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Decks remain perennially popular as outdoor living spaces, but each year brings new design trends. This year, the focus is firmly on sustainable materials, smart tech, evolving family needs and natural design elements.
Here’s an overview of 2025’s hottest deck design trends to consider if you are installing a new deck or updating your existing one.
What's Inside
Sustainable Materials
The recycled plastic decking market is predicted to reach $14 billion by 2033, highlighting how homeowners are increasingly choosing this and other sustainable materials. Options are:
- Recycled composite: Made from a blend of recycled plastics and reclaimed wood fibers, this is highly durable and resistant to rot, insects and fading.
- Bamboo: This fast-growing, renewable plant can be processed into strong, weather-resistant boards. It is naturally resistant to moisture and offers a unique, modern look.
- Thermally modified wood: Sustainably harvested wood can be treated with heat to improve durability. This retains its natural beauty but eliminates toxic chemicals.
- Responsibly sourced hardwoods: FSC-certified woods like ipe, cumaru or mahogany offer a long lifespan and natural weather resistance.
Smart Decks With Technology Integration
With the rise in smart home technology, it was only a matter of time before smart tech moved out to the deck. Integrated motion-activated lighting illuminates pathways and deters intruders, while customizable LED lighting means you can change colors and brightness from your phone for instant ambience.
Smart shades and awnings can be voice-operated or touch-controlled, enabling you to fine-tune how much sun or shade your space receives. Install weather-resistant smart speakers for entertainment or set up an outdoor TV or projector for a cinema under the stars experience.
Smart irrigation systems are a great help in keeping your deck plants in tip-top condition. You can also install automated pest control systems that use mists or repellents to keep bugs at bay.
Multi-Functional Spaces for Modern Families
Gone are the days when your deck was just a place to lounge. Modern spaces are increasingly designed with distinct zones for grilling and dining, children’s play, relaxation, and work. A key trend this year is multilevel decks to easily separate these zones. Not only does this serve a functional purpose, but it also increases visual interest and can make your outdoor space look stunning.
However, be sure that your installation meets code requirements regarding stairs and landings. The 2024 IRC update allows for 36-inch landings for lower-rise decks, but check local codes carefully before proceeding.
Modular furniture and built-in storage solutions are also helping to turn decks into a true extension of the home, not just a part-time outside space. Think about built-in seating, integrated cupboards or a permanent fire pit.
Outdoor Kitchens
If you have the budget and the space, a fully-fledged outdoor kitchen is a very on-trend addition to your deck. Think a built-in grill, but also a pizza oven, side burners, a smoker and a refrigerator. A good outside kitchen will also have plenty of storage, plus a sink and countertops for food prep.
Advances in weather-resistant cabinetry and smart appliances mean options are almost limitless, but the initial investment can be high.
Biophilic and Natural Design Elements
Biophilic design seeks to bring people closer to nature because plants enhance pleasant emotions while minimizing stress. Your deck is already outside, but adding more plants and greenery or incorporating natural materials like stone can boost the well-being effect.
Consider adding raised flowerbeds or containers, or build plants directly into your structure through railing planters and living walls. Transparent panels instead of railings are another way to bring nature closer to the deck.
Color Trends for Visual Interest
Favored decking color schemes come and go, but this year, there’s a strong preference for earth tones, deep blues and natural finishes. Some homeowners also choose bolder, statement colors, such as charcoal or espresso. Two-tone schemes that emphasize steps or borders are increasingly popular. Try contrasting your decking boards with your railings to get this effect.
Mix natural materials like wicker, bamboo, natural fiber rugs and reclaimed wood in your furniture and deck accessories to increase visual interest.
Designing Your Future-Ready Deck
Whether you’re starting from scratch or itching to update your existing deck, incorporating some of these trends will give you an outdoor space that is truly versatile and likely to be loved by your family for many years to come.
