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Outdoor deck paint color ideas


21 Deck Color Ideas to Brighten Up Your Outdoor Space

Photo: istockphoto.com

Choosing a new color for your deck—whether you paint or stain the existing wood or change the color of the decking boards with a new wood or composite material—can give your yard a refreshing makeover.

Updating your deck’s color can also help extend the useful life of your deck. Paint and stain protects the wood from rot and keeps the finish smooth and clean. Meanwhile, installing composite deck boards means less future maintenance.

Use the deck color ideas below to help you decide on the perfect color to brighten up your outdoor space and give your deck a face-lift.

1. Honey

Photo: istockphoto.com

Honey is one of those warm deck colors that will help bring some cheer to an outdoor space. If you haven’t previously painted your deck, a semitransparent honey stain will still allow the grain of the wood to show through. The result is a protected, updated, and natural look.

2. Driftwood Gray

Photo: Lowes.com

Looking for gray deck paint colors? Consider driftwood gray if you have a beach house or want to make your backyard feel like your own personal beach retreat. This Cabot driftwood gray solid deck resurfacer available at Lowe’s, a featured selection in our guide to the best deck paints, works to fill cracks and smooth the texture of deck boards. It can be an ideal option for breathing new life into an older deck.

3. Black

Photo: Lowes.com

If you want to paint a deck to add contrast against the color of your home or patio furniture, black could be a dramatic color option. With this Cabot solid black acrylic deck stain available at Lowe’s, you can fully cover over the old color on each deck board while also protecting the wood against water, UV rays, and scuff marks.

4. Clear

Photo: Amazon.com

Those looking for the best deck stain that will help preserve the natural look of a wood deck may desire a clear stain like this option from Defy, available at Amazon. Applying the stain over the wood is important to prevent the boards from weathering and cracking, while the clear coat will maintain the wood’s original color and beauty.

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5. Whitewash

Photo: istockphoto.com

You might also want to consider whitewashing a deck to bring out the texture of each board. Unlike solid deck stains, whitewashing doesn’t completely cover over the wood. This means you’ll still be able to see the wood grain and imperfections that make each board unique.

6. Alligator Green

Photo: Homedepot.com

Looking for bold decking paint ideas? Alligator green deck stain like this option from Olympic, available at The Home Depot, can certainly liven up a backyard and offer an interesting contrast to the color of your house, deck furniture, and decor. Just make sure to paint a test board to confirm that you like the way the color looks in your space before covering the entire deck. This will help you avoid making a common deck staining mistake and ending up with a color that doesn’t make you happy.

7. Two-Tone

Photo: Homdepot.com

Deck patterns with borders offer a two-toned look. The contrast between the two colors increases the visual appeal of the deck, but it can also help with sectioning larger decks into different areas for dining, relaxing, or playing games. These Trex Transcend Composite Decking Boards are available in a range of colors to allow you to customize the look and feel of your space.

8. Variegated

Photo: istockphoto.com

Composite decking is easier to maintain and longer lasting than wood. If you’re looking for something that mimics the natural grain of hardwood, consider choosing a variegated composite board. Variegated boards use a mix of different colors and shades to create depth and give the illusion of natural wood.

9. Slate

Photo: istockphoto.com

Slate is a popular modern deck paint color that can elevate the design and appearance of an outdoor space. Pairing this Behr solid slate wood coating available at The Home Depot along with a modern patio furniture set can get your backyard looking fresh and ready for summer entertaining.

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10. Contrasting Inlay

Photo: Homedepot.com

If you’re looking for deck ideas that will add style and personality to your space, consider trying a contrasting inlay. Creating a simple, or more complex, design using two or more Fiberon Concordia Horizon Composite Decking Board colors will allow you to make a unique deck and backyard statement.

11. Barn Red

Photo: Homedepot.co

This Behr textured anti-slip barn red deck color available at The Home Depot can pair nicely with a variety of siding colors and materials. While it can look beautiful when used to cover all of the deck boards, you may also want to consider the clean and elegant look achieved when it is used alongside white deck paint.

