Is your deck holding you back from hot summer cookouts? Whether it’s cracked, outdated, or just not fitting your vibe anymore, it’s hard to invite your coworkers over with confidence. With the warm months rolling in, this is the perfect time to reinvent your backyard. Whether you want a total deck replacement or just some simple upgrades without an entire remodel, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’re doing things a little differently. Instead of giving you a boring checklist of trends (that aren’t actually trends), we’re showing you deck design ideas based on real lifestyles. Whether you’re the neighborhood host, a low-key minimalist, or the proud plant parent, you’ll find design inspo tailored just for you. So grab a notepad, your favorite drink, and prepare to transform your deck!
Feel free to swipe some ideas from other styles that dive outside your comfort zone. You might be able to frankenstein the perfect combo of styles for your vision!
Table of Contents:
- 1. For the Host: Turn Your Deck Into the Ultimate Party Spot
- 2. For the Family Man: Decks For The Whole Fam
- 3. For the Gardener: More Greens, Please
- 4. For the Minimalist: Small But Sweet
- 5. For the DIYer: Smart Touch-Ups That Make a Difference
- 6. For the Tech Lover: Smart Deck, Smarter Life
- 7. For the Movie Buff: Outdoor Theater Deck
1. For the Host: Turn Your Deck Into the Ultimate Party Spot
Being the king of the block means you love to entertain. You throw Fourth of July cookouts, sunday tailgates, game nights, you name it. So your deck should be the life of the party–it’s all about the vibes. So how do you turn a blank canvas into the neighborhood entertainment hub?
Here are some ideas you can steal:
Outdoor Kitchen Or Built-In Grill Station
Get the burgers going without running in and out of the house. Slap those patties on the grill, and you have that nostalgic BBQ aroma that completes those summer vibes. Outdoor kitchens are a great way to impress your guests, and simultaneously practice your grilling skills.
If you’re not a grill-master consider adding a small bar on your deck with a drink rail along the perimeter. You might not be able to cook steaks, but you can serve up a mean martini!
Built-In Seating With Cooler Storage
Personalization goes a long way, especially when you have nifty features like built-in seating. Ask your contractor to add a bench with a hidden ice chest to keep those beers and Caprisuns cold for your guests.
Recessed Step Lights And Post Cap Lighting
This is one of the brightest upgrades you can make, all without hiring a contractor. It adds ambiance and safety when the sun goes down. Not to mention, it’ll make your entire property stick out a bit more (in the best way possible).
Throw some speakers in the corners and you can set the mood even further–as long as you play the right music, of course.
Pro Tip: Add a pergola with string lights and you’ve got instant atmosphere. It’ll help with shade during the day, too.
2. For the Family Man: Decks For The Whole Fam
As the man of the house, you want a space the whole family can use–comfortably. Somewhere to sip your espresso peacefully, let the kids run around, and unwind after a hard day at work.
Multi-Level Deck With Zones
These are a popular choice among families, with dining on top and lounge chairs below. With kid-safe railing and lighting, and wide stairs for kids to sit, you get safety and style.
Bug-Protected Screened Area
Enjoy dinner, the latest Family Handyman magazine, and your wife’s company all without becoming mosquito dinner. No bugspray, just peace of mind.
Heated Deck Surface
Let’s face it, it can get quite chilly in Minnesota, especially in those fall and winter months. Step out onto heated decks and take in the winter air in comfort.
Pro Tip: Add an outdoor rug and a cozy couch set to make it feel like a family room that people actually want to go outside for.
3. For the Gardener: More Greens, Please!
As the botanist, your backyard is your sanctuary. You live for plants, potted herbs, and all things green. And if this isn’t you, it’s more than likely your spouse or parents. Either way, here are some touch-ups you can make to your yard to breathe some life into it.
Add Built-In Planter Boxes
Line the deck with a bouquet, tomatoes, or your favorite greens. It’s a great way for your plants to blend in with the yard, kind of like having a mini garden within your deck.
Privacy Wall With Climbing Vines
Turn a basic wooden wall into a living one. Use trellises or wire panels to let clematis or ivy climb vertically, giving you a sense of peace and privacy all in one. Don’t tell your kids they’re called climbing vines, they’ll probably try to climb them…
Drip Irrigation System
Connect a small irrigation line to your planter boxes or hanging baskets. Set a timer and you’re good to go. It’ll save water and time, especially during those hot Midwest summers.
