Take inspiration from our best deck ideas to create an outdoor space you’ll never want to leave.

Adam Albright

Think of your ground-level deck as an extension of your home, even if its not attached.

Especially if you entertain a lot, a deck can act as abonus roomof sorts.

Modern deck fireplace

Credit:Adam Albright

A minimal approach to seating keeps the focus on nature in this garden oasis.

This expansive porch still feels intimate thanks to plenty of seating thats anchored by a large outdoor fireplace.

Deck Dining Room

The possibilities are endless for large covered porches.

Backyard porch with grill

Credit:Ed Gohlich

Small-Scale Wood Deck

Edmund Barr

Even the smallest front porch or back deck can be a retreat.

Covered Ground-Level Deck

Bob Stefko

Consider breaking your deck up into sections based on sun exposure.

While a set of lounge chairs separated by a small table allow a spot for basking in the rays.

Garden porch

Credit:Laurie Black

Ground-Level Deck with Bench Seating

A ground-level deck can sometimes have definition issues.

Here, the short wall around the deck also acts as bench seating.

Here, a porch with a boardwalk leading to the beach delivers charm and elegant simplicity.

Modern farmhouse deck

Credit:Tom Story

A pair of lounge chairs and umbrellas separated by a low table keeps the look comfortable and functional.

Here a simple seating area is designed for enjoying a view of the garden beyond.

Tiered Deck

Meredith Operations Corporation

Give your porch a tiered approach for even more options.

backyard deck

Credit:Greg Scheidemann

Here a small wood deck leads down to a patio for grilling.

The stairs get in on the action by providing a tiered garden with pots lining the steps.

low-to-the-ground outdoor sectional with gray cushions, curved low-slung scoop wicker chairs on pressure-treated wood deck with overhanding pergola - Empty wicker chairs and sofa at patio outside house

Credit:Tria Giovan

Porch with dining table

Wooden porch with potted plants

Credit:Hector Sanchez

Small front porch

Credit:Edmund Barr

Backyard porch

Credit:Bob Stefko

Ground level porch with walls

Credit:Laurie Black

Beach house porch with lounge chairs

Credit:Max Kim-Bee

Modern back porch with pool

Credit:Kerry Kirk Photography, LLC

Detached porch in backyard

Credit:Kritsada Panichgul

Tiered back porch with dining table

Credit:Meredith Operations Corporation