12. Colorful Railing

Photo: istockphoto. com

Painting banisters or railings with a colorful paint can enhance the overall appearance of the deck, without getting too wild. Consider selecting a color that will match or coordinate with the trim and/or shutter colors of your house. Or, add a personal touch to the space by using one of your favorite colors.

13. Brownstone

Photo: istockphoto.com

Brownstone accents alongside a lighter color, such as taupe or ivory, can create a classy and attractive outdoor entertaining space. These brownstone TimberTech PVC Decking Boards are made from a synthetic material that resists both moisture damage and rot. The cathedral wood grain helps create the illusion of natural wood.

14. Redwood

Photo: istockphoto.com

The giant redwoods in California are majestic and breathtaking, so bring some of that wonder to your outdoor space with redwood decking boards or a redwood deck stain. This color can complement a variety of homes and surroundings, but it may be especially impactful when surrounded by lots of lush green grass and trees to really bring out the deck’s red tones.

15. Walnut

Photo: Amazon.com

Walnut deck stains offer a mix of dark and light browns. If you’re looking for a warm color to brighten up your backyard, walnut is an optimal choice. This SaverSystems walnut stain available at Amazon also functions as a sealer to protect your deck against water damage. Because it’s a semitransparent stain, the natural grain of the wood will remain visible.

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16. Light Oak

Photo: Amazon.com

Light oak is another deck stain color to consider if you are aiming for a more natural wood look. It is a versatile color that will coordinate with a wide variety of siding and decor options. This Ready Seal semitransparent light oak deck stain and sealer available at That Home Depot is designed for easy application. Maintenance is also simple and straightforward, as no sanding or stripping is necessary when applying additional coats.

17. Colony Blue

Photo: Homedepot. com

The attractive color of Behr’s colony blue deck stain available at The Home Depot is suitable for a range of applications. The blue-gray color could be a fitting choice for a beach or lake house, or it could help to modernize a deck with a chic, upscale feel. This semitransparent colony blue deck stain provides a waterproof, mildew-resistant, and UV-resistant finish.

18. All-Weather White

Photo: Lowes.com

A solid white deck stain is another top option to consider for your outdoor space. White is a neutral color that can look great next to a variety of brick or siding colors. You can also use it as a blank canvas to adorn with patio furniture and other outdoor decor. This Valspar all-weather white stain available at Lowe’s covers up nearly all of the wood grain for those desiring a crisp and polished look for their deck.

19. Classic Taupe

Photo: istockphoto.com

This SaverSystems solid taupe deck stain available at Amazon fully hides the wood grain and offers superior protection against damage from water or the sun. Use it to stain your entire deck, or pair it alongside a darker brown solid deck stain to add contrast and visual intrigue to your space.

20. Mission Brown

Photo: istockphoto.com

Those looking for a deep chocolate brown may find this mission brown color appealing. Use Cabot’s mission brown deck resurfacer available at Lowe’s to fill cracks, prevent splintering, and improve the overall appearance of an old and worn deck. The best deck resurfacers can help revitalize your deck and provide you with multiple years of continued use.

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21. Light Blue

Photo: istockphoto.com

Looking to make your deck stand out? A light blue semitransparent deck stain can help you achieve that goal. The natural wood grain mixed with the nontraditional light blue color can work together to transform your deck into a unique piece of art.

how to choose the color to paint your deck |

(Image credit: Simon Orchard Garden Design)

Deck color ideas might be on your list of decisions to make if you are transforming your backyard. A deck, after all, can be the design's focal point, so to exploit its potential to the maximum, it’s worth considering which color is the best option for you.

Or, perhaps you are improving your existing deck and looking for deck ideas? Its original shade may have deteriorated over time and a deck color revamp may be due. Simply staining or painting your deck a new color might be all you need to transform your outdoor space. 

'You can match a deck to a warm, rich hard and soft landscaping palette, or tone a silvered deck with a planting scheme,’ says Catherine MacDonald, Principal Landscape designer at Landform Consultants . ‘If the decking is adjacent to the house, tonally matching the interior floor color with the decking color can help create a sense of space and bring the outside in.’

