If you are looking to create a deck or patio design in your backyard, we have gathered together some of the best ideas to help get you started. Creating an inviting backyard retreat goes beyond simply arranging some chairs and firing up the grill. It’s about designing a space that blends comfort, style, and functionality. Whether you’re looking to entertain guests, unwind after a long day, or simply soak up the sun, the addition of a deck or patio in your backyard can enhance your outdoor enjoyment.

With these deck and patio design ideas, you can have a backyard that reflects your style and enhances your outdoor lifestyle. Whether you prefer sleek and modern or rustic and cozy, there’s a design idea to suit every taste and budget. Have a look at our amazing collection of ideas below which includes links to all of the sources, helping you transform your backyard into a dreamy outdoor sanctuary.

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1. Coastal Farmhouse Retreat.

Situated in Carlsbad, California, this inviting backyard deck features brick bases with quad columns and large protruding arched beams. An arched louvered structure is centered over an outdoor fireplace, offering shelter from the sun. Board and batten paneling behind the outdoor TV is a nod to the farmhouse aesthetic of this home. Cool breezes off the ocean make this outdoor living space a dream, not to mention the views of the ocean in the distance. (via SK7 Architecture, Inc.)

2. Beach Style Patio.

This Orange County, California home provides an easy indoor/outdoor lifestyle where you can relax outdoors in this casual backyard oasis. A clean-lined fireplace anchors this space while adding warmth and ambiance when the sun goes down. String lights overhead add a magical atmosphere for evening gatherings with friends and family. (via Pure Salt Interiors)

3. Pergola Oasis.

A family home in Dallas, Texas maximizes its narrow backyard space. The backyard was separated into multiple outdoor living zones, including this welcoming pergola-covered deck. The pergola adds shade and style, perfect for dining al fresco or relaxing in the shade on sunny days. The cedar structure was constructed so that the owners could add a roof in the future if they prefer additional shade from the elements. The fans are MinkaAire Roto XL – 62″ F624. (via Sardone | McLain Construction)

4. Secret Sanctuary.

A spacious deck in the backyard of a home in Littleton, Colorado features a fence and tall evergreen trees for privacy and seclusion. The comfortable sectional is the Oasis sectional from Room and Board. A round gas-powered fire table plays double duty for warmth and a spot for resting appetizers and beverages. (via Coppin Designs)

5. Hanging Swing Bed.

Install a hanging swing bed or daybed for the ultimate relaxation spot, perfect for lazy afternoons spent lounging in the breeze. This outdoor haven in Westhampton, New York features plenty of seating options for guests to relax and unwind. The soothing color palette offers a beach-chic vibe, especially with the pop of yellow from the beach cruiser. (via Darci Hether New York)

6. Breezy Backyard Patio.

A breezy summer house in Costa Brava, Spain features this gorgeous outdoor lounge defined by stone walls and a steel pergola with a bamboo reed roof. Soft curtains help to elevate the space while adding additional shade and a sense of intimacy. A comfortable sofa with plush cushions makes this an idyllic spot for entertaining. A similar outdoor sofa is the Brooklyn Outdoor Acacia Wood 3-Seater Sofa by GDFStudio. A cage pendant light helps to illuminate this outdoor oasis in the evening. (via d’Aussy Interiors)

7. Outdoor Bar.

Impress guests with a stylish outdoor bar area featuring a built-in counter, storage for drinks and glassware, and seating for enjoying snacks and beverages after a dip in the pool. This amazing deck is in the backyard of a home in Orange County, California. The rest of this house tour can be seen here: Tour a transitional Southern California home with charming French style. (via Patterson Custom Homes)

8. Greenery Walls.

Install vertical gardens or trellises filled with lush greenery to add privacy, soften hard surfaces, and create a natural backdrop for your outdoor space. This colorful vertical garden pops against the dark-colored fence. A bench with log storage underneath is a clever idea for storing firewood for the chiminea. A pair of Acapulco chairs add a pop of bright blue to this backyard haven. (via Simon Orchard Garden Design)

9. Backyard Oasis.

Relax in the great outdoors in this backyard patio of a home in Orange County, California. This outdoor space features a BBQ and a bartop with counter stools. The countertop is concrete with a smooth sand finish called ‘Miami Buff, while the beautiful white textured tiles on the side are Weathered White Zellige Tile. The floor tile is Saltillo. (via Pure Salt Interiors)

10. Outdoor Kitchen.

Bring the convenience of indoor cooking outdoors with a fully equipped kitchen complete with a grill, sink, refrigerator, and ample counter space. Patterned tiles define a large dining space. The pergola structure features a mesh sun filter for protection from the elements. A fan helps to keep this outdoor space cool during the warm summer months. (via Pure Builders Inc.)

