9 Types of Decks & How to Pick One for Your Home

There are a lot of reasons to add a deck. It’s a place to entertain guests, a spot for kids to play outside, and one of the few home improvements that tends to pay you back. National data from Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value report shows wood deck additions typically recoup close to what homeowners spend on them at resale. So the real cost of a deck isn’t the deck itself, it’s picking the wrong type for your house and lot.

The Most Popular Types of Custom Decks

There are a lot of different options in deck design. Which one you choose depends on your home and what will be the best fit for your lifestyle.

A Wraparound Deck

As its name suggests, a wraparound deck is a deck that wraps around multiple sides of your home. It’s similar to a wraparound porch, except that it begins in the back of your house and can vary in size. You’re not limited to just one width. Plus, parts of a wraparound deck can function as an extension of an interior room with entertainment options like TVs or kitchens.

An Attached Deck

An attached deck, located at the back of the house, is a good place to extend the living space of the house into the outdoors. It’s like a patio but is made out of either wood or wood composite. This type of deck is also usually raised off the ground and will often have a cover to keep out weather.

A Multi-Level Deck

If your property changes elevation, then a multi-level, or multi-tier deck may be the answer for you. A multi-level deck, most often a back deck, has different areas at different elevations, with stairs connecting the different sections. Multi-level decks can also connect multiple levels of a home if you want access to the deck from different stories of the house.

A Detached Deck

Not all decks need to be attached to the house. You can instead build a detached deck, which acts as an island within the sea of your backyard. It can be placed anywhere so that it’s in the best possible position. If you’re building a detached deck, it can be a good idea to place it over undesirable terrain in your yard, such as a rocky area or an area that doesn’t drain well.

A Side Deck

Most decks are located in the backyard. Many people may not think to put a deck in their side yard, but it can be a nice way to create a private space for a bedroom or another room located at that part of the house. A side deck can also create a secluded, private garden area that you can use for entertaining or relaxation.

An Entrance Deck

An entrance deck takes the place of a front porch. It leads up to the front entryway to a house, like a front porch, but it isn’t covered. An entryway deck can range from connected platforms leading to the front door to an entire outdoor room situated in the entryway.

A Swimming Pool Deck

If you already have or are planning to build a swimming pool in your backyard, you’ll want a deck to connect the pool and the house. Ideally this deck should be made of composite decking materials and not wood because of the risk of splinters on bare feet.

A Rooftop Deck

If your home has a flat roof, then why not make use of that space? Create a rooftop deck for an extra entertainment space. The higher elevation usually offers better breezes, plus a rooftop deck is often more private. Depending on where you live, there may be excellent views available.

An Over-Garage Deck

Depending on your home’s engineering, you may be able to put a deck over your garage. Similar to a rooftop deck, the elevation can offer breezes and views for those sitting out on a deck over the garage.

Determining What Type of Deck Is Right for You?

The right deck depends on your house, your lot, and how you actually plan to use the space. If your backyard has elevation changes, and a lot of yards around Knoxville and the surrounding foothill communities do, a multi-level deck usually makes more sense than fighting the slope with a single flat platform. An underused side yard can become a private spot for morning coffee or a quiet reading area. And how you use the space matters just as much as the shape of your lot: a deck built for outdoor dining looks different from one built around a pool or hot tub.

Material matters too. Most decks are built from wood or composite, but some situations narrow that choice. A pool deck, for example, is a poor candidate for bare wood, since it stays wet more often and creates a real slipping and splinter risk. Composite holds up better in that kind of moisture, which is part of why it’s become the more common choice for decks near water or heavy shade.