Deck color ideas

To get you started, we’ve put together the best deck color ideas to make yours a handsome part of your outdoor landscape.

1. Take a cue from indoors

(Image credit: TimberTech)

'Homeowners are starting to think about the outdoor living space as an extension of their home – bringing trends from the indoors, like multi-width boards and lighter flooring, to the outdoor space,' says Sam Toole CMO at The AZEK Company , a flooring company that produces decking.  

Especially if your deck connects directly to your living space, consider continuing the color of your indoor flooring out onto your deck. 

2. Let the natural beauty shine through

(Image credit: Sam Wadieh)

If your budget for your deck costs allows for a high quality, real-wood decking like cedar, there may be no need to paint or stain it at all. Instead, choose a clear, oil-based wood sealer that will make your decking waterproof without loosing the beauty of the natural wood tone.

This California yard by landscape designer Sarita Jaccard plays up the home's desert-midcentury vibe, and proves that sometimes, natural wood tones makes the best color choice. To settle on the amber colored decking above, Jaccard looked for a material that would offset the deep-gray gravel in the yard.

 

3. Go for a deep espresso

(Image credit: TimberTech)

A dark wood stain straddles the line between traditional and contemporary styles, making it a good choice for those who love a transitional decorating scheme, or are looking to give an older outdoor area an updated feel. Darker wood tones, like the espresso-colored decking above, also feel more sophisticated than paler-toned options. 

4. Encourage weathered decking

(Image credit: Future / David Giles )

While staining and sealing your deck can increase its longevity, you don't technically have to seal your deck to keep it good shape. If you prefer your deck to take on a weathered look or a silvery hue (think wooden Adirondack chairs that get left out year-round or an old dock in the water), then you can simply leave the wood untreated and let nature take it's course. 

This type of weathered, rough hewn decking is a lovely match for cottage garden ideas or coastal properties. 

5. Go for a modern look

(Image credit: Brittany Farinas, House of One / Lifestyle Production Group)

If you live in a contemporary home, be sure to choose a deck color idea that suit the style of the architecture, as well as more modern deck railing ideas. Generally, that means choosing a deck color with gray undertones, like the deck above, or one that's either very pale, or very dark. In between colors like oaks, red wood tones, or medium-browns won't complement a modern home as well. 

(Image credit: Little Greene)

If you want to put the focus on the most colorful elements of a garden – which might be an array of flowers or a permanent feature like this blue-painted wall, or both – opt for a subtle gray color for the deck. 

Make sure you use exterior masonry paint for a garden wall like this one, and opt for blooms on the blue and violet parts of the color wheel if you pick a similar shade in order to create a harmonious effect.

7. Keep deck shades soft

(Image credit: Arterra Landscape Architects)

This courtyard garden in San Francisco by Arterra Landscape Architects features a deck for relaxing on that extends into a path leading down the narrow space. ‘We used cedar and let it naturally gray out for low maintenance,’ says partner Gretchen Whittier.

Some decking woods can take years to gray, so if you want the same gentle colorway to complement a planting scheme, painting the deck is a speedy shortcut to the same look.

8. Create a continuous effect

(Image credit: Ronseal)

If your deck is surrounded by fencing or deck planting, choose a color you can use to paint both it and the fence for an area that really does say ‘outdoor room’. 

Select a shade that will reflect the light and recede from the eye for painting what are the walls and the floor of an exterior room to keep it bright and open. They’ll also reflect candlelight for a deck that’s atmospheric after dusk.

This trick is particularly useful at enhancing space – perfect if you are looking for small garden decking ideas.

9. Take your cue from nature

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

In this backyard, the deck has been designed around the beautiful trees that bring shade at the water’s edge, and the dark deck color echoes the shade of the bark. It’s a strategy that harmonizes the natural and the built parts of the garden so they look as if they’re meant to be together.

You’ll want to choose a deck paint that promises to be slip resistant to renovate or transform a deck in any case, but it’s a particularly important attribute for a deck beside a pool.

