If your deck is more than ten years old, chances are it's time for either a makeover, or a complete deck renovation. Bringing your deck up to date not only gives your home a style boost and increases your home value, it ensures you have a safe, durable deck for the next twenty to fifty years. A deck makeover could be as simple as replacing old wood decking and railings with updated PVC or composite decking, or you might dream up a brand new design with a bigger deck size, built-in seating, or an outdoor kitchen. The possibilities are limitless! Read on to learn about what's trending in deck design for 2025.
The Most Popular Type of Decking for Your Remodel in 2025
TimberTech Legacy Collection composite decking in Ashwood with accents of EspressoWhether you hire a professional contractor or love a DIY deck project, the new materials and design you choose are an important part of the remodeling process. The most popular decking material today is engineered wood decking made from either PVC or a composite material. Both materials are more eco-friendly than wood, and they stand up to the weather without warping, splitting, or rotting. Your color preference, design, and budget will be the driving factors in which material is right for you.
PVC Decking
TimberTech Advanced PVC Deck in Weathered Teak, Dark Hickory, and Coastline from the Vintage Collection
PVC decking is low maintenance, mold-resistant, and insect-proof. Here at Ring's End, our top choice for PVC decking is Timbertech Advanced PVC. Their capped PVC decking has a hard plastic shell for extra protection from UV damage, scratching, and fading. Timbertech PVC Decking has an impressive lifespan of up to 50 years, and the only required maintenance is seasonal cleaning.
Because the polymers in PVC deck boards are available in a wide range of colors, this decking line offers the most realistic wood looks. It can also be bent into curves to create unique deck designs.
Composite Decking
TimberTech Composite Deck in Tigerwood, from the Legacy CollectionComposite decking is a combination of wood fibers and recycled plastic that’s extruded to create durable deck boards. High-quality composite decking from Timbertech is encased in a synthetic polymer cap for extra protection from moisture. Composite deck boards do not expand and contract easily with temperature changes; the material is insect-proof and it resists warping.
While composite decking doesn’t replicate real wood exactly, it offers attractive, slip-resistant wood-grain textures and an extensive selection of decking colors. It has a lifespan of 25-30 years and maintenance is easy, with cleaning a few times a year.
Once you’ve decided on the best option for your materials, you can focus on the fun part — your new deck makeover! Here are the top deck design ideas trending this year:
Multi-Zone Outdoor Living Spaces
Upgrading your deck to incorporate different activities is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. Homeowners are adding square footage to older decks to create spaces for dining, cooking, sunbathing, or even a hot tub. A multi-level deck design helps to delineate the different zones, and makes full use of sloping terrain that may be difficult to build on. This beautiful deck uses different levels and border colors to add visual interest:
TimberTech Advanced PVC Deck Color: Whitewash Cedar; Railing: Classic Composite Series - Drink RailUsing two different colors of deck boards provides bold contrast. These circular spaces with borders created different seating areas:
TimberTech Advanced PVC in Coastline with Island Oak inlay
A wrap-around deck designed with Timbertech Advanced PVC decking uses a pergola to create a distinctive seating zone at one end:
TimberTech Advanced PVC decking in Coastline
A curved addition to this deck allowed the homeowner to add a show-stopping half-circle bench and a built-in firepit:
TimberTech Advanced PVC Deck in Weathered Teak, Dark Hickory, and Coastline from the Vintage Collection
A privacy wall helps to visually anchor this deck from the opposite end of the pool, and it creates privacy for sunbathing:
Privacy wall made from Timbertech Advanced PVC deckingThis outdoor living space has all the comforts of indoors, thanks to a sleek fireplace that makes it a year-round space. The seating area is outlined by a dark border to create a unique living zone.
TimberTech Composite Deck in Ashwood and Espresso, from the Legacy CollectionThis home renovation included adding a roof over this deck with architectural details that match the home, making it feel more like an extension of the indoors.
Modern Deck Railing Designs
Today’s deck makeovers usually include rethinking the deck railing completely. Most decks require railings for safety. However, decks that are low to the ground may not need railings or handrails - be sure to check your local building codes. When railings are required, many homeowners are moving away from traditional styles and choosing an open look for better views.
One of the most popular new deck design ideas is adding a drink rail - which is a wide, flat top rail that acts as a ledge for drinks and snacks. It’s an affordable upgrade that’s perfect for entertaining.
Replacing old wood balusters with horizontal steel cables provides an instant update to any deck. When paired with wide deck stairs, cable railing creates a chic mid-century modern vibe:
On a small deck, the railing design is the difference between cramped and comfortable. The light effect of cable railings makes even a tiny seating area feel open and airy:
This deck combines traditional white posts and top rails with clear glass panels for a clear view of the wooded backyard:
Expansive Deck Stairs
Replacing deck stairs is a common home improvement project, and it’s an opportunity for an easy deck design update. Instead of rebuilding the same narrow stairs, make them as wide as possible. Wider stairs are a welcoming transition between the outdoor deck and yard. Plus, they expand the view because railings are not required.
TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection in Weathered Teak
This deck designer used raised platforms and two-tone deck inlays to create different areas. The stairs eliminate the need for railings and provide open views of the landscape:
Stylish Deck Skirting
Skirting is installed along the sides of a deck to hide what’s underneath. Typically, older decks have wood trellis, which provides ventilation but can be hard to maintain. For an updated deck design, enclose the area with a skirting of deck boards. A solid base anchors the deck visually to the house and landscape so it appears more permanent. On this low deck, enclosing the skirting with matching deck boards creates a clean, modern look:
TimberTech Advanced PVC by AZEK in English Walnut with cable deck railing Integrated Deck Lighting
If your old deck is still lit by floodlights, it’s time to consider upgrading to integrated deck lighting. In addition to creating ambiance in the evening, deck lighting is important for safety, especially on the stairs. Use integrated light fixtures to create soft pools of light around post tops, on stairs, and along the rails.
Post caps can be used to house lighting for a soft glow in the evening:
Timbertech Composite deck rail with post cap lighting
Even the simplest deck design can achieve an upscale look with minimal lighting. Stair riser lights add a soft glow to the landscape while making steps safer at night:
TimberTech Composite Legacy Collection in Tigerwood
Multi-level deck and pool deck in TimberTech Legacy Collection in PecanOutdoor Kitchens
While grilling out on the deck has always been popular, the idea of a built-in kitchen on the deck is rather new. Outdoor kitchens add a whole new level of functionality, and often include a refrigerator, working sink, and stovetop in addition to the grill. With an outdoor kitchen, dining and seating areas, a modern deck can provide a true outdoor living space.
This multi-level deck offers a full kitchen with an adjoining dining bar. To make it weather-resistant, the homeowners chose stone facing and Timbertech composite decking:
Ready-made outdoor kitchen setups are more affordable, and an easy DIY project. One end of this deck was extended to add a kitchen to the grilling area:
If your deck doesn’t have space for an outdoor kitchen, there are creative ways to make cooking easier. This clever design added bar seating below the pass-through kitchen window:
Experience the Latest Decking Options for the Ultimate Remodel
Here at Ring’s End, we offer an unparalleled selection of building materials both in-store and online. We’re proud to offer TimberTech products, because we know that homeowners have confidence in their 25-50 year product warranty. For more detailed information on TimberTech’s composite decking options, check out our product guide.
With thoughtful attention to color and some expert help, your new deck will be a stunning addition for all to enjoy. Visit a Ring’s End store near you for free color samples, and professional help with planning, pricing and delivery.