Top 10 Deck Styles for Tennessee Homes: How to Choose the Perfect Design
When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space in Tennessee, a well-designed deck can transform your backyard into a relaxing retreat. With the region's beautiful scenery and comfortable seasons, choosing the right deck style is essential for maximizing your investment and enjoyment. At Jeff Woods Construction, we've helped homeowners across Crossville and surrounding areas create stunning outdoor spaces tailored to their lifestyle and home architecture.
How to Choose the Right Deck Style for Your Tennessee Home
Before diving into the top deck styles, consider these important factors:
Your home's architecture - Your deck should complement your home's existing style
Available space - Different designs work better for various yard sizes and shapes
Budget considerations - Materials and complexity affect overall cost
Maintenance preferences - Some styles and materials require more upkeep than others
Primary use - Entertainment, relaxation, dining, or multi-purpose needs
Top 10 Deck Styles to Consider for Your Tennessee Home
1. Platform Deck
Perfect for: Level yards, ranch-style homes, budget-conscious homeowners
Platform decks sit close to the ground and offer a straightforward, versatile design. These decks are typically less expensive than elevated options and provide a seamless transition from your indoor space to your yard. In East Tennessee's varied terrain, a platform deck works particularly well for homes with minimal elevation changes.
Pro tip: Consider composite decking materials for platform decks to minimize maintenance and maximize longevity in Tennessee's humid climate.
2. Multi-Level Deck
Perfect for: Sloped yards, split-level homes, larger properties
Multi-level decks feature two or more platforms at different heights, creating distinct zones for various activities. This style is ideal for Crossville's hillier areas where homes often have sloping yards. Each level can serve a unique purpose – perhaps an upper level for dining and a lower level for lounging.
Design idea: Incorporate built-in planters between levels to add greenery and define spaces naturally.
3. Wraparound Deck
Perfect for: Traditional homes, farmhouses, properties with scenic views
Similar to a wraparound porch, these decks extend around two or more sides of your home. This style maximizes outdoor space and offers multiple vantage points to enjoy Tennessee's beautiful landscapes. Wraparound decks are particularly popular in rural areas of Middle Tennessee where homes often have panoramic views.
Enhancement option: Consider adding a covered section to your wraparound deck for shade during Tennessee's hot summer months.
4. Raised Deck
Perfect for: Homes with walkout basements, sloped lots, two-story homes
Raised decks are elevated significantly above ground level, often extending from the main living level of homes built on hillsides. These decks are common in the Cumberland Plateau region where terrain varies significantly. Raised decks offer excellent views but require proper railing systems for safety.
Safety tip: Our aluminum railing systems provide both security and unobstructed views, perfect for elevated deck designs.
5. Screened Deck (or Deck with Motorized Screens)
Perfect for: Families concerned about insects, those wanting three-season usability
A screened deck combines the openness of a traditional deck with protection from Tennessee's notorious mosquitoes and other insects. By adding motorized screens, you can easily convert your deck from open to screened with the push of a button, maximizing usability throughout changing seasons.
Related reading: Learn more about our motorized screen solutions for decks and patios.
6. Pool Deck
Perfect for: Homes with swimming pools, entertainment-focused homeowners
Pool decks surround all or part of your swimming pool, creating a functional and attractive space for lounging and entertaining. In Tennessee's warm climate, pool decks get significant use and require materials that remain cool underfoot and resist water damage.
Material recommendation: Composite decking materials resist water damage, don't splinter, and stay cooler than traditional wood around pool areas.
7. Destination Deck
Perfect for: Large properties, homes with natural features to highlight
A destination deck is built away from the house, often to take advantage of a specific view or natural feature of your property. In East Tennessee's scenic landscape, destination decks can capitalize on mountain views, river frontage, or other natural features.
Design consideration: Since these decks stand alone, consider incorporating built-in seating and perhaps a pergola for shade.
8. Curved Deck
Perfect for: Contemporary homes, homeowners wanting a unique design
Curved decks break away from traditional rectangular designs, offering flowing lines that can better complement landscape features. While more complex to build, these distinctive decks create visual interest and can better utilize irregular spaces in your yard.
Design insight: Curved decks often pair beautifully with circular features like fire pits or hot tubs.
9. Tiered Deck
Perfect for: Entertaining, creating distinct outdoor rooms, sloped properties
While similar to multi-level decks, tiered designs use smaller height differences between sections, creating a "stepped" appearance. Each tier can represent a different outdoor room—perhaps a dining area stepping down to a lounge space and further down to a hot tub area.
Functionality tip: Consider how traffic will flow between tiers when planning furniture placement.
10. Pergola Deck
Perfect for: Sun management, creating architectural interest, defining spaces
A pergola-topped deck provides partial shade while adding vertical design elements to your outdoor space. In Tennessee's sunny climate, pergolas offer welcome relief from direct sunlight while maintaining an open, airy feel. Climbing plants like wisteria can be trained over pergolas for additional shade and beauty.
Enhancement idea: Consider retractable canopies or shade cloths for your pergola to adjust sun exposure throughout the day.
Material Considerations for Tennessee Decks
The right materials can make a significant difference in your deck's appearance, longevity, and maintenance requirements:
Composite Decking: Ideal for Tennessee's humid climate, offering exceptional durability with minimal maintenance
PVC Decking: Completely synthetic option that resists moisture, insects, and UV damage
Pressure-Treated Wood: More affordable option that requires regular maintenance to prevent weather damage
Aluminum Railings: Provide safety while maintaining views and requiring virtually no maintenance
Trust Jeff Woods Construction for Your Tennessee Deck Project
With over 25 years of experience building custom decks throughout East and Middle Tennessee, our team understands how to create outdoor living spaces that withstand Tennessee's weather while complementing your home and lifestyle. From custom deck design to expert installation, we handle every aspect of your project with professionalism and attention to detail.
Ready to enhance your outdoor living space with a custom deck? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can transform your backyard into the retreat you've always wanted.
Areas We Serve
We provide expert deck construction services throughout East and Middle Tennessee, including: Crossville, Cookeville, Fairfield Glade, Knoxville, Kingston, Loudon, Livingston, Sparta, Jamestown, Clarkrange, Montery, Farragut, Rockwood, Crab Orchard, Oak Ridge, Lake Tansi, Harriman.
Call (931) 787-7715 today to schedule your free deck consultation!
