Top 10 Deck Styles and How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space in East Tennessee, few additions offer the versatility, value, and enjoyment of a custom deck. At Jeff Woods Construction, we build custom decks throughout Crossville, Cookeville, and the surrounding areas, offering homeowners options to create outdoor spaces that complement their lifestyle and home architecture.
But with so many deck styles to choose from, how do you know which is right for your property? Let's explore the top 10 deck styles and provide guidance on selecting the perfect option for your home in the Upper Cumberland region.
1. Traditional Platform Deck
The platform deck is the most common and straightforward deck style, built as a single, level platform typically raised just a few inches to a few feet off the ground. According to This Old House, platform decks are among the most versatile options for many home styles and can work well with Tennessee's varied terrain.
Pros:
Cost-effective and simple to build
Perfect for level yards or homes with ground-level entry points
Versatile in terms of size and design
Minimal need for railings if built close to the ground (under 30 inches)
Cons:
Less dramatic visual impact than multi-level designs
Limited functionality for sloped properties
May offer less privacy from neighbors
Ideal for: Homeowners in Crossville and surrounding areas looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly deck option for entertaining and relaxing.
2. Multi-Level Deck
Multi-level decks feature two or more platforms at different heights, connected by stairs or pathways. This style is particularly popular in the hilly landscapes found throughout East Tennessee.
Pros:
Creates distinct zones for different activities (dining, lounging, grilling)
Works beautifully with sloped yards
Adds architectural interest and visual appeal
Can follow the natural contours of your property
Cons:
More complex and costly to build
Requires more maintenance
May need multiple sets of stairs
Ideal for: Homes with sloped yards in areas like Fairfield Glade or the hilly sections of Knoxville, where creating outdoor living zones is desirable.
3. Wraparound Deck
Similar to a wraparound porch, these decks extend around two or more sides of your home, creating a continuous outdoor path and maximizing usable space.
Pros:
Provides multiple vantage points and access to different areas of your yard
Creates a cohesive outdoor space that unifies your home's exterior
Offers sun and shade options throughout the day
Maximizes outdoor living space
Cons:
Higher cost due to larger size
More complex design considerations
Requires larger property to look proportional
Ideal for: Larger homes in rural areas of Sparta, Jamestown, or Livingston where space permits and homeowners want to take advantage of panoramic views or create multiple outdoor entertainment zones.
4. Raised Deck
Built for homes with elevated first floors or on sloped terrain, raised decks sit several feet above ground level and always require railings and stairs. The International Residential Code requires guardrails on any deck more than 30 inches above grade.
Pros:
Creates usable outdoor space where the natural terrain might otherwise prevent it
Can offer spectacular views, especially in the scenic areas of East Tennessee
Provides potential for storage or additional living space underneath
Adds dramatic visual impact to your home's exterior
Cons:
Higher construction costs due to additional structural requirements
More complex building process
Requires sturdy railings and proper stairs for safety
Ideal for: Properties with hillside views in areas like Loudon, Kingston, or the Cumberland Plateau where maximizing your outdoor experience is a priority.
5. Attached Pergola Deck
This style combines a traditional deck with a pergola structure overhead, providing partial shade and a framework for climbing plants, lighting, or outdoor curtains.
Pros:
Offers some protection from the Tennessee sun while allowing air circulation
Creates an outdoor room feeling with vertical definition
Perfect framework for outdoor shading solutions
Adds architectural interest and beauty
Cons:
Additional cost for the pergola structure
Requires more maintenance, especially with climbing plants
Limited protection during heavy rain
Ideal for: Homeowners in sunny areas who want some shade without full coverage, or those looking to define an outdoor dining or seating area on their deck.
6. Covered Deck
A covered deck includes a full roof structure, offering protection from both sun and rain for year-round enjoyment in East Tennessee's varied climate.
Pros:
Extends usable outdoor time regardless of weather
Protects deck surface and furniture from weather damage
Creates a true outdoor room feeling
Perfect for installing fans, heaters, or lighting fixtures
Cons:
Significantly higher cost than uncovered decks
May require building permits and more extensive engineering
Can reduce natural light to interior rooms
Ideal for: Families in Crossville, Cookeville, or Knoxville who want to use their outdoor space regardless of weather conditions and are considering motorized screen installations for added comfort.
7. Destination Deck
Built away from the house as a standalone structure in the yard or garden, destination decks create a retreat within your property.
Pros:
Creates a special getaway spot within your own yard
Can be positioned to capture the best views or sun exposure
Offers privacy from the main house
Perfect for special features like fire pits or hot tubs
Cons:
No direct access from the house
May require pathways or landscaping to integrate with the property
Additional cost for utilities if needed (electricity, water)
Ideal for: Larger properties in Clarkrange or rural Cumberland County areas where homeowners want to create a special gathering space that takes advantage of natural landscape features.
8. Pool Deck
Designed specifically to surround all or part of a swimming pool, these decks are built with water-resistant materials and special safety considerations.
Pros:
Creates a unified space around your pool area
Elevates the entire pool experience
Can be designed to include lounging areas, dining spaces, and storage
Improves pool safety with proper design
Cons:
Requires special slip-resistant materials
Higher maintenance due to constant water exposure
Must meet specific code requirements for pool surrounds
Ideal for: Homeowners with pools in warmer Tennessee regions who want to create a complete outdoor entertainment area around their water feature.
9. Courtyard Deck
A courtyard deck creates an enclosed or semi-enclosed outdoor space, often with walls, fencing, or landscaping that provides privacy and a sense of sanctuary.
Pros:
Offers exceptional privacy in suburban neighborhoods
Creates a sheltered microclimate that can extend the outdoor season
Provides wind protection and a sense of security
Often features special elements like water features or outdoor fireplaces
Cons:
More complex design requirements
Higher cost for privacy features
May limit views of surrounding landscape
Ideal for: Homeowners in more densely populated areas of Crossville or Cookeville who value privacy and want to create an intimate outdoor living space.
10. Composite Luxury Deck
While not a structural style per se, composite luxury decks represent a premium category focused on high-end materials, custom details, and integrated features like built-in seating, lighting, and cooking areas.
Pros:
Exceptional durability with minimal maintenance
Sophisticated appearance with clean lines
Fade, stain, scratch, and mold resistant
Environmentally friendly options available
Cons:
Higher initial investment than pressure-treated wood
Can heat up more than natural wood in direct sunlight
Limited repair options if damaged
Ideal for: Discerning homeowners throughout East and Middle Tennessee looking for a long-term investment in outdoor living with minimal maintenance concerns, as highlighted in our decking excellence article.
How to Choose the Right Deck Style for Your East Tennessee Home
Consider Your Property's Natural Features
The topography of your property should be one of the first considerations when selecting a deck style. East Tennessee's varied landscape offers both challenges and opportunities:
Flat lots work well with platform decks, wraparound styles, or courtyard designs
Sloped yards are perfect for multi-level or raised decks that work with the natural terrain
Heavily wooded areas might benefit from raised decks to capture views above tree lines
Waterfront properties in areas like Loudon or Kingston may need specialized materials for humidity resistance
Evaluate Your Home's Architecture
Your deck should complement, not compete with, your home's existing architectural style:
Traditional homes often pair well with classic platform or wraparound decks
Modern homes can support more contemporary designs with clean lines and mixed materials
Ranch-style homes typical in Crossville and Cookeville work beautifully with platform or wraparound designs
Custom-built homes might warrant a completely custom deck solution that enhances unique architectural features
Define Your Primary Usage Goals
How you plan to use your deck should significantly influence your style choice:
Primarily for dining? Consider a pergola or covered design for comfort
Sun bathing and relaxation? A multi-level deck with both sun and shade areas
Entertainment and large gatherings? Platform or wraparound styles offer more space
Creating a private retreat? Courtyard or destination decks provide seclusion
Year-round usage? Covered decks with motorized screens extend usability in Tennessee's climate
Budget Considerations
Your budget will inevitably influence your deck style options:
Entry-level: Simple platform decks with pressure-treated lumber
Mid-range: Multi-level or raised decks with mixed materials
High-end: Composite luxury decks with integrated features and premium materials
Remember that investing in quality materials like composite decking often saves money long-term on maintenance, especially given Tennessee's humidity and seasonal weather changes.
Maintenance Requirements
Be realistic about the time and resources you want to devote to deck maintenance:
Wood decks require regular cleaning, staining, and sealing, especially in East Tennessee's humidity
Composite decking offers reduced maintenance needs but higher upfront costs, as noted by Consumer Reports
Covered designs protect the deck surface but may have additional maintenance requirements for the roof structure
Local Climate Factors
East Tennessee's climate deserves special consideration:
Hot, humid summers suggest designs with shade options
Periodic heavy rains might warrant covered areas
Mild but distinct seasons make versatile deck designs most practical
Consider sun positioning throughout the day and seasons for optimal comfort
Ready to Build Your Dream Deck in East Tennessee?
At Jeff Woods Construction, we focus on creating outdoor living spaces throughout Crossville, Cookeville, Knoxville, and the surrounding areas. Our team can help you explore your options and find a deck design that suits your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Whether you're considering a simple platform deck for weekend gatherings or interested in exploring composite options for lower maintenance, we're here to discuss what might work for your property. Combined with our outdoor shading solutions, we can help you plan an outdoor space designed for Tennessee's climate.
Contact Jeff Woods Construction today at (931) 787-7715 to discuss your deck project and request information about our services.
If you're planning a deck that connects to your home, the North American Deck and Railing Association recommends checking your roof and home structure first to ensure it can support the new addition. Our team can also assess your roofing needs with our roofing services throughout the Upper Cumberland region.