10. Team with pavers

(Image credit: Kate Eyre Garden Design)

Decking may be just one of the hard surfaces underfoot within a garden scheme, and choosing the right deck color can ensure each works happily alongside the other. In this London garden by Kate Eyre Garden Design the curvilinear design which makes the long thin garden feel wider features porcelain pavers and pebbled areas, too.

‘I love the neutral tones in a garden as it feels more natural whilst still looking chic,’ says Kate. ‘Personally in our design team, we love the contrast of the porcelain against the decking in terms of textures and color.’

11. Match outdoors with in

(Image credit: Future / Anna Stathaki)

For a deck beyond sliding or bi-fold doors that can open the interior right up to the backyard whenever the weather is good enough, try a deck paint that matches the color of interior flooring. It will make the two different surfaces appear as one, blurring the division between indoors and out for space-stretching effect.

Laying interior floor boards and exterior deck boards in the same orientation if you’re putting them in new is also a tactic worth adopting to further blur the distinction between the two areas.

12. Make planting pop with a dark deck colors

(Image credit: Future / Paul Whicheloe)

Just like inside your home, a dark backdrop can make the accent shades you choose for a garden scheme pop. Inside, it’s walls you’d paint to achieve this effect, but outside, paint the deck in a slate, charcoal, or deep color tone to set off lounger upholstery, floor cushions, or contemporary furniture in brilliant shades.

Combined with an outdoor kitchen in gray, this dark statement deck has fabulous modern credentials.

13. Contrast the deck color with the house

(Image credit: Future / Adam Wallis)

Consider deck paint that will contrast with the exterior of your home – particularly for a small deck. It will help define the exterior seating area. Black and white is a classic combination, but you could get a similar look with any dark and light pairing. Follow the lead of this home with furniture that continues the home’s color and containers that repeat that of the deck boards to pull the look together. 

14. Tone with pebbled areas

(Image credit: Future / Douglas Gibb)

If your deck boards or squares are laid next to pebbles or gravel, opt for deck paint color in a tonal shade. The different textures of the materials will provide plenty of interest underfoot, so you needn’t be concerned that the effect will be bland. 

In this garden deck boards, deck squares and pebbles in bleached tones are a soft contrast to the vibrant green of foliage plants grown amongst them.

15. Harmonize decking with furniture colors

(Image credit: John Lewis)

You could take a similar tack as above, but painting the deck to co-ordinate its color with garden furniture or deck railing ideas instead. Here, the palette is neutral for a calming ambience with pale wood furniture plus a light finish for the deck. 

Woven dining chairs provide textural contrast to the smoother timber of the dining set and deck, so the monochromatic scheme isn’t flat. Follow this design’s lead by finishing a dining or seating area with cushions in linen and a faux fur throw to boost the tactility of the space.

16. Repeat a door color

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

Here’s another tactic for linking the deck with the house for coherent style. Paint the deck in a color that repeats that of exterior door frames. In this backyard it’s the rich shade of the double doors that lead from the interior to the garden, but with a fabulous range of different deck paint colors on offer, it’s also easy to match door or window frames in blues, greens, grays and more.

(Image credit: Sadolin)

If you want to give a rustic backyard a modern edge, paint your deck black. The shade will look striking alongside softer hues that you might more typically find in a country plot such as creams, greens and blues. A color like this one needs to be kept perfectly crisp so bank on repainting your deck more frequently than you might with other paint shades to maintain it.

18. Take a contemporary approach

(Image credit: Simon Orchard Garden Design)

If you want to create a contemporary scheme, gray could prove the best color for a deck. ‘If the house windows or bi-fold doors are anthracite gray using gray for the decking helps to tie the whole scheme together and unify garden and house,’ says Simon Orchard of Simon Orchard Garden Design , who created this sophisticated garden.

‘In this garden, the decking color is echoed in the seats, firepit and metal frame around the decorative laser-cut screens,’ he explains. ‘The simplicity of this pared-down color palette is very effective in creating a calming space and the dark gray creates a fantastic foil for the more colourful planting. ’

What is the best color for a deck?

