Deck & Porch Ideas | Wood Naturally

Wood decks are attractive to potential buyers because they increase the usable living area of a home while greatly enhancing the beauty and functionality of the outdoor living space.

Wood decking is very affordable compared to other options on the market. For example, a deck made with manufactured materials (such as PVC or composite decking) can cost three to five times more than a comparable deck made with real wood. Not only is wood decking affordable, it is also a good investment: homeowners who add a wood deck to their outdoor space can recoup nearly 81 percent of the cost of the project when they sell the home.

According to the North American Retail Hardware Association, pressure-treated lumber is the go-to choice for your deck’s substructure (the posts, beams and joists that hold up the deck) and what contractors overwhelmingly use. This is due to its load-bearing strength and affordability.

There are several styles of decks, and you can choose the one that’s best for you based on how you plan to use the deck, as well as the characteristics of your outdoor space.

Ground Level Deck

The ground level deck provides the simplest way of expanding living space outdoors. Attached to the house or freestanding, these decks are particularly effective in providing usable space over damp, rocky or uneven terrain. If attached to the house, this type of deck can provide easy indoor/outdoor access for you and your guests. Shallow pools, tubs and planters can be set into the deck, and even hot tubs or gazebos can be integrated into the deck space.

Raised Deck

If you struggle to take full advantage of your yard due to sloped or uneven terrain, a raised wood deck can extend your livable area into previously unused space. Terraced wood decks can take the best advantage of the lay of the land, safely stepping down from house to ground level in an easy and aesthetically pleasing descent.

Roof Deck

You don’t need to have a yard to enjoy a wood deck. If you live in an urban location where living space is a premium, a roof deck can help add square footage to your home, while also letting you spend time outdoors and, if you’re lucky, enjoy a beautiful view.

Southern Yellow Pine Mountain Deck

Southern Yellow Pine Mountain Deck

Rise above it all on this beautiful pine deck high in the mountains. Photo Credit: Flynnside Out

A cozy, stylish nook to enjoy the vistas from this redwood patio. Photo Credit: Emily Henderson and Zeke Ruelas

Refurbished Redwood Deck

Refurbished Redwood Deck

This home's outdated redwood deck got a second life with a fresh, new look! Photo Credit: Emily Henderson and Zeke Ruelas

Pressure-Treated Wood Deck

Pressure-Treated Wood Deck

This deck incorporates mature trees into its design achieving a sophisticated look compliments of Mother Nature.

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated pine's water-repellent features make it a great choice around pools and water features. Photo Credit: Southern Forest Products Association

Wrap-Around Redwood Pool Decking

Wrap-Around Redwood Pool Decking

The wrap-around redwood decking around your pool creates a convenient walkway and adds to the unique design for a beautiful backyard landscape. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Backyard Pool Deck

Elevated Redwood Pool Deck

A real wood deck is the perfect companion for a backyard pool. Soak up some sun on a classic redwood deck like this. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Pressure-Treated Wood Pond House

Pressure-Treated Wood Pond House

This pressure-treated wood pond house provides both an outdoor and indoor area to sit and relax by the pond. Photo Credit: Southeastern Lumber Manufacturer’s Association

Cedar Wood Pool Deck

Cedar Wood Pool Deck

This cedar deck is so appealing, you couldn’t help but spend all day poolside. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

A wood spa deck can compliment the natural look of any backyard. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Seamless Wood Decking and Siding

Seamless Wood Decking and Siding

Seamless wood decking and siding instantly elevates your home to another level of warmth and beauty. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Woodsy Redwood Deck

Woodsy Redwood Deck

This gorgeous redwood deck enhances the woodsy atmosphere of this property. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Pressure-Treated Wood Deck

Pressure-Treated Wood Deck

This pressure-treated wood deck spans the space between two buildings on a property, turning an otherwise unused stretch of land into a place of leisure. Photo Credit: Southeastern Lumber Manufacturer’s Association

Tranquil Front Porch

Tranquil Front Porch

This front porch with rocking chairs is a tranquil retreat at the end of a long day.

Freestanding Wood Deck

Freestanding Wood Deck

Transform the ordinary into an inviting entertainment center for family and friends with the addition of a freestanding wood deck.

Richly Stained Cedar Deck

Richly Stained Cedar Deck

This cedar wood deck treated with a dark stain complements the setting of this backyard. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Cedar Deck and Railings

Cedar Deck and Railings

The natural variety of wood tones is a look that can only be achieved through real wood decking. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Wrap-Around Cedar Deck

Wrap-Around Cedar Deck

A wrap-around deck expands your living space outdoors and adds value to your property. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Lightly Stained Cedar Deck

Lightly Stained Cedar Deck

Cedar decking treated with a light stain is inviting on a warm, sunny day. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Multi Level Cedar Deck

Multi Level Cedar Deck

Enjoy the view from a raised platform deck and extend your livable space.

Raised Platform Deck

Raised Platform Deck

Enjoy the view from a raised platform deck and extend your livable space.

