Planning Outdoor Living Spaces: Decks For Entertaining

Planning a deck as cozy spot to gather or a spacious area for grand celebrations? Dreaming of an outdoor room or pool deck? With careful planning, your deck design can be both amazing and budget-friendly. Check out these six how-to tips for crafting your perfect deck space, and then discuss your ideas with your deck designer or contractor.

Summary: This article guides you in planning and designing the perfect deck, from budgeting and material selection to adding features like outdoor kitchens, pools, hot tubs, and rooftop decks. It highlights the importance of addressing key planning questions early to save time and money, offering tips for creating versatile, durable, and enjoyable outdoor spaces.

1. Key Planning Questions

2. Deck Design: Budget Planning

3: Outdoor Living Spaces with Outdoor Kitchens

4: Deck Design and Versatile Spaces

5: Deck Design for Pools and Hot Tubs

6: No Yard? Rooftop Deck Design

Deck projects not only add value to your home but also keep your property looking fabulous with durable, low-maintenance wood decking materials. Designing your deck is exciting, and our team of experts have put together these 5 pro tips to make it easy. 

If you follow this checklist before you start you project, it can save you the time, hassle, and the expense of changing and re-doing your deck design later.  Once you have answered these questions, work with your deck designer or builder to make it a reality!

Begin your journey here:

1: Key Planning Questions You Need to Know

As you begin your deck plans, make sure you have answered these questions:

What is your project budget?

Which wood decking materials best suit your design needs?

How will I use my deck - small gatherings or large celebrations?

Where would you add large features like an outdoor kitchen, pergola, or hot tub?

Do you want to separate spaces by activity (dining, fire pit) or have a large open space?

 Save this infographic, download it now. 

2: Deck Design: Budget Planning

Let's make sure your deck dreams come true by getting your finances in order! The first step is to organize your budget. We know that funding can be a bit tricky, but don't worry!

If you love hosting, a well-designed wood deck is a must-have. Start by deciding which deck features are most important to you. Consider the cost to add heavy-load items like outdoor appliances or a hot tub to a deck.

3: Outdoor Living Spaces with Outdoor Kitchens

Ipe wood deck, cabinet front and pergola with an outdoor kitchen

Creating a sturdy and natural wood deck gives your outdoor kitchen a solid base and a welcoming look.

• Think about using high-density hardwood decking—it's not just beautiful but also incredibly strong, ideal for heavy load items like outdoor appliances.

Get an impressive custom-built feel by using wood decking on cabinet fronts and for pergolas.

See hardwood decking for yourself and compare the quality.

Request your free decking samples here:

Hardwood deck with outdoor kitchen grill station and storage

RELATED:  Get more inspiration in our Wood Decking Project Photo Galleries

4: Deck Design and Versatile Spaces

• Make the most of your outdoor living space by adding a raised kitchen garden bed or planters full of greenery to make your own oasis.

• Built-in wood pergolas, planters, or seating adds a designer flair and creates charming visual dividers between spaces like dining and conversation areas.

• Incorporating levels and steps into your deck can create charming, distinct areas for different activities.

RELATED: Compare Decking Materials Here  

A hardwood deck and pergola contrasted with metal railings gives shade and leads to the pool

5: Deck Design for Pools and Hot Tubs

Hardwood pool and hot tub deck warms and contrasts with the stone pavers

When planning a deck that surrounds a pool or hot tub, you'll want decking that can stand up to moisture and resist rot, mold, and decay. Pool decks and hot tubs need a decking that is slip-resistant, resists splintering, and is comfortable underfoot. 

• Hot tubs are considered a heavy load feature, so you'll need sturdy decking with a high bending strength to support one. For more information, check out 

• High-fiber density hardwood is an excellent option for pool decks or beneath hot tubs because it resists water absorption, is strong, less slippery than other decking, and highly resistant to splintering.

  
  
  

Ipe wood pool deck with organic curved edge

6: No Yard? Rooftop Deck Design

Hardwood rooftop deck, built in seating, planters and privacy screen Photo courtesy of @tog-nyc.com

No backyard? No problem! Take your entertaining to new heights with a fabulous rooftop deck. It's a fantastic way to make the most of that unused space on a flat roof. A well-thought-out rooftop deck can become your go-to spot for gathering and celebrating.

• Opt for durable, weather-resistant, low-maintenance materials that are suitable for harsh rooftop conditions.

• Use a rooftop deck system designed for airflow to combat trapped water and decay under the deck.
  
  

• Plan for the best views!

• Add your personal touch with features like cozy built-in seating, a warm fireplace, or even an outdoor kitchen.

RELATED: Rooftop Deck Project Photo Gallery

Hardwood rooftop deck dining area overlooks the beach. Hardwoods are scratch resistant and perform exceptionally well in areas with salt wind and sand.

7. Selecting The Best Decking Material

Garapa wood decking under construction on a rooftop deck with a pool and overhang in Florida

When you're picking out the perfect decking for your design, think about the vibe you want to create:

• A welcoming, cozy, and comfy spot for your guests.

• Strong, sturdy, and reliable to handle those heavy features and big gatherings.

• Moisture-resistant for areas near a pool or hot tub.

• A stunning variety of wood tones to choose from.

• Low-maintenance
  
  
• If you're dreaming of a rooftop deck, hardwood decking or pavers are your best bet for handling high UV exposure and tough weather. Composites and softwoods, like Cedar, aren't recommended. Hardwood decking is softer and more inviting than pavers, but pavers can add a fantastic design contrast.

See the beauty and durability of hardwood for yourself. 

Order your free decking samples now:

Mataverde hardwood decking is a favorite among deck designers and builders, chosen time and again for its amazing qualities. Here's how it stacks up against other popular decking materials:

• Naturally higher resistance against moisture, rot, decay, insects, scratches, splinters, foot traffic, harsh weather, and wear & tear.

• Eco-friendly: responsibly harvested, low on repairs, long lasting, and can be recycled.

• High stability, perfect for supporting heavy loads and built-in features.

• Easy to care for—just clean regularly and reapply UV protectant when needed.

• Can gracefully age to a silver-gray without extra maintenance.

• Lasts for decades and offers a great return on investment.

• Comes with the Mataverde 25-year Limited Warranty.

Key Takeaways: 

• Plan Early: Addressing key design questions and budget considerations at the start saves time and money.

• Budget Wisely: Prioritize features and explore material options to stay within your financial plan.

• Material Matters: Choose durable, weather-resistant materials suited to your specific needs, like moisture-resistant hardwood for pools and hot tubs.

• Maximize Space: Design versatile spaces for various activities, such as dining, relaxation, and entertaining.

• Incorporate Features: Consider adding outdoor kitchens, pools, hot tubs, or rooftop decks to enhance your outdoor living experience.

• Customization is Key: Built-in features and thoughtful design elements create a personalized and cohesive deck space.

We hope these tips inspire you to create a deck that's enjoyable, lasting, valuable, and perfect for you. If you need more information on wood decking, rooftop decking, or other questions please feel free to reach out! We're here to help you with information, provide quotes, and guide you through the next steps to make your dream deck a reality. Contact us here.