When designing your dream deck, it's easy to focus on the essentials—space, furniture, and maybe a grill. But what if your deck could do more than just provide a place to relax?
Whether you're building a brand-new outdoor space or looking to update your existing one, incorporating built-in features can significantly enhance both functionality and style.
At Custom Built, we understand how important it is to create a deck that complements your lifestyle. We've helped hundreds of homeowners throughout Michigan design spaces that go beyond just looks—they're practical, versatile, and make the most of every square foot. Our team is passionate about helping you design a deck that meets your needs today and in the years to come.
In this article, we’ll walk you through nine built-in deck design ideas you should consider when developing your outdoor living space:
- Built-In Seating
- Recessed or Post Cap Lighting
- Under-Deck Storage
- Outdoor Kitchen or Bar
- Fire Pit or Fireplace
- Privacy Screens or Pergolas
- Built-In Planters
- Hidden Electrical Outlets
- Integrated Entertainment Features
1. Built-In Seating
Built-in seating is an excellent way to maximize space and ensure there’s always a place to sit down. Since it's permanently fixed, you won’t need to worry about the seating blowing away, and it naturally creates a barrier where a railing might not be necessary.
Built-in benches also work well for positioning a table, offering flexibility in how you use your space. You can choose to add cushions or keep the seating simple for a sleek look.
Design Considerations
The primary downside is that built-in seating is a permanent feature. Once installed, you can’t easily change the layout. It also takes up decking space, potentially reducing your available square footage.
However, it helps maximize your outdoor area by eliminating the need for chairs, especially around the perimeter.
2. Recessed or Post Cap Lighting
Recessed or post cap lighting provides ambiance without the harsh glare of floodlights. These lights help your deck feel like a seamless extension of your indoor space, offering a soft glow that’s perfect for evening gatherings.
The lights also look great from both inside your house and across the yard, and their sleek design doesn’t compromise your deck's style.
Design Considerations
To ensure a smooth installation, it’s best to plan for recessed lighting while the deck is being built. Retrofitting lighting after construction can be costly and complicated. You'll need to consider the power source and potential additions, such as exterior outlets, to accommodate the wiring.
With Trex’s 5-year warranty on lighting, it’s an investment that will keep your deck looking great long-term.
3. Under-Deck Storage
PC: Houzz
If you're working with a deck that’s raised off the ground, under-deck storage is a game-changer. It allows you to make use of otherwise wasted space, creating room for seasonal furniture or other outdoor items.
The level of weatherproofing depends on what you’re storing, but there are ways to make sure it stays dry and protected from the elements.
Design Considerations
The accessibility of your under-deck storage depends on how high the deck is from the ground. You’ll also need to decide whether to incorporate doors or keep the space open.
If you’re planning on weatherproofing, it will add extra cost, so it’s important to plan your investment accordingly.
4. Outdoor Kitchen or Bar
An outdoor kitchen or bar turns your deck into a space where cooking and entertaining happen seamlessly. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or simply preparing a meal, an outdoor kitchen allows you to interact with guests while staying engaged in food prep.
It can also extend the amount of time you spend outdoors by eliminating the need to move back and forth between your kitchen and deck.
Design Considerations
Outdoor kitchens can be a significant investment, especially when considering materials and appliances. Masonry work may require structural considerations due to the weight of stone or appliances.
If you’re going for a deck-based kitchen, lightweight materials like Trex deck boards can provide the functionality and durability you need without the added bulk.
5. Fire Pit or Fireplace
Adding a fire pit or fireplace to your deck brings warmth and ambiance, creating a cozy space to gather around during cool evenings. Gas-powered fire features are popular because they’re clean and easy to maintain, and permanent built-in options can serve as striking focal points on your deck.
Design Considerations
When installing a fire pit or fireplace, make sure it’s safe for composite decks. Burning wood or charcoal on a composite deck is risky because embers can damage the surface, leading to costly repairs.
Choose a gas-powered option that’s safe for composite decking and consider the design of your fire feature to ensure it complements your deck’s layout.
6. Privacy Screens or Pergolas
A privacy screen is a perfect solution if you're looking to create a more intimate outdoor living room, shielding your deck from neighbors or blocking unsightly views. Pergolas offer overhead shade and can provide relief from the harsh sun.
Both features help define the boundaries of your deck, enhancing the sense of enclosure and privacy.
Design Considerations
For privacy screens, consider how far off the ground your deck is, as some municipalities may require additional fall protection. A screen that is too tall or improperly anchored could put undue stress on the deck structure.
Pergolas, on the other hand, need to be properly supported with adequate blocking beneath the decking to prevent deflection or damage. It’s worth noting, however, that pergolas can be installed in two ways: connected to your home or freestanding.
7. Built-In Planters
For those with a green thumb, built-in planters offer a convenient and visually appealing solution to add greenery to your deck. These planters integrate seamlessly into your deck design, adding a natural barrier or acting as a substitute for a railing.
With Trex cladding, these planters are designed to match your deck’s material and color for a cohesive look.
Design Considerations
Built-in planters are a permanent fixture, so make sure you’re happy with their placement and design. Ensure they have proper drainage to prevent water buildup that could damage your deck.
Overwatering can also be a concern, so it’s crucial to plan for adequate water flow beneath the planters.
8. Hidden Electrical Outlets
PC: JLC Online
Hidden electrical outlets make it easier to use your deck for a variety of purposes, from plugging in string lights to charging devices or using outdoor appliances. These outlets eliminate the tripping hazards associated with extension cords and add a level of convenience for everyday activities.
Design Considerations
Planning ahead is key when installing hidden outlets. It's easier and more cost-effective to include electrical wiring during the deck's construction rather than retrofitting it afterward.
You’ll also need to determine the location and accessibility of the outlets to ensure they’re practical for your needs.
9. Integrated Entertainment Features
PC: The Spruce
From outdoor TVs to ping pong tables, adding entertainment features to your deck can turn it into an all-in-one entertainment space. A TV or sound system allows you to enjoy sports, movies, or music while spending time outside with friends and family.
Design Considerations
When adding entertainment features, consider the location of your deck and whether you have the proper infrastructure to support things like an outdoor TV or speakers. These features require adequate audio support and may need a sheltered space to prevent weather-related damage.
Electrical planning is also key—running power and wiring after the deck is built can be complicated and costly. Think about outlet placement, wiring for speakers, and whether you need conduit installed to protect cables. Proper planning ensures a clean, professional setup without exposed wires or last-minute adjustments that could disrupt the design.
Next Steps to Building or Remodeling Your Deck
Built-in features like seating, lighting, storage, and outdoor kitchens are powerful tools for transforming your deck into a functional and stylish living space.
These additions not only improve the usability and aesthetic of your deck but also enhance its long-term value. Thoughtful planning ensures your deck is both beautiful and practical.
At Custom Built, we specialize in creating custom deck designs tailored to your needs, ensuring every detail supports your lifestyle.
Ready to start planning your dream deck? Reach out to our team to explore the possibilities and design a space that works for you.
Now that you know more about built-in features to incorporate into your deck design, let’s explore how much lighting and composite decks cost and Trex’s high-quality composite lines:
- How Much Does Deck Lighting Cost in Michigan? - Discover how much Trex and other deck lighting options cost and what affects the estimate.
- How Much Do Composite Decks Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - An overview of how much your Lansing composite deck will cost and the factors that will influence your price.
- Comparing Trex Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance Composite Decking Lines - Explore our thorough comparison of Trex’s most common composite decking options, including cost, colors, and benefits.
