2025 Popular Deck Ideas and Trends

Adding a deck to your house has many benefits, such as improving your home's visual appeal and giving you a place to host gatherings with friends and family. If you already have a deck, giving it a bit of an update could also be a good idea.

However, you may need some help knowing where to start. This post will share five popular deck trends in 2025 to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.

Popular Materials for Decks

If you're still in the beginning phases of getting a new deck or revamping your current deck, selecting the perfect material for your deck is an excellent place to begin. Here are some of the most popular deck materials:

• PVC: PVC decks are lightweight, stain-resistant and durable, making them a trendy option for those who want a look similar to wood but with much less maintenance.
• Wood: One of the most classic deck options, wood is a natural deck material that offers you a unique appearance. It's also versatile, as you can stain or paint it your desired color. You can update your wood deck in many ways to keep it looking stylish and on-trend.
• Composite: Composite decking is a more modern deck material option that combines wood and plastic to offer the benefits of both. However, one drawback is that the color options for this material may be limited.

All of these options have unique benefits, so you should consider your budget and your needs when evaluating your options.

5 Popular Deck Ideas for 2025

Now, it's time to get into the fun part — discussing some of the most popular deck design ideas so far this year.

1. Outdoor Kitchen Areas

Gone are the days when you had to choose between catching up with your guests outside or preparing food inside. Thanks to outdoor kitchens, you can now prepare food outside while catching up with everyone.

Another significant benefit of an outdoor kitchen is that it has the potential to increase your home's value — an outdoor kitchen can generate a return on investment of 55%-200%, depending on various factors like your home's location. Overall, an outdoor kitchen is a great investment in your deck space if you often entertain outdoors and want to make the most of your backyard.

2. Second-Story Decks

Building a deck on the first floor isn't your only option. You could also build a second-story deck, which gives you added space underneath the deck to create a patio, a storage area or another useful location. The covered area on the first floor will be perfect for hosting when the weather on the deck isn't great.

3. Multi-Level Decks

If you have the space, why not consider a multi-level deck? A deck with more than one level creates an interesting visual dynamic and extends your entertainment area.

These deck styles are a great option for big families and larger properties, as parents can occupy one level while children and teens can have their separate deck area to hang out on. A multi-level deck is also a great alternative if you want a large deck but don't have the horizontal space to build one. Incorporating a staircase allows you to easily move between the different levels of the deck.

4. Pergolas and Artificial Shade Structures

Depending on your deck's location, it may have some natural shade from trees around the deck, or it may be completely exposed to the sun. Giving your deck plenty of shade can help you and your guests enjoy a comfortable outdoor environment.

America's outdoor living structure market is expected to grow by 5.9% by 2030, with a large portion of this growth attributed to pergolas and patios. Over the past few years, this category has also been responsible for a large amount of the outdoor living structure market. The growing demand for pergolas indicates a trend that won't go away anytime soon.

Adding artificial shade by building a structure like a pergola means you can use your deck year-round, regardless of the weather. Sometimes, sitting outside on a deck is uncomfortable because of the relentless sun, but shading options eliminate this problem. Additionally, while a pergola isn't entirely waterproof, it offers significant protection against rain, and you can waterproof it so that you can enjoy your deck in any season.

Depending on the style of pergola you install, you could have a louvered roof, which allows you to adjust the amount of shade or light on your deck, giving you much more control over the environment.

5. Unique Outdoor Lighting

Finally, outdoor deck lighting is a longtime trend that seems to be sticking around. Installing lighting on and around your deck is a practical step since you will likely want to use it at night, and good lighting makes it accessible regardless of the time of day.

Like with a pergola, lighting isn't just a functional addition to your deck — it's also a stylish one. If you prefer, you can branch out from traditional outdoor lights and opt for more interesting options instead.

Here are some fun lighting options to consider:

• Lamps: Lamps are a perfect way to create a cozy effect on your deck. Try different sizes to create a varied but cohesive feel. Just be sure you place them in spots that aren't exposed to the elements or bring them indoors during bad weather.
• Dimmable lights: Dimmable lights allow you to control the brightness of your lights, which means you can change the lighting according to your mood, the gathering or the time of day.
• String lights: String lights offer just enough light to navigate the area without being overpowering. They make any deck instantly feel more magical.
• LED lights: LED lights come in various options. They are more energy-efficient than other lighting options, and their low UV light production means they are less visible to insects, making them ideal for an outdoor deck.

Build the Deck of Your Dreams With Steadfast Construction

Whether you like leaning into the most recent trends or have a unique vision for your new deck, Steadfast Construction has the expertise and skills to bring your dream deck to life. Our professional team of foremen has decades of combined experience, and we've built thousands of decks, patios and other projects across Northern Virginia.

Beyond custom deck building, we offer deck refinishing and deck remodeling services that can transform the look and feel of your current deck. We'll work with you every step of the way to select the right materials and create a design that works for your home and needs.

Ready to get started on your deck project? Reach out to us today to build the deck of your dreams!