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A deck is a great way to enhance your outdoor living space, but they do not have to be simple. During the design process, you may wonder how to make your deck more personal to your style. At Decks R Us, custom decks are our specialty. We can create a stunning deck with unique, custom features that your friends and family will enjoy. There are many ways to design a deck that will increase the usability and visual appeal of your Pennsylvania backyard. Here are some of our favorite unique deck design ideas. 

Built-In Features:

Built-in features are a very popular way to add functionality and style to your deck. There are multiple ways to incorporate a built-in feature into your deck design, including kitchens, seating, fire pits, and more. 

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Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen will amplify the use of your deck. It will make cooking and serving easier for barbecues. You don’t have to go inside to the kitchen to cook and be away from the party; you can cook and serve in one place. Have a dedicated area with a grill, countertops, storage, and possibly a mini fridge to create an outdoor kitchen. We recommend adding an outdoor dining space for guests to enjoy the meal. An outdoor kitchen is a great feature for backyard parties and entertaining guests.

Seating

Built-in seating is a functional, durable, and visually appealing addition to your deck. They will create a cohesive look while maximizing your seating arrangements for large parties. Our built-in seating is custom-made to be seamlessly integrated into the structure. They are made with the same materials as the deck, so it’ll be low maintenance. We even have bar-top railings so you can have a place to put drinks near the built-in seating for convenience. 

Be particular about where you place the built-in seating. They should work with the flow of traffic on the deck and be where people will likely gather to make it more functional. Built-in benches will define the social space of your deck, and can provide privacy from neighbors when paired with our privacy walls. 

Ground side view of a second-story deck with light-colored PVC decking, matching railings, a matching staircase, and a green tunnel twist slide attached to the deck.

Playsets 

If you have children, you can add fun playground elements to your Pennsylvania deck design to make it more entertaining for them. Children like to be active, so adding in fun features will keep them stimulated. If you have a second-floor deck, you can add a swingset to the underdeck overlooking the backyard