How To Style Your Deck: Tips and Steps To Make the Most of Your Outdoor Gathering Space

A perfectly styled deck can transform a boring, blank space into a cozy outdoor extension of your home. 

But how do you get a vision for a stylish deck? And what steps should you take to ensure you’re creating a space that both meets your needs and embraces your personal flair?

Whether creating inviting spaces is your niche or you have no idea where to begin, this guide will give you the tools you need to create the deck of your dreams. 

Table of Contents

• 3 Questions To Answer When Styling Your Deck
• 3 Tips To Style Your Deck
• How To Style Your Deck in 4 Steps 
• Three Rivers Custom Decks: Designing Decks Based on Your Style and Budget

3 Questions To Answer When Styling Your Deck

#1: What’s My Budget?

The first thing to consider when you are styling your deck is your budget.

Sharing your budget with your decking company is a must. 

This allows them to shape the area you’re wanting to put a deck on and give you an idea of the extra features that fit within your price range.

#2: How Will the Deck Be Used?

Is having friends over for a barbecue your jam? Then you may want to build a deck that includes an outdoor kitchen. 

Do you live in a climate that gets lots of rain or hot, sunny summers? In that case, you may want to consider a covered deck with a roof system that ties into your home’s existing roof. 

Does the structure of your home require an elevated deck? If so, you may also be interested in creating a custom living space underneath with a waterproof system that intertwines with the framework and decking of the deck.

 

#3: How Do I Choose a Decking Style?

Deciding how to determine your deck style will depend on your needs and your unique style and vibe.

As you’re deciding on just the right style for your space, you’ll want to consider your:

• Needs — Do you plan to enjoy your deck at night and need lighting?
• Location — Is your home on an incline, or do you have a spectacular view you want to show off?
• Weather — Would a deck made from composite materials make more sense than wood?
• Personal tastes — Do you prefer colorful furniture and accessories or a more neutral palette?

Each of these factors affects how your deck is designed and decorated.

3 Tips To Style Your Deck

#1: Include Low-Budget Features

Once you’ve decided on the basics for your new deck, it’s time to choose the low-end features that can be added to style your space, such as things like: 

• Lighting on or underneath the rails or stairs
• Banquette seating; or
• Benches 

At Three Rivers Custom Decks, we will provide you with a quote on a deck, rail, and staircase and then add in the additional features, so you’re aware of just how far your budget will take you.

#2: Add High-End Features That Fit the Budget

When it comes to practicality or personal style, there are lots of high-end features that can be added to your deck, depending on your budget. This includes things like:

• Pergolas
• A roof
• A kitchen or barbecue
• A slatted “wall”
• Built-in screening
• Lattices
• Plumbing
• Electricity
• A fireplace; or 
• Additional living space under the deck

#3: Decorate With Aesthetics in Mind

If you’re like most people, you have a mental image of exactly what you want your finished deck to look like. Your taste may range from simple to extravagant and include things such as:

• Rugs
• Pillows
• Fire pits and bowls
• Lanterns
• Container and hanging plants
• Screens, shades, and umbrellas
• Segmented areas for dining, sitting, or using your fire pit
• Water features
• Outdoor seating options, like patio furniture and hanging beds or chairs

Three Rivers Custom Decks specializes in designing and creating custom decks. We’re available to show pictures of styled decks and living spaces and steer you in the right direction toward an expert who can help put the finishing touches on your deck project.

 

How To Style Your Deck in 4 Steps

Do you have questions about styling your custom deck? It’s easy if you think through these 4 tips.

#1: Choose the Color Scheme

Decide on your color scheme ahead of time. Do you love a more neutral palette, or do envision a few fun pops of color here and there?

Generally, focusing on one or two main colors or patterns will give you the most unified feel.

#2: Decide on Lighting

There are many lighting options to consider when you’re styling your custom deck.

Will you need lighting on the stairs or under the railings? Those kinds of lights will need to be considered in the original design. 

Or do you prefer hanging lights or string lighting? If you opt for either of these, you’ll want to be sure to have outlets installed in just the right places. 

#3: Add Furniture

The furniture you choose will depend on the purpose and size of your deck and your color scheme. 

Outdoor seating is available in a wide array of fun colors and styles, including: 

• Bar seating
• Low-to-the-ground chat sets; and
• Traditional dining height seats

And if you choose flexible seating, you can even rearrange it to customize your seating for larger or smaller gatherings. 

#4: Accessorize

Accessorizing is the fun part! This is where you get to display your unique vibe by adding color and style with:

• Pillows — The possibilities for outdoor pillows are seemingly endless. Not only do pillows allow you to add color, but they also come in all sorts of styles, such as nautical, floral, and seasonal.
• Rugs — A stylish outdoor rug is an effortless way to turn your deck into an extension of your home.
• Candles — Candles are the perfect way to add mood lighting and customized fragrance to your outdoor living experience. Don’t feel comfortable with outdoor candles? Choose one of the many LED options instead.
• Plants — Whether you decide to decorate from top to bottom with flowers or just add a few potted plants, adding greenery to your deck is the perfect way to create a homey feel. 
• Artwork — Wall art isn’t just for the inside of your home. Consider hanging your favorite piece of art on your deck as a way to enhance and personalize your outdoor living space. 

Three Rivers Custom Decks: Designing Decks Based on Your Style and Budget

The team at Three Rivers Custom Decks specializes in creating custom outdoor living spaces based on our clients’ personal tastes and budgets. 

Getting started with us is easy. You provide us with your dream list, and we’ll create your dream deck.

Are you unsure about what you want the finished product to look like? No problem. We’ll help by showing pictures of completed projects and sharing our expertise about what might be the best option for your space and needs. 

We will work side-by-side with you to help you decide on the perfect deck for your space, whether your home is:

• In one of the area’s many historic districts
• Overlooking the Willamette Valley; or
• Nestled in the suburbs

Three Rivers Custom Decks has the experience it takes to help you achieve your vision for your custom deck project.

Give us a call to schedule your no-obligation consultation, and let’s start planning your dream deck today.