow” in a pleasing manner? Before building your deck, you must consider all these things and more. Check out our guide on the many outdoor deck design ideas for better entertainment below.
What Materials Will You Use?
When thinking about your deck’s design, the first thing you’ll need to consider is what kind of construction materials you’ll want to use. There are several types, but four of them come to mind.
Redwood and Cedar wood are durable, so you’re less likely to deal with warping or nails popping up. That said, they’re two of the more expensive options.
Composite decking requires less maintenance than the rest, so you can entertain without worrying about staining. However, there are much fewer aesthetic and color options.
Aluminum is a great material. It’s the most durable, though, and it’s incredibly pricy.
Nonetheless, you really can’t go wrong with any of these options, as having an outdoor deck, in general, will add tremendous value to your home.
Focus on Functional Areas
You might want to start thinking about how you will break up the space on your deck. The best way to do this is to have a blueprint. You can use furniture to “separate” the space into several clearly defined areas based on function. Maybe your couches and tables will be in one place, but your grill will be in another. Perhaps you’ll have a play area that isn’t adjacent to your adult entertainment area. Regardless, partitioning your space is an important aspect of designing an outdoor deck for entertainment.
What about Flow?
Your deck will likely get a lot of use. You might have people climbing stairs, carrying food out to the grill, or small children playing games. Because of this, you can’t have a space that doesn’t have an adequate flow. Make sure you arrange your seats and furniture in a way that’s perfect for the space. Create clear pathways between pieces of furniture and a clear line of movement that takes you from one side of the deck to the other.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a great time on your deck!