Sleek and Simple Redwood Deck

Sleek and Simple Redwood Deck

This simple, yet sleek redwood deck provides the perfect platform for entertaining. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Freestanding Redwood Deck

Freestanding Redwood Deck

A large freestanding redwood deck bordered by baluster railings helps homeowners utilizes more property as living space. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Raised Cedar Deck

Raised Cedar Deck

Enjoy the view from a raised cedar deck. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Raised Cedar Deck

Raised Cedar Deck

This cedar deck shines gloriously after a recent treatment. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Redwood Deck with Built In Garden Boxes

Redwood Deck with Built In Garden Boxes

This deck features built-in redwood wood planters, a small detail that brings life and color to the deck area. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Sunny Redwood Deck

Sunny Redwood Deck

A redwood deck provides a wonderful venue to soak up some sun while reading a book or enjoying a glass of wine. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Redwood Deck with Built In Benches

Redwood Deck with Built In Benches

Built in wood benches increase the usable living area of a home while greatly enhancing the beauty and functionality of the outdoor living space. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Innovative Redwood Decking Design

Innovative Redwood Decking Design

An innovative design of redwood decking, benches and spa surround construction create a unique outdoor space. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Tree-Surrounded Redwood Deck

Tree-Surrounded Redwood Deck

Experience nature from the comfort of your own home with a tree-surrounded redwood deck like this. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Space Defining Redwood Deck

Space Defining Redwood Deck

Create a border between your deck and lawn by using a lattice fence and bench to define the space. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Illuminated Redwood Decking

Illuminated Redwood Decking

Outdoor lamps along this redwood walkway light the path for those who want to enjoy warm nights outdoors. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Uniquely Designed Redwood Deck

Uniquely Designed Redwood Deck

Create a sunny retreat in your backyard by using elements from this uniquely designed redwood deck. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Redwood Deck and Fire Pit

Redwood Deck and Fire Pit

Picture yourself around this inviting redwood deck with a built-in fire pit and custom seating. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Patio with Outdoor Fireplace

Patio with Outdoor Fireplace

A patio with an outdoor fireplace help extend the time spent relaxing in this lovely outdoor space.

Redwood Backyard Oasis

Redwood Backyard Oasis

Add redwood benches to your deck to create a retreat with plenty of shade and privacy. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Appealing Cedar Deck Pattern

Appealing Cedar Deck Pattern

Create visual interest with a creative cedar deck pattern. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Covered Patio with Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Patio with Outdoor Fireplace

Never mind the elements in a covered outdoor patio with a fireplace and comfortable seating.

Real Redwood Deck

Real Redwood Deck

This real redwood deck will add beauty and value to your home. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Elegant Cedar Deck

Elegant Cedar Deck

This elegant cedar deck strays from the norm of angular decks by creating a rounded design. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Genuine Cedar Deck

Genuine Cedar Deck

Take in the view from your genuine cedar deck. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Eye Catching Redwood Deck

Eye Catching Redwood Deck

Stains and paints can make the color of your deck pop, like the white details on this redwood deck. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Eastern White Pine Porch

Eastern White Pine Porch

Take in the view on this expansive Eastern White Pine wrap-around front porch. Photo Credit: Eastern White Pine Lumber Association

Beautiful Cedar Porch

Beautiful Cedar Porch

This beautiful porch sets the tone for making a truly dynamic entrance. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Cedar Porch Detail

Cedar Porch Detail

Small design details are what make your cedar deck or porch unique. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Wood Porch with Adirondack Chairs

Wood Porch with Adirondack Chairs

Unwind on this front porch in a classic Adirondack chair.

Covered Wood Porch

Covered Wood Porch

Enjoy the view from this wood porch and matching covered patio design on an angle.

Wood Porch and Door

Wood Porch and Door

Make a grand entrance with a wood porch and front door.

Screened-In Porch

Screened-In Porch

Enjoy the breeze on this Southern Pine screened-in porch. Photo Credit: Southern Forest Products Association

Cedar Deck and Boat Dock

Cedar Deck and Boat Dock

Cedar’s classic looks and properties make it a solid choice for building a customized deck. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Sunny Corner Deck

Sunny Corner Deck

The natural variety of wood tones is a look that can only be achieved through real wood decking, such as this example using Southern Pine. Photo Credit: Southern Forest Products Association

Cedar Deck, Bench and Baluster Railings

Cedar Deck, Bench and Baluster Railings

This cedar deck, bench and baluster railings surrounded by greenery invite you to sit back and relax. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

A cedar deck complements any back yard. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Freestanding Pine Deck

Freestanding Pine Deck

This freestanding Southern Pine deck with built-in benches is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends. Photo Credit: Southern Forest Products Association

Unique Redwood Stairway and Deck Combination

Unique Redwood Stairway and Deck Combination

This unique stairway and deck combination provides levels of entertainment. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Redwood Deck with Newel Posts

Redwood Deck with Newel Posts

Light fixtures installed into the newel posts will light up your redwood deck during the evening. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Spacious Redwood Deck

Spacious Redwood Deck

This spacious, multi-tiered redwood deck takes advantage of the sloping hillside lot. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Deck & Porch Railings

Deck & Porch Railings

There are several styles of decks, and you can choose the one that’s best for you based on how you plan to use the deck, as well as the characteristics of your outdoor space.

Eastern White Pine Porch

Eastern White Pine Porch

Take in the view on this expansive Eastern White Pine wrap-around front porch. Photo Credit: Eastern White Pine Lumber Association

Multi Level Cedar Deck

Multi Level Cedar Deck

The cedar lap siding on this home complements this wood deck. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Modern Cedar Deck

Modern Cedar Deck

A classically beautiful cedar wood deck looks great among modern and minimal design. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Raised Cedar Deck

Raised Cedar Deck

A cedar deck complements any back yard. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Sleek and Simple Redwood Deck

Sleek and Simple Redwood Deck

This simple, yet sleek redwood deck provides the perfect platform for entertaining. Photo Credit: California Redwood Association

Open and Inviting Cedar Deck

Open and Inviting Cedar Deck

Transform the ordinary and bring the outdoors in with an open and inviting cedar deck or patio. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

Alluring Cedar Deck

Alluring Cedar Deck

This alluring cedar deck brings the outdoors in with creative design elements like glass and a wood slat shade awning. Photo Credit: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association