The best color for a deck is one that fits your garden’s style – be that contemporary or more classic – works with the rest of its hardscaping, as well as the planting, and is sympathetic to the house, too. But that actually gives you a wide choice, which can feel a bit overwhelming. 

If that’s the case check out our ‘How do I pick a deck color?’ section, below, for ways to approach the dilemma.

How do I pick a deck color?

You can pick a deck color in a variety of ways. ‘We’re taking more of our cues from the natural world, so choosing a color that reflects the style and tones in your garden is a great starting point,’ says Jimmy Englezos, Ronseal Decking Expert and Senior Product Manager.

‘Consider a shade that matches border or other plants – or co-ordinates with garden furniture, fences or sheds.

‘Bold shades are everywhere this year, and choosing rich or darker shades will provide a great showcase for green foliage and complement flowers and shrubs, providing an outdoor oasis feel.

‘If your space is smaller, opt for a lighter or even a white color scheme, used across decking, sheds, furniture, walls and even planters to make the most of the room and create a fresh, stand-out, summer look.’

Should house and deck be the same color?

A house and deck can be the same color, but they don’t have to be. ‘If you're after a matching look, the exterior of your house should ideally have some timber elements in order for the decking to look like a cohesive part of your home,’ says Matthew Brown, Sadolin Technical Consultant. ‘These features could be as large as timber cladding or as subtle as a few exposed beams, a wooden porch or a wooden balcony. The tone of wood of these outdoor elements will help guide your choice of paint or stain when treating your decking.’

But a deck can be a different color to the house. ‘Let the elements surrounding the decking influence the choice of color you make,’ suggests Matthew. ‘For example, a mostly green area might inspire you to choose a natural palette of greens and muted browns. ’

Or, if the deck connects directly with the house, other elements could be the starting point. ‘Why not choose the same color used for the front door or the window frames or, alternatively, opt for a color that’s similar to the shade of your house exterior,’ says Matthew.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator.  

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Instruction video: #140. Tulle mesh with embroidery for classic and modern interior styles. Veil with embroidery. nine0029

Patio tile ideas to spice up your outdoor space

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Patio tile ideas are fun, practical and standout ways to add personality to your outdoor space. While we love plants and flowers, outdoor furniture and lush lawns, let's face it, these are our patios where we spend most of our time when we're in the garden, so floor tiles are a great place to invest.

In the same vein as deck ideas, outdoor tile ideas can really set the tone for your garden. As with any decorating mission, you should always start with how you want your space to feel. Looking to energize and energize for a summer barbecue? Choose a bold and lively "look at me" pattern. Want to feel zen while soaking up the rays? Then choose a softer, nature-inspired finish. nine0031

Before buying, be sure to check the material and special qualities of the tile to make sure it is suitable for your space.

1. Decorate patio walls with patterned tiles

“Tiles aren't just for floors. You can use tile to make a statement by tiling additional surfaces, such as a fence or a wall next to your patio,” says Grace Baena, Kaiyo Interior Curator .

If your outdoor space is an extension of your indoor living room, decorate it as you would any other room in your home, including the walls. To make your outdoor living room feel as welcoming as your indoor living room, decorate your walls with patterned tiles. Specialized outdoor wall tiles like this one are a great way to turn an ugly border wall into a spectacular feature. nine0031

2. Use geometric floor tiles to zone the space

In such a narrow galley garden, zoning is essential so that every inch of space has a clear purpose and is therefore used. Gravel is a great option for protection and drainage, but it's not the most convenient choice for placing a patio dining table.

So, build a special stage with large patterned tiles to mimic the visual effects of an outdoor carpet and make al fresco dining a little more comfortable. nine0031

3. Match the walls and floor of your patio for a dramatic and whimsical look.

If you're trying to be bold with your decor, your garden is a great place to start. Choosing the right patio tiles for your walls and floor is an easy way to create a thoughtful and finished look with minimal effort.

Be sure to use special floor tiles as they are thicker than wall tiles and have the necessary anti-slip and drainage properties. nine0031

“When it comes to slip resistance, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the tile has a good grip. You can test this by doing a simple water drop test - just run your hand over the surface to see how slippery it is. Texture should also be considered. A rougher surface will provide more grip than a smoother one,” says David Mason, interior designer and owner of The Knobs Company . nine0031

This striking geometric space is ideal for al fresco cocktail parties.

