The Best Deck Styles for Every Part of the Country

Written By: Decks Team

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American architecture is as diverse as the landscapes across the nation. A Victorian-style home in Savannah, Georgia, will look entirely different than a 20th-century bungalow in Tacoma, Washington — even if the fundamental aspects of structure and building code are the same. 

Properties across the country vary not only in curb appeal but also in backyard usage — deck styles in each U.S. region are unique, providing builders the freedom to embrace the environmental and cultural individuality of their homes.

New deck builders can find inspiration in the landscapes around them, the climate of their region, and the similar aesthetics of their neighbors. Explore the following regional deck styles to find the design that speaks to your outdoor space.

What Regional Factors Affect Deck Style and Shape?

Regional architectural styles are a direct reflection of the worlds around them. Local factors directly contribute to how deck styles and shapes come together, with influences ranging from scientific to artistic.

• Climate — Temperature extremes, fluctuations, and changes in precipitation can alter the design selections for a deck. For instance, dry areas with little moisture like a desert would inspire the use of heat-resistant materials, lighter colors, and maybe even more water fixtures for a cooling effect.
• Environment and landscape — Important factors like terrain, soil consistency, or elevation contribute to the deck styles of each region. For example, coastal towns could have multi-story decks to provide overlooks of beaches.
• Culture — Local culture can influence different styles of decks in that area. Consider the chic design of the southern West Coast, which might incorporate European-style decks with lighter material colors (like Carmel or Rainier found in the Trex Transcend® Lineage™ composite decking line) that reflect their natural surroundings.
• Material availability and preference — Different parts of the country have easier access to certain materials and therefore use them more frequently in their deck designs. Woodsy, northern areas, for example, might employ a log-cabin aesthetic.

Deck Style Ideas for Every Part of the Country

Wherever you are in the country, your city of residence probably has its own regional deck style that you can use as a jumping-off point. Take notes from these eye-catching exteriors across the U.S. for your future deck build.

Enjoying Breezy Northeastern Nights

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The Northeastern style of deck should create warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer to embrace a mix of seasons. Made with muted materials, these different types of decks can be both spacious and minimalist in design.

Key Features of a Northeastern Deck: Raised/multi-story elevation, soft gray deck boards, white trimming, grilling area

Gazing Upon the Gulf Coast

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Designed for embracing warm weather, sun, and views of the sea, Gulf Coast decks often reflect a breezier lifestyle and environment with pale brown and white colors. Features like pergola coverings offer a mix of sun and shade above a sprinkling of Adirondack chairs and chaise lounges.

Key Features of a Gulf Coast Deck: Light natural wood colors, partially covered decks, composite lounge furniture

Building a Midwestern Masterpiece

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A perfect balance of outdoors and indoors, of open air and coziness, the Midwestern deck style is a classic extension to a suburban home. Providing a breezy hangout for warm-weather days and a toasty place to gather for the fall, this deck style almost feels like another room in the house — albeit without the windows, of course.

Key Features of a Midwestern Deck: Brick accents, outdoor fireplace, cozy/padded wicker furniture

Savoring the Southwestern Sunshine

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In the sun-drenched desert with its intense heat, the Southwestern deck style transforms the harsh surroundings into a quiet, comfortable oasis. Nailing this region's aesthetic is all about embracing stark contrasts in material — going from composite decking to stone to grass effortlessly.

Key Features of a Southwestern Deck: Stone patio attachment, succulent fixtures, water feature, low elevation deck

Embracing the West Coast Style

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Taking coastal style to even more elegant heights, the West Coast look is all about unobstructed views of the Pacific. A minimalist aesthetic, these decks focus solely on the task of providing a picturesque hangout in an already serene environment, rarely adding too much extravagance.

Key Features of a West Coast Deck: Muted brown or white colors, modern railings with glass paneling and fixtures, attached pool

Overlooking the Mountains in the Pacific Northwest

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In the woodsy mountains of the Pacific Northwest, deck styles blend in with the appeal of the great outdoors. Spacious, covered decks create an immersive cabin-like atmosphere that takes full advantage of the surrounding verdant environment.

Key Features of a Pacific Northwest Deck: Wraparound deck, dark oak or woodsy coloring, attached fireplace with overhang, outdoor kitchen

Putting Regional Inspiration into Practice

Whether you want to recreate the precise deck style of your region or try a mix of a few different looks, bringing your inspiration to life is only possible with the right plan and partners. Start with some handy tools from Decks.com, like our deck designer, or choose your ideal partner contractor with our Find a Builder tool.

For more ideas on how to incorporate the features you found in this article, check out these tips for designing a deck.