Outdoor Deck Ideas for Summer Living

Now is the time to start thinking about your open-air living areas and how to spruce them up for summer living. Today I’m featuring a variety of outdoor deck ideas to get your creative juices flowing. If you plan now, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your outdoor living spaces when warm weather fully kicks in. (This post contains affiliate links.)

Summer Patio Dinette on Outdoor Deck

If you have the typical suburban home in a tract neighborhood, your deck is probably similar to the one above. And it’s likely you have a dining set with a colorful umbrella for outdoor meals. But note the use of lighting on each stair riser. We recently added solar lights to the edges of our deck. There are so many styles from which to choose these days.

I love the simplicity of the deck below. It’s level with the ground so there’s no danger of tripping and no railing to walk around. The wicker chairs are so pretty, with blankets at each one for cooler nights. And of course, the view is amazing with total privacy.

Simple Deck with Wicker Dining Set

 

Here’s smart solution for more elegant outdoor furniture. You can help protect it from the elements with a pergola style roof. With all the trees surrounding this cozy space, the sap is sure to stain the upholstery. A roofed deck also lets you enjoy the outdoors even when a gentle rain is falling.

Covered deck and patio with elegant outdoor furniture

 

Perhaps the best deck is one that overlooks the ocean with steps to the beach.

Oceanfront beach house with multiple decks

 

Or maybe you prefer a fancy deck with both a fireplace and a view of the surrounding mountains.

Sunset View with Mount St Helens from deck of luxury homes in Happy Valley Oregon in Clackamas County

 

Of course, you could enjoy a not-so-fancy deck with a mountain view if simplicity is more your style (and budget).

Mountain Balcony with an Amazing View

 

A deck overlooking a lake is a nice option too. Add an Adirondack settee with geranium-filled whiskey barrel planters for pretty yet simple look. This deck reminds me of our yurt vacation where we sat on the deck by the lake covered in lily pads. It was such a peaceful place.

Wooden deck at Lake cabin with Adirondack chairs

 

Speaking of Adirondack chairs, they’re one of my favorite pieces of outdoor furniture. Something about the way they lean backwards make them so comfortable – even without any upholstery.

White Adirondack Chair on an Outdoor Deck with Flower Pots

 

A fire pit is almost a must-have for an outdoor deck. Not only does it provide warmth and light in the evenings, but the flames can help keep mosquitoes away. It’s also the perfect focal point for a conversation grouping of furniture.

Beautiful backyard firepit at dusk

 

My deck overlooks our koi pond and it currently has Adirondack chairs on it. I’m searching for some type of patio umbrella or shade covering that will eliminate the heat of the sun in the middle of the afternoon. What changes or sprucing-up plans do you have for your outdoor living space?

Deck overlooking koi pond

 

You Might Also Enjoy:

Sweet Little Courtyard Deck and Adorable She Shed

Ultimate Decks for Outdoor Living

Backyard Patio Lounge for Outdoor Entertaining

 

 

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2 Comments

  1. Great ideas and I love your deck and water garden and know you are enjoying when you can.

  2. Jennifer, your backyard is a little piece of heaven. I just love seeing it. Thank you for sharing.