A free-standing roof structure provides a shaded lounging area. This pavilion garnered a first-place award in the 2015 NADRA (North American Deck and Railing Association) National Deck Competition. It has a meranti ceiling with a louvered cupola and paddle fan to keep cool. (Photo by Frank Gensheimer.)

Fiberon ProTect Advantage Composite Decking in Chestnut and Horizon Railing built in Salisbury, North Carolina by Deckscapes (Pineville, North Carolina).

The kitchen spills out onto the deck and the sliding glass door that was added in the master suite opens up into an exposed structure screen porch. Over all the exterior space extends the traffic flow of the interior and makes the home feel larger without adding actual square footage. Troy Thies Photography

Low maintenance, stain- and scratch-resistant AZEK Deck carries a limited lifetime warranty and is designed to last beautifully. Available in 17 colors and several grain textures, AZEK Deck has a color to complement any housing exterior. Shown here is AZEK Deck in Acacia with AZEK Deck in Kona used as a border. Offering easy living at its finest, AZEK Deck lets you enhance your backyard experience. With superior workability, AZEK Deck is perfect to create complete outdoor spaces with built-in benches, planters, and even works great around hot tubs and pools.

1st Place Winner: Beautiful deck and railings by Bob Kiefer, Decks by Kiefer. Location: Montclair, NJ
Inspiration for a modern deck remodel in New York

Designed using Trex Transcend decking in Spiced Rum – a warm, earthy umber featuring subtle shading and natural shade variations creating distinctive hardwood-like streaking and intense, tropical hues that will retain its lush looks for decades and Trex Transcend decking in Vintage Lantern – a deep-burnished bronze with Old World elegance. Additional Trex products featured include Trex Transcend railing and Trex Outdoor Lighting – recessed deck lights.

Residential deck railing with Feeney LED lighting installed on level and stair locations. Photo by Danny Gray Studios
Example of a minimalist deck design in San Francisco

DesignRail® aluminum railing installed by Greg Moore Construction. Image by Vivian Krug, Emotions Photography
Beach style deck photo in San Luis Obispo

Transitional deck photo in Sacramento with no cover

Designed using Trex Transcend decking in Lava Rock – a rich reddish-black shade with subtle shading and natural shade variations creating distinctive hardwood-like streaking and intense tropical hues and Trex Transcend decking in Tiki Torch – a warm, earthy shade features rich, reddish-brown hardwood streaking, and is designed to off the look of real tropical hardwoods with slight variations of color and streaking. Additional Trex products featured include Trex Elevations, Trex Reveal railing, Trex Pergola, Trex Outdoor Furniture and Trex Outdoor Lighting – stair riser lights, post cap lights and recessed lights.

The upper level of this gorgeous Trex deck is the central entertaining and dining space and includes a beautiful concrete fire table and a custom cedar bench that floats over the deck. Light brown custom cedar screen walls provide privacy along the landscaped terrace and compliment the warm hues of the decking. Clean, modern light fixtures are also present in the deck steps, along the deck perimeter, and throughout the landscape making the space well-defined in the evening as well as the daytime.

Second story upgraded Timbertech Pro Reserve composite deck in Antique Leather color with picture frame boarder in Dark Roast. Timbertech Evolutions railing in black was used with upgraded 7.5" cocktail rail in Azek English Walnut. Also featured is the "pub table" below the deck to set drinks on while playing yard games or gathering around and admiring the views. This couple wanted a deck where they could entertain, dine, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather, and that is what Archadeck of Denver designed and built for them!

Don't let deck railing be an afterthought. During the deck design phase, determine what railing color will complement the shade of the deck material you're leaning toward. With so many rail profile and infill options, you're sure to find a combination that works well with your home's architecture, and creates a custom look that none of your neighbors have. Choose composite deck and rail materials, like Fiberon Symmetry Railing and Good Life decking, for a low-maintenance solution that is backed by a 25-year warranty.

Mid-sized danish deck photo in Seattle with a fire pit and a roof extension

Western Red Cedar Decking and Railing Around Above Ground Pool
Deck - backyard deck idea in Other

Woodridge Deck & Gazebo Co.
Deck - mid-sized traditional backyard deck idea in Chicago with no cover

Inspiration for a deck remodel in Charlotte

Deck photo in DC Metro

The upper deck provides an intimate entertaining area with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, while the low-iron glass panel railings allow an unobstructed view while seated. James Carriere Photography