10 Under Deck Patio Ideas You Must See

If you have a second-story deck, you don’t want to waste that outdoor living space or junk it up with gardening implements. Instead, make the most of your under-deck area with an inviting, covered patio, which can double your entertaining space.

With enough headroom, you can add an under-deck drainage system and ceiling system to create a finished, dry space for eating out, hanging with friends, or just relaxing with a good book. A top-quality system, such as Trex RainEscape, can be installed on top of the joists before the deck boards go down. This ensures that moisture never builds up under the deck or within the beams to create rot. This is true whether you have wooden deck boards or composite, as most substructures are made of wood.

Here are 10 deck design ideas that will inspire your next home improvement for your backyard deck.                                                                                           

Best Under Deck Patio Ideas & Inspirations For You

1. Dine out. With a patio dining table and chairs, you can eat al fresco anytime, rain or shine. Go for a bigger makeover and install an outdoor kitchen, grill, or pizza oven, and you’re just steps away from delicious eating.
2. Watch the big game. Your deck provides excellent protection for outdoor television and makes the screen easier to see. Invite friends over day or night for a big-game viewing party. Make it feel like a living room with comfy furnishings.
3. Create a poolside oasis. Whether you need to take a break from the sun or set out a cool picnic spread for guests, the shade under your deck provides a perfect getaway.
4. Store more. With a drainage system in place, you can safely create deck storage. A 2020 survey of homeowners revealed that more storage was a must-have. For a fraction of the cost of adding a garage or building a walk-in pantry, you can use the space beneath your second-level deck for added outdoor storage or beautiful outdoor living space.
5. Play more. Your under-deck space is perfect for a children’s playroom or hideout. Invest in some waterproof storage for toys and include child-sized seating. You’ll never have to encourage your children to play outdoors again.
6. Design your own spa. Enclose your under-deck area as a screened-in porch and install a hot tub for an outdoor oasis you’ll enjoy anytime.
7. Make a book nook. Add a hammock or bed swing under the deck and enjoy your favorite read.
8. Go for a run or a lift. With a protected space, you can create a home gym right outside your door. Add a weight bench or treadmill, but take care to consider humidity for any electric appliances.
9. Curate a craft spot.  Love to create? Make your own maker space with a table, chairs, and storage for sculpting, painting, or anything else you enjoy.
10. Give your pup some space. Beneath the deck is a shady, cool spot for a dog bed, toys, and any other accouterments to make your pup’s life pleasant when he spends time outdoors. Even if you have an existing deck and can’t add a drainage system, you can still create a cool spot for Spot. You just won’t be able to waterproof it.

How Can I Make My Patio Look Nice?

You can elevate your backyard patio space with unique pavers or brick. If you have a slope near your patio, install a retaining wall to limit mud and dirt from seeping onto your floor. Devise a landscape design to make the transition look more natural and beautiful.

A pergola overhead a walkway from the patio makes a lovely entrance point into the garden. Install a fire pit nearby — check local regulations to avoid any safety hazards — and make some s’mores.

If you install an under-deck ceiling system, you may also want to add lighting and ceiling fans. In addition, incorporate recessed lighting into the deck ceiling and around the perimeter of the deck.

What is the Cheapest Patio to Build?

When it comes to building a new patio, you have myriad options—the least expensive patio is low maintenance gravel such as pea gravel. A DIY beginner can install this. The downside is the uneven surface, the difficulty of keeping the gravel from spilling out into the lawn and cleaning out pesky weeds that get in.

The next cheapest material is concrete, and you will likely need to have it professionally installed. You can make basic concrete more interesting by stamping it with various designs and colors. Take caution to slope it properly, as drainage can be a serious issue for a concrete patio. Otherwise, concrete is relatively inexpensive and low-maintenance.

Concrete pavers can be beautiful, and because they are placed individually, they offer good drainage. However, they are usually a little more expensive than poured concrete and can be very heavy to move from one spot to another, especially when moving in bulk.

How Should I Dress My Decking Area?

Furniture is key to dressing your decking area for success. Choose outdoor furniture that’s weatherproof and beautiful. Add cushions and throw pillows to make the space more comfortable. Outdoor rugs are also popular, but make sure they don’t hold in moisture.

Is Decking Cheaper Than Paving?

When comparing the cost of decking and paving with concrete, there are several factors to consider and pros and cons to weigh. In general, decking does cost more but may be worth it when you sell your house. Decks average a 76% return on investment compared to indoor home renovations and the installation of a patio, according to Decks.com.

As you consider all of the options for your deck and patio design, curate the outdoor living space of your dreams. Collect design ideas and make an inspiration board. Then, begin remodeling — and enjoy your under-deck patio.