11. Raised Deck.

In the hills of La Canada Flintridge, California, this welcoming backyard features an elevated cedar deck accessed via large wooden steps. Casual furnishings provide a serene spot to relax while being sheltered from the elements. (via James V Coane & Associates, Architects)

12. Breezy Lounge in the Shade.

A contemporary retreat in Palo Alto, California features this backyard oasis. The pergola is cedar with synthetic shade material. The shade is permanently installed on a track (side to side). It is manually moved from side to side to open it up or add shade. You can see the manual “handle” on the right side of the photo. The flooring is concrete pavers in several different shades of gray, arranged in a herringbone pattern. The pavers are by Stepstone, Inc. The patio dimensions are roughly 10×30. (via Boxleaf Design)

13. Multi-Level Decks.

Maximize space and visual interest with a multi-level deck design that creates separate areas for dining, lounging, and socializing. Large trees provide a nature-filled backdrop to this raised deck in Raleigh, North Carolina. The deck is painted in Sherwin Williams Solid # 3034 Cedar. (via H. Glazer Builder)

14. Urban Rooftop Deck.

A duplex in Paris, France features this rooftop deck with a view. A vine-covered rustic pergola offers shade while lending the feel of living in the countryside. An outdoor dining table is surrounded by raised planters filled with various flowers and shrubs, adding privacy and natural beauty. (via Maéma Architectes)

15. Cozy Covered Lounge.

Outdoor living at its finest in this San Francisco Bay Area home. This incredible patio space can provide year-round outdoor entertaining with the vaulted ceiling, sheltering it from the elements. Stained ceilings, rock mantle, and bluestone flooring complement each other and provide durability in the weather. The stain on the ceiling is Sherwin Williams 125% chestnut in a semi-transparent stain. (via Fautt Homes)

16. Fireplace Gathering Area.

Create a cozy gathering spot with a fireplace surrounded by comfortable seating for enjoying cool evenings with family and friends. A chandelier hanging from the pergola elevates this outdoor living space, adding a touch of elegance. The pergola defines the space while adding shelter, creating a sense of intimacy. (via Tim Barber Architects)

17. Contemporary Deck With A View.

This fully covered deck features comfortable furnishings sourced from Kingsley Bate. An inviting corner fireplace provides warmth while relaxing and soaking in the views. A cable railing is used so as not to block the view of the incredible mountain views of Asheville, North Carolina. The deck railing is a horizontal steel with a wood drink rail towards the top. The flat bar components are metal, finished to match the wood trim on the house. See the rest of this spectacular home tour: Step inside this comfortable hideaway in the mountains of North Carolina. (via Allard + Roberts Interior Design)

18. Outdoor Dining Area.

Design a stylish dining area with a large table, comfortable chairs, and overhead lighting for enjoying meals with family and friends. This wonderful backyard oasis is sheltered by a pergola covered with lush vines. Adding a casual feel to this outdoor space, the ground cover is pea gravel. See the rest of this incredibly beautiful house tour: Rustic French farmhouse with a contemporary twist in California. (via Fergus Garber Architects)

19. Rustic Urban Deck.

Situated next to the swimming pool is this gourmet retreat for backyard entertaining. A cozy pergola lounge area sits next to the pool with a fabulous fire feature for warmth. Conveniently positioned next to the lounge space is an outdoor kitchen, complete with a Delta Heat built-in barbecue, a sink, a TV, and a hi-boy serving bar. (via Betz Pools Limited)

 20. Zen-Like Backyard Retreat.

This Los Angeles, California backyard oasis just off the main bedroom features comfortable furnishings encircling a gas-powered fire pit. The patio offers a sense of intimacy with olive and cypress trees. The ground cover is a permeable river stone aggregate. (via Koffka Phakos Design)

21. Built-In Seating.

A backyard in Richmond, Virginia was transformed for a family with young kids into an outdoor oasis. This curved patio area is the lowest of three levels, terraced into a hillside. This space includes a fire pit, and retaining walls with bench seating to maximize seating options and save space. The landscaping is composed of native plantings. Family nights around the fire pit making s’mores will make for memorable evenings! The patio is defined by small pavers laid in polymeric sand, which is a blend of fine sands and polymers — keeping the weeds at bay. (via Outdoor Dreams)

22. Versatile Seating for Entertaining.

If you are entertaining lots of people, built-in bench seating is a great option for both comfort and storage, keeping outdoor cushions shielded from the elements while remaining easily accessible. Thicker floor cushions provide additional seating options for larger gatherings, and a portable table on casters offers a convenient surface for beverages and snacks. (via Leroy Merlin)

23. Breezy Shade Structure.

An outdoor living area in Newport Beach, California needed to be sheltered from the sun. The Sunbrella shading is stationary and attached to the wood pergola structure with stainless steel hardware. The all-weather wicker sofas are from Restoration Hardware. The pillows and shading were custom-fabricated by Designs by Diana. (via Designs by Dian Window Treatments)

24. Tile Obsession.

The gorgeous black and white patterned concrete tile that defines this outdoor sanctuary of a home in Los Angeles, California is from Arto Brick. This stylish space features comfortable furnishings with plush cushions and pillows and a soothing color scheme. A wood pergola structure and a hanging chandelier provide the finishing touches. (via Blu and White)

25. Sun Sail.

A Brooklyn, New York backyard patio design was created for a young, professional couple who loves to both entertain and relax! This space includes a West Elm outdoor sectional and a round concrete outdoor coffee table. Provide shade and protection from the sun’s rays with colorful shade sails that add a modern touch to your outdoor space. The sun sail is from Love Story Shade. Grounding this space is the West Elm Reflected Diamonds Indoor/Outdoor rug in blue. (via Brooklinteriors)