A custom deck is one of the best investments you can make in your East Tennessee home. It expands your living space, improves your property’s curb appeal, and gives you a place to enjoy Tennessee’s beautiful outdoor environment throughout most of the year.
But with so many deck styles available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. At Jeff Woods Construction & Roofing, we build custom decks throughout Crossville, Cookeville, Knoxville, and the surrounding Upper Cumberland communities. We know which styles work best for Tennessee’s varied terrain — and which ones fit different lifestyles and budgets.
This guide covers the top 10 deck styles, their pros and cons, design tips, and exactly how to choose the right option for your specific property.
Every great deck starts with the right questions. Before reviewing the styles below, think through these five factors for your property.
Perfect for: Level yards, ranch-style homes, budget-conscious homeowners
The platform deck is the most common deck style in Tennessee. It is a single-level platform built just a few inches to a few feet off the ground.
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Pro tip: Consider composite decking materials for platform decks. Composite resists Tennessee’s humidity without the regular staining and sealing that wood requires — maximizing longevity with minimal maintenance.
Ideal for: Homeowners in Crossville and the Upper Cumberland looking for a budget-friendly, functional outdoor space.
Perfect for: Sloped yards, split-level homes, larger properties
Multi-level decks feature two or more platforms at different heights connected by stairs. This style is especially popular across East Tennessee’s hilly landscapes.
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Design idea: Incorporate built-in planters between levels to add greenery and define spaces naturally — a popular detail on Cumberland Plateau properties.
Ideal for: Homes with sloped yards in areas like Fairfield Glade, Knoxville, and the Cumberland Plateau where tiered outdoor living zones make the most of the terrain.
Perfect for: Traditional homes, farmhouses, properties with scenic views
Wraparound decks extend around two or more sides of your home. They create a continuous outdoor path and maximize total usable outdoor space.
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Enhancement option: Add a covered section to your wraparound deck for shade during Tennessee’s hot summer months — especially valuable on south and west-facing sides.
Ideal for: Larger homes in rural areas of Sparta, Jamestown, or Livingston where panoramic views and multiple entertainment zones are a priority.
Perfect for: Homes with walkout basements, sloped lots, two-story homes
Raised decks are built for homes with elevated first floors or on sloped terrain. They sit several feet above ground and always require railings and stairs. The International Residential Code requires guardrails on any deck more than 30 inches above grade.
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Safety tip: Aluminum railing systems provide both security and unobstructed views — the ideal choice for elevated deck designs on Tennessee’s hillside properties.
Ideal for: Properties with hillside views in Loudon, Kingston, or the Cumberland Plateau where maximizing views and outdoor experience is the primary goal.
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 mosquitoes and other insects. Motorized screens let you convert your deck from open to screened with the push of a button.
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Ideal for: Tennessee families who want maximum outdoor enjoyment without giving up comfort — especially in the Upper Cumberland’s active mosquito season.
Perfect for: Year-round use, families in Tennessee’s variable climate
A covered deck includes a full roof structure. It provides protection from both sun and rain — extending usable outdoor time across Tennessee’s full seasonal range.
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Ideal for: Families in Crossville, Cookeville, or Knoxville who want year-round outdoor use and are considering motorized screen installations for added weather protection.
Perfect for: Large properties, homes with natural features to highlight
A destination deck is built away from the house as a standalone structure in your yard or garden. It creates a retreat within your own property.
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Design consideration: Since destination decks stand alone, incorporate built-in seating and a pergola for shade. In East Tennessee’s scenic landscape, these decks can capitalize on mountain views, river frontage, or wooded settings.
Ideal for: Larger properties in Clarkrange or rural Cumberland County where homeowners want a special gathering space that takes advantage of natural landscape features.
Perfect for: Contemporary homes, irregular yards, homeowners wanting a unique design
Curved decks break away from traditional rectangular shapes. Their flowing lines complement landscape features and can better utilize irregular yard spaces.