4. Choose country-style vibes with stone-look tiles

For a traditional style garden that evokes all the rugged and exuberant beauty of a country home, choose rustic patio tiles that are uneven in shape and color. These stone tiles set the tone for a laid-back, whimsical and tranquil retreat—no harsh corners or sharp edges in sight. nine0031

“Natural stone tiles such as granite, slate, limestone and travertine are a popular choice for outdoor patios because they are attractive and durable. Granite is the hardest stone tile, very durable and resistant to adverse environmental influences,” says Aaron Lebowski, interior designer and consultant for Juliei Salone. (opens in a new tab)

Learning how to lay outdoor tiles can save you a fortune in labor costs in the long run. nine0031

5. DIY with an eye-catching stencil design

If your patio tile is in good condition but looking a little dull, save yourself a small fortune by keeping the tile you have and giving it a look. This beautiful patio by @saba_wilson (Opens in a new tab) was created using stencils from Dizzy Duck Designs (Opens in a new tab).

If you think your hand isn't strong enough to paint tiles, think again. You simply stick the stencil, paint with the chosen shade with a brush or small roller, peel off the stencil and repeat. nine0031

6. Blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor with the right flooring

We all love to have that in-demand seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and one of the key ways to blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces is to choose flooring in same style for both. If your floor levels are the same, this nifty garden idea creates the feeling of one large, open and airy living room that will surely beckon you to spend more time outdoors. nine0031

Many companies offer the same tile for both indoor and outdoor use for this very purpose - keep in mind that outdoor tiles are thicker so you may need to adjust the floor height for a perfectly seamless finish.

“You have to use your tiles to balance the light exposure. If your patio is located in a bright, sunny, south-facing location, try choosing darker tiles so they don't shine and get in the way of your eyes when you're outside,” says Sarah Jameson, director of marketing at Green building elements (opens in a new tab).

7. Play with patchwork

Patchwork patterns are a great way to add color and bring a fun and whimsical vibe to your space. This whimsical design is the perfect addition to a modern home or outbuilding, and the simple color palette allows the yellow outdoor dining chairs to stand out loud and proud.

8. Focus on practicality with interlaced deck tiles

For those of you who just want a clean, tidy, simple and affordable patio solution, these Interlocking Terrace Tiles from Wayfair (Opens in a new tab) are just what you need. For only $4.73 per sq. foot they are a real bargain and installation couldn't be easier - you literally snap them at home and put them in place.

Non-slip, weather-resistant and easy to care for, they are a practical choice you won't regret. nine0031

9. Expand your space with large format tiles

If your patio is small, using large format tiles is an easy way to trick the eye into believing the space is larger than it actually is. Fewer grout lines means fewer visual divisions on the floor, so the space appears less broken and therefore larger.

Lay the tile horizontally along the shortest width of your space to make sure you are stretching the space in the correct direction. nine0031

10. Get creative with this fun terrazzo pattern

If you're an artist at heart, let your creativity flow on your patio tiles. Our Senior Art Editor Emily Smith did just that on her own patio tile, and the result is pretty impressive if we're talking about it ourselves. She painted them all white and then used a brush to paint the terrazzo effect in pinks, blues and yellows.

Especially with pale, delicate tiles like this one, it's worth investing in the best patio cleaner to keep it looking good during the warmer months. nine0031

Can tiles be laid on outdoor concrete?

Yes, outdoor concrete can be tiled and will completely change the look of your patio for the better. It's also a much easier and faster solution than digging out all the concrete.

First clean the concrete slab thoroughly. Then place a waterproof membrane from Home Depot on top of the slabs (opens in a new tab). Apply tile adhesive to both the concrete slab and the back of the tile and grout as usual. nine0031

Which tiles are best for a terrace?

The most important factor when choosing patio tiles is that you choose ones that are specifically designed for outdoor use.

Learn more