Outdoor Deck Designs Ideas | Composite Decking Boards
Want a brand new deck? When we live outdoors, we can escape the stresses of everyday life and spend time with the people we care about. The design of your deck should match your life because it is where you create your best moments.
You can have a simple rectangular remodeling of your deck or you can build elevated decks with stairs. Additionally, you can build platform decks with different heights and activity areas. More expensive deck builders may add a kitchen, a pool, or a covered outdoor dining area to the deck.
Composite decking from companies like EVODEK has the natural beauty of wood and requires no maintenance. It also comes in many different colors and finishes to match the exterior of your home. Starting with our planning guide, you can build an aesthetically pleasing deck in your backyard.
More Durable & Waterproof Composite Decking CPD-05
EVODEK unique two-tone art color technology gives you a stunning natural wood look so you can enjoy the great outdoors.
Table of Contents
Create a Theme with a Single-Width or Multi-Width Deck
The first thing to consider when planning a deck is which boards to use and how to lay them. An easy way to make a deck design more interesting and textured is to mix up the size and color of the planks. In the past, deck designs were limited to one width of planks. Now, decking materials come in different widths, which makes for more interesting and complex designs.
EVODEK can provide you with a wide range of composite decking boards in different widths. different widths of decking boards can be combined together to create a design or to add depth.
Design a Unique Deck Pattern
Putting the decking boards together in a pattern creates a unique deck. You can use one pattern for the entire deck, or you can use inlays to create focal points and separate dining and sitting areas.
Keep in mind that decks with more intricate patterns require more joists, which can add to construction costs. Still, we think it pays to use these popular deck patterns.
Diagonal Decks
Diagonal decks have planks at a 45-degree angle to the deck framing, giving them a clean, modern look. Diagonal planks draw the eye outward and make a room appear larger. You can find this design feature in many mid-century homes. Since it makes the deck look larger, this style is perfect for small or narrow decks.
Pinstripe Deck
A pinstripe deck design is a great way to keep things understated and make something look more interesting. You can create stripes by switching between narrow and wide planks. For more complex stripes, you can mix and match two or more sizes. This design works for both classic and modern homes.
Herringbone Deck
The Herringbone Deck design is a basket weave look where short deck planks are placed at a 45-degree angle to create a repeating “V” shape. It is an intricate design that looks elegant as an accent and makes a grand statement as an overall design. This pattern can be used in both classical and contemporary architectural styles.
Picture Frame Deck Design
The picture frame deck pattern is a simple, low-cost deck layout that uses deck boards to make a “frame” around the edge of the deck. Choosing an edge that is a different color than the rest of the picture frame can make the frame stand out. Or use how wide the boards are to create a picture frame two to three boards wide.
In addition to being decorative, picture frame edges protect the ends of the deck boards from the elements.

Tile Deck Patterns
By placing a framed grid between each deck board, the tile deck pattern creates a square or rectangular pattern. By repeating the same squares, this geometric pattern breaks up the spaciousness of a large deck. A prominent border color will make the image stand out, while a board color that stays the same will make the effect more subtle.
Deck Inlay Design
A deck inlay is a deck board set into the surface of another deck that has a decorative pattern, a contrasting color, or both. Inlays are used by designers to create focal points or to mark paths and seats. Inlays are also an effective way to keep seams to a minimum on large decks.
If a board won’t fit across the entire deck, a decorative inlay in the center allows for a natural break in the design. Deck inlay designs allow you to be creative and use different patterns and colors to make the design stand out.
Diagonal Deck Inlay
Wooden boards are angled away from the main deck through a diagonal pattern to make the deck area look larger. This modern design will make any garden look more original. Using different colored planks will make your style stand out.
Herringbone Deck Inlay
The herringbone pattern makes a statement with its beautiful basketweave form. For an inlaid rug in a dining or sitting area, use composite decking boards in different colors.
Curved Deck Inlay
Curved decking details make a cool statement at first glance. Create a round seating bench or dining table with rounded edges. For a bold design, choose boards in two or three colors that go well together.