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Design insight: Curved decks often pair beautifully with circular features like fire pits or hot tubs — creating a cohesive outdoor living design around a central gathering point.
Ideal for: Contemporary homes throughout East and Middle Tennessee where distinctive design and landscape integration are priorities.
Perfect for: Entertaining, creating distinct outdoor rooms, sloped properties
Tiered decks use smaller height differences between levels than multi-level decks — creating a stepped appearance that defines distinct outdoor zones without dramatic elevation changes.
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Functionality tip: Plan furniture placement and traffic flow between tiers carefully during the design phase. A dining area stepping down to a lounge space stepping further down to a hot tub area is a popular Tennessee tiered deck configuration.
Ideal for: Tennessee homeowners who want to create multiple outdoor rooms on a single property without dramatic multi-level elevation changes.
Perfect for: Sun management, creating architectural interest, defining outdoor spaces
A pergola-topped deck provides partial shade while adding vertical design elements. In Tennessee’s sunny climate, pergolas offer welcome relief from direct sunlight while maintaining an open, airy feel.
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Enhancement idea: Add retractable canopies or shade cloths to adjust sun exposure throughout the day. Climbing plants like wisteria can also be trained over pergolas for natural shade and seasonal beauty.
Ideal for: Homeowners who want partial shade without full roof coverage, or those looking to define a specific outdoor dining or seating area.
The right material is as important as the right style. Tennessee’s humidity and seasonal weather make material selection especially consequential.
Composite Decking
PVC Decking
Pressure-Treated Wood
Aluminum Railings
Your terrain is the first factor to evaluate. Tennessee’s varied landscape creates both challenges and opportunities.
Your deck should complement your home — not compete with it.
Your primary usage goals should drive your style selection.
Tennessee’s humidity makes composite materials especially cost-effective over time — lower maintenance costs offset the higher upfront investment within just a few years.
Platform decks and multi-level decks are the most commonly built styles across our Tennessee service area. Platform decks are the most budget-friendly and versatile. Multi-level decks are the most popular choice for Tennessee’s hilly terrain — particularly in areas like Fairfield Glade, Knoxville, and the Cumberland Plateau where slopes make tiered designs the most practical option.
Quality composite decking products typically last 25 to 30 years in Tennessee’s climate. Tennessee’s humidity makes composite materials particularly cost-effective over time because they resist moisture damage without the regular staining and sealing that wood requires.
Most deck projects in Tennessee require a building permit — particularly raised decks over 30 inches above grade, covered decks with roof structures, and any deck attached to the home’s structural framing. Jeff Woods Construction handles the permitting process as part of our full-service deck construction offering.
Composite decking is the strongest performer in Tennessee’s humid conditions. It does not warp, rot, or require chemical treatment the way wood does. Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable option and performs adequately with regular maintenance.
Contact Jeff Woods Construction for a free consultation. We evaluate your property, discuss your usage goals and budget, and recommend the deck style and materials that best fit your specific situation. We serve homeowners throughout Crossville, Cookeville, Knoxville, Fairfield Glade, Kingston, Loudon, Livingston, Sparta, Jamestown, Clarkrange, Monterey, Farragut, Rockwood, Crab Orchard, Oak Ridge, Lake Tansi, and Harriman.
Jeff Woods Construction builds custom decks throughout Middle and East Tennessee. Whether you are considering a simple platform deck for weekend gatherings or a composite luxury deck with integrated lighting and built-in seating, our team brings the design experience and installation quality to bring your vision to life.
Visit the Jeff Woods Construction & Roofing homepage to learn more about our full range of outdoor living services.
📞 Call (931) 787-7715 or click Contact Us to schedule your free deck consultation today. No pressure. No hidden costs. Just straight answers from East Tennessee’s trusted construction team.
Office: 123 Interchange Drive, Crossville, TN 38571 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