Pro Tip: Go vertical with plant stands, macrame hangers, or even a garden wall. It’s a space saver and a conversation starter.
4. For the Minimalist: Small But Sweet
As the minimalist, you don’t need frills. You want a stylish, functional deck that doesn’t scream for attention but still looks sharp. You’re all about simplicity–and your deck should really just be an extension of your clean living room.
Simple Platform Deck
No fancy curves or bold stains here. A flat, rectangular deck with crisp corners and hidden screws gives off modern architecture energy. Pair it with a couple of low-profile lounge chairs and you’ve got a simple, yet magazine-worthy setup.
Monochrome Magic
Charcoal gray, soft white, or even a desaturated green. Stick with one main color and add minimal accents (maybe a single planter or throw blanket). This pulls the look together and makes your deck feel curated and calm.
Low-Profile Railing
Glass panels or slim horizontal cables allow for uninterrupted views of your yard or garden. It makes the space feel bigger and less boxed in.
Pro Tip: Concrete planters in quiet tones like slate or cream can anchor the space while keeping it clean and refined.
5. For the DIYer: Smart Touch-Ups That Make a Difference
For the arts and craftsy, you’re not looking for a full rebuild. You just want your current deck to have some more “you” in it, as long as it doesn’t shred your savings.
Power Wash + Stain
This is the ultimate before-and-after trick. While slightly annoying for your lower back (get yourself a back brace!) blasting off the mildew and grime, and following up with a fresh coat of stain could make for your most satisfying home project this year. Try a modern gray or warm chestnut for that “just-installed” look.
Swap out railings
You’d be surprised how much of a difference this makes. Remove dated wood balusters and replace them with sleek black aluminum ones. It modernizes the whole space instantly.
Accessorize like an avid expert
Think of your deck like a room. Add a weatherproof rug, outdoor chairs with matching pillows, and maybe a small bistro table with an umbrella. Stick with 2–3 colors to keep a consistent style. Sometimes, it’s the small accessories that season your space and give it the flavor you’re looking for.
Pro Tip: Install outdoor curtain rods with budget-friendly fabric panels for a breezy, private cabana feel without the luxury price tag.
6. For the Tech Lover: Smart Deck, Smarter Life
As the nerd of the house, you love your smart gadgets and home automation. Why stop at the front door? Your deck design can be as smart as the rest of your house.
Projector Gaming System
Why not move the Super Smash Bros sessions out the house? A projector, screen, and friends to game with are all you need to turn your deck into the gaming pit while still soaking in the sun and fresh air. But be careful, your kids might never come back inside the house after the installation…
Weather Sensors With Retractable Awning
Rain on the way? Smart awnings can retract automatically to protect your furniture (and your hair). You’ll feel like you live in a sci-fi movie.
USB Charging Stations + Solar Power
Need a place to charge your phone or tablet? Add weatherproof USB outlets or portable solar panels to stay connected outside.
Pro Tip: Pick up some color-changing LED strips to add flair to your railing or floor edges—set them to your team’s colors on game night or warm gold for dinner parties.
7. For the Movie Buff: Outdoor Theater Deck
As the film buff, you want to bring the cinema outside. And let’s be honest, watching movies under the stars sounds dreamy. Even with a small yard, you can pull off a luxurious backyard theater.
Floating Corner Deck
Build a floating platform deck in the sunniest corner of your yard—it anchors the space and doubles as a dining or lounging zone.
Foldable Or Built-In Furniture
Use space-saving furniture that tucks away easily or bench seating with hidden storage for all your popcorn, favorite candy, and soda. You’ll reduce clutter without sacrificing comfort.
Speakers
Surround sound outdoors will give you that immersive cinematic experience. Just be careful not to watch Top Gun super loudly at night, you might get some complaints from the neighbors…
Pro Tip: Stick to a cohesive color palette to keep the area from feeling crowded. Neutral decking with a pop of color in cushions or a rug works great.
Your Dream Deck Starts Here
Your deck design should reflect how you actually live. Whether you want to throw block parties in the summer, or just want a relaxing backyard, there are deck ideas for every lifestyle, every budget, and every backyard in Minnesota.
Now that you have a better idea of what you want, it’s time to bring those big ideas to a contractor who can turn that blueprint into a reality.
Ready to build a deck that feels like “you”? Whatever you’re thinking, we can build it.
Build a deck that fits your lifestyle with Minnesota’s trusted pros.