Design Complementary Custom Railings
Deck railings improve the look of your outdoor area while keeping people safe. Choosing a railing material that matches the style of your deck will help keep the railing in place for years to come.
EVODEK’s composite and composite railings come with posts, caps, and padding that can be replaced as you need them.
Add Functionality with Built-in Deck Benches
Having furniture on your deck that you can both sit on and eat off of will make your deck a great place to relax. Outdoor seating fades and wears out, and outdoor furniture needs maintenance. Built-in benches last as long as a deck, at least 25 years.
A standard bench is inexpensive and adds seating without interfering with the view. You can even add planter boxes to your deck to make the edges less sharp. The color and material of the boards should match the deck so that the overall look is aesthetically pleasing.
EVODEK’s high-quality composite decking boards can also be made into curved benches, which is a higher-end option. Benches can be customized to fit an oval dining table or a round gazebo. Placing pillows and other soft items on the backrest of the bench will make it more comfortable. With these built-in semi-circular benches, everyone can easily sit around the fire pit.
Deck Lighting Helps Set the Mood
Not only does outdoor lighting make everything look better, it also makes decks and stairs safer. Steps and pathways should at least be illuminated. Post and cap lights and under-railing lights can give off a soft, general light. Most people choose a variety of outdoor lighting options to show off the deck in its best style.

Shade Covers Can Make a Deck Look Good
Building a shady spot on your deck is a smart move. A built-in shade structure is better than a sunshade because it lasts longer and allows you to use the deck during the day. In addition, it keeps the deck protected from the elements. If you’re looking for shade, here are some common options:
- Awnings. Made of a stretched cloth with a frame attached to the house. Some awnings can be pulled back to partially shade a porch, patio, or deck from the sun.
- Pergola. This is a building with a slatted roof and corner posts. It can be shaded by hanging shade cloths or plantings on top.
- Attached elevated building. This is a roofed building that is attached to the house and supported by posts, like a porch.
- Roof extension. May need to be designed by an engineer to match the house.
Deck Design with Landscaping
One of the most important considerations when planning a deck is that the deck needs to be built in a location with a good view. This way, you can enjoy your outdoor living area while always enjoying the view in the distance. This will increase your comfort level and make you happy with your deck design.
For example, if the house is located on a hill overlooking a river, then you may choose to build a balcony deck. You can then spend your leisure time on weekends and enjoy good times. Join your family and friends on the balcony deck and enjoy the view in the distance while sipping coffee and chatting.
Of course, a deck this high up needs protective railings. In addition to the usual deck railings, you may also want to opt for clear glass railings. Not only will it keep you safe, but it won’t get in the way of your natural view.
Pool Deck
A backyard pool deck connects the house to the outdoors. You can then place landscaping around the pool deck to highlight the connection between the house and the backyard. Both the deck and the house floor are flat and look integrated. Deck doors lead to the pool deck with sliding doors that can be opened in warm weather.
The pool can be accessed from multiple rooms in the house. In other words, it is possible to get in and out of the pool quickly and then return to the house. The hot tub is sunk into the deck to keep the outdoor living space looking neat. The shape of the deck and steps match the shape and architecture of the house.

Side Yard Decks
Side yards are often used as a walkway from the front yard to the back yard. When composite decking is added, the side yard becomes a private space. Here, bamboo can be added as a privacy barrier and the deck opens up to a small garden and sitting area. It becomes a secluded place to read or sunbathe.
Freestanding Deck
While decks are more commonly attached to the house, that doesn’t mean they have to be. Freestanding decks can be the focal point of your yard and offer a lot of flexibility in where and how they can be used. Decks can wrap around lush garden ponds, providing you with a different outdoor experience. Freestanding decks are also available if you don’t have the right structure to attach a standard deck.
Wrap-around Decks
Instead of building a deck on just one side of the house, why not extend it around the house? A wrap-around deck allows you to enjoy the view of your house without any restrictions. This is a great option if your house is surrounded by nature or other must-see attractions.
Use Deck Edging Options for the Perfect Finish
There are many different ways you can finish the edges of your deck to make it look beautiful and last for a long time. Even though EVODEK products are very durable, you should keep the cutouts in composite decking away from the elements so that the deck lasts longer.
Different widths of cornice boards or contrasting colors can also be used to decorate the deck. If you want to give your deck a classy look, consider these edge treatments:

Picture Frame Edges
A picture frame edge is an easy way to protect the ends of your deck planks. The edges here are well-defined and look classy thanks to the beautiful wood plank photo frame edging.
Raised Fascia or Decking
For a clean, modern look, raise the skirting boards at the end cutouts of your deck. On this deck, wide deck boards are stacked on top of the skirting boards. The top of the deck boards are level with the deck surface.
Fascia and Picture Frame Combination
This type of edging adds depth and gives the finish a polished, modern look. The edges of the picture frame are hung from the fascia board and finished with a vertically fastened deck board.
Explore EVODEK Composite Decking
Are you ready to explore the colors and design ideas for these decks? Read our EVODEK product guide to learn how to build the right deck for your home. We provide our customers with high-quality products and the best warranty in the business. Plus, you’ll love the many color and style options EVODEK offers you!
