How to Plan & Build Your New Deck

From simple-yet-elegant single-level decks to more elaborate multi-level decks with decorative inlays, browse through image galleries to get inspired. Once you’ve seen what’s possible, get tips for designing a great deck that works with your backyard and lifestyle.

Explore our Pinterest boards or explore our Ideas section to spark your deck ideas.

After determining setbacks, take into consideration the size of your lot, sun, shade and your view. Your view is paramount when designing the details of your space. Homeowners often overlook the placement of posts and beams, which can severely impede a view if positioned without thought.

The style of your home and your own personal aesthetic can help you decide on a deck that works with existing features. Love the sleek look of a contemporary deck or a breezy coastal style? Do you prefer warm or cool tones of brown, tan, or grey decking? These factors can help you narrow your list of deck design styles.

Consider how you will live in the space. Do you like to entertain large crowds? Will you need space for a grill, dining table, or perhaps a fully appointed outdoor kitchen with appliances, storage components, and all the related conveniences? What about a separate conversation area for friends to gather and relax? Are you more solitary in your outdoor pursuits?

Perhaps a simple reading nook is all you require, or a creative and functional privacy screen might be in order. Don’t limit your plans to immediate needs. A properly built deck is something you can enjoy for 25 or more years so give some thought to the future. Is a hot tub on your bucket list? If so, it’s wise to frame for that now even if you don’t plan to install it for several years.

The size of your deck is perhaps the most important part of your planning process. If you make a mistake, the shape, color of materials, or the type of railing you have won’t matter. A deck that’s too small will cause immediate frustration when you discover that you have to squeeze between a seated guest at a table and the handrail just a foot behind his chair. The same frustration will erupt when your grill is so close to someone they have to get out of their chair because they’re being roasted along with the hot dogs and burgers.

Step 1: You need to decide exactly what furniture you intend to place on the deck. If you don’t already own it, you may need to use some of your existing furniture to help you visualize what your deck will end up looking like.

Step 2: Take the deck furniture and put it out on your lawn where the deck will be. Space it out where you want the furniture to be. Place your table where you’d like it to be with the chairs around it. Sit in a chair and note the distance from the back of the chair to the edge of the table. Get up from the table and put the chair exactly where it was when you were seated. Walk behind the chair and note how much distance you need to pass between the chair and a wall or railing that may be near the table.

You’ll soon discover if you have a modest 4-foot-diameter circular table that you need a minimum of a 12x12-foot area just for the table and chairs to fit! There’ll be no extra room for other chairs, a grill, flower pots, benches, etc.

Step 3: Once you’ve placed all of the furniture you want to have on your deck on the lawn, then create a comfortable outline where you envision the edges of the deck, or handrail, might be. Use a string to do this. Take measurements, photos, and start the actual planning to make sure what you have will not violate your local zoning code or HOA regulations.

From attractive, low-maintenance composite to pressure-treated wood, discover which deck material options are best for your needs. Learn about the up-front costs of materials, durability, and levels of maintenance involved before choosing materials for your deck.

Once you’ve got an idea of the style of deck you want our free downloadable deck plans can help you bring it to life. Each includes a framing plan, material list, 3D renderings, and estimated materials costs. From low elevation decks to decks that incorporate a pool in the design, we’ve got you covered!

If you want more creative freedom, use our free deck designer tool to render plans for the deck of your dreams. While this tool can be a great way to play with different levels and features you may want to incorporate, it’s important to verify any deck design’s compliance with local building codes.