15 Gorgeous Deck and Patio Ideas You Can DIY (2024)

FAQs

How can I make my deck look nice? ›

Incorporate accessories to give your deck a polished look. Decorate outdoor coffee tables or side tables with vases of flowers, potted plants, or a few candles. Place oversized hurricane vases beside furniture to fill empty spaces, and set pillar candles inside the decorative containers to add ambiance and intimacy.

If you are looking to build a deck on a budget, one of the biggest secrets to saving you money is choosing a very simple deck design using standard dimensional lumber. A simple design requires less cutting and less waste of material.

Pressure-treated wood is generally the cheapest material to build decks from. For up-front savings, that seems great, but don't forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance such as staining or painting, and they'll often break down quite quickly if you fall behind on maintenance.

Some alternatives to wooden decking boards include decking materials such as composite, PVC and bamboo - as well as different materials and styles altogether like slabs, bark chippings and gravel for example.

Successful deck builders know that the seriously high cost of some deck floor board materials can kill the project. So most use low-cost pressure-treated wood or pallet boards to construct their backyard paradise. Imported hardwood like ipe is another favorite wood for decks.

The decking color should contrast your primary house color

Staining wooden decks the same color as the house used to be especially common. However, when you choose a decking color, you would do better to choose a color that nicely complements your siding, with a bit of contrast, instead of being exactly the same.

A 20 x 20 deck installation costs approximately $20,000 on average. Using more economical materials like bamboo or cedar deck boards can knock the price down. In contrast, high-end decking materials like composite decking will increase the price.

Pressure treated wood is usually the least expensive option of all the decking materials, but other types of wood can be more costly, especially for large decks. Composite decking is usually more expensive per square foot than common types of wood because it's manufactured and long-lasting.

It's cheaper to build a concrete patio in terms of both the initial cost to lay a concrete patio, as well as its cost of maintenance over time. A concrete patio costs only $4 per square foot, while a deck costs roughly $6 per square foot for lower-cost pressure treated lumber.

What's cheaper than decking? ›

Gravel. Gravel is often overlooked as a decking alternative, as let's be honest, it creates a completely different look. But if you're down for it, gravel can offer an inexpensive and uncomplicated installation.

Although most decks are built a few inches or a few feet off the ground, it's possible to build your new deck directly on the ground.

The most economical decking material, by far, is pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood is superior to regular wood because it has been infused with chemicals that help it resist decay and rot, as well as damage from certain types of insects.

PVC and composite decks never need to be sanded or stained, making them less expensive to maintain than wood decks. Periodic cleaning to prevent damage is the only requirement, as leaving mold and dirt on the surface for long periods of time can cause stains.

Bricks and concrete pavers are the easiest patio materials to use because they have a uniform shape and create a relatively flat surface. That's helpful if you want to roll a grill across it, put down a mat to do Pilates or wear high heels while hosting a dinner party.

What is the most budget-friendly DIY patio material? Packed gravel is the lowest-cost option. Gravel is inexpensive, and installation involves digging, tamping, spreading, and adding borders. It's a fast way to add usable backyard space.

The rectilinear patio is the most popular shape. It's often easier to create a square or rectangular patio, partly because the majority of pavers are a rectilinear design. By choosing this shape patio, you have more freedom when choosing a paver style. Rectilinear patio shapes lend a more contemporary feel.

Pressure-treated wood is generally the most affordable lumber option, while premium varieties like redwood and composite decking (made of recycled plastics and wood byproducts) can be more expensive. Wood decks typically cost between $3 and $20 per square foot, not accounting for labor expenses.

Capped Composite Decking

Capped deck building materials are also less likely to fade or stain than uncapped decking, making it the best decking option based on durability.

How can I make my wood deck look better? ›

Because paint forms a thicker, more protective film on the surface of the wood, it is generally considered to be more durable than stain. However, stain is known for its ability to preserve the natural beauty of the wood, which makes it a better choice for some types of wood and some aesthetic preferences.

Semi-transparent stain – has a color, will hide some of the wood grain although it will look natural and show knots and imperfections. Apply once every other year, one coat. This coating will hide minor imperfections but will still take on some of the color of the existing deck color. Make sure to do a test patch.