#deckdesignideas

A backyard deck isn’t just an add-on to your home it’s an extension of your lifestyle. Whether you’re envisioning a space for outdoor dining, weekend lounging, or lively gatherings, a well-planned deck can transform your yard into a true retreat. In the comprehensive article “From Design to Installation: What to Expect When Building a Backyard Deck,” Ash Painting walks you through every step of the process, making sure homeowners know exactly what’s ahead before the first board is laid.

This guide takes the mystery out of deck building by breaking it into clear stages. You’ll learn how to define your vision, choose the right layout and materials, and understand how each decision affects durability and maintenance. It also covers permits and codes so you’re never caught off guard by local regulations. From framing and foundation work to railings, stairs, and finishing touches like stains or lighting, the post shows how each phase fits together for a seamless build.

Some evenings just pull you outside.

You know the ones — when the sky turns this layered peach and lavender, and even the neighbors seem quieter. It’s those evenings when I really feel it: the lack of a proper outdoor space. We step outside and stand awkwardly near the edge of the old concrete slab like we’re waiting for something to happen. There’s nowhere to sit. Nowhere to settle.

That’s been bugging me more lately.

So I did what I always do when my brain won’t let something go — I started digging. Not metaphorically at first (though who knows, we may get there), but online. I wanted to see how people around here — in neighborhoods like ours — were creating outdoor spaces that fit. That felt lived-in, loved, and easy.

I found this page from Corbin Restoration about their Ramsey County projects, and something clicked. Here’s the link if you’re curious too: https://www.corbinrestoration.com/service-areas/deck-builder-in-ramsey-county

Right away, the tone felt local. They weren’t talking about sprawling outdoor kitchens or showy luxury builds. They were talking about decks that invite you outside. Places to host friends or just sit quietly with a drink. Decks for Maplewood families, Mounds View couples, and everyone in between.

That felt like home.

The guide made me think about what we actually do outside — or what we’d like to. We don’t need a fancy dining space or built-in lighting system (yet). What we need is a solid platform. Somewhere clean, safe, and welcoming. A couple steps up from where we are now — literally and emotionally.

The Corbin team mentioned working on everything from new installations to structural repairs and custom expansions. And that struck me, because our existing space isn’t a total teardown. It just… never got finished. It was someone else’s idea of a patio, not ours. And it’s always felt temporary.

What I really want is continuity. A deck that feels like a natural extension of the house — like it belongs here. Like it’s been waiting for us to notice it.

The Ramsey County examples also reminded me how much shape matters. I’ve always pictured decks as big rectangles, but their work showed more creativity. Wraparound designs, small landings that turn into cozy seating corners, or even just a smarter layout that takes advantage of sunlight and breeze patterns.

That got me sketching. Again. This time with notes: “sunset-facing corner,” “space for a loveseat,” “planter boxes for herbs.” I’m not an architect, but I am someone who wants to come home from work and have a place to be — outside, but still home.

Reading the page made me realize how close we are. Not just logistically, but emotionally. Like the space we want is already here, just waiting to be pulled into form.

I haven’t made a call yet. But the link’s bookmarked. And I keep going back to it — like checking on seeds you planted, just to see if they’ve sprouted.

This summer might be the one. The summer we stop walking past that awkward concrete square and start stepping out into something that feels like ours.

A place to catch the sunset.

Scrolling Pinterest got me thinking about multi-level decks again.

I don’t know what it is about them—something about the layered look, the way one space flows into another. Like each level has its own little vibe. I imagine sipping coffee on one level in the morning sun, then grilling dinner a few steps up by the evening. It just feels… intentional. Designed for living in, not just existing.

Our current setup in Hampden isn’t totally flat, which used to feel like a hassle. But now I’m starting to wonder if it’s actually a gift in disguise. That subtle slope in the backyard? Maybe it’s the perfect excuse to do something bold.

That’s how I found myself deep-diving into some ideas for tiered decks and came across a page from a local crew, Vantage Decks and Siding—their deck installation services in Hermon. Hermon isn’t far from us at all, and honestly, the way they described their process made me feel like someone finally understood how I think.

They talked about multi-tier decks like they weren’t just fancy upgrades, but actual solutions—ways to work with the landscape, not against it. Their team builds everything from elevated platforms to built-in railings and seating, and they even mention using composite materials that hold up against Maine’s gnarly weather (a must).

It made me pause and think about the kind of deck we want—not just what looks good, but what would actually make us use the space more.

I’ve always loved hosting, but I hate the feeling of crowding everyone into a single flat surface, especially when some people want to chat, others want to eat, and the kids are running in circles. A multi-tiered deck suddenly solves all of that. Eating zone up top. Lounging zone in the middle. Maybe even a small play corner tucked below for the kiddos.

One line that stuck with me from their site was this: “We design and build functional, stylish decks that feel like seamless extensions of your home.” YES. That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to articulate all this time. Not just a deck. A living space.

And the fact that they do everything—from the initial consult to cleanup—makes it feel doable, not daunting. I’ve had friends who hired contractors and were left chasing them down for weeks just to finish railing. I don’t want that kind of stress.

So, yeah. I’m officially inspired. I’ve even sketched out a basic idea (poorly, but hey). Three levels. One with a pergola. A little lighting on the stairs. Maybe a railing with cable instead of traditional wood for that modern look.

Now the question is: how brave am I feeling this summer?

We’ll see. But even just imagining it has already changed the way I see our backyard. It feels full of possibility now. Like it’s not just a blank space, but a story waiting to be built—one level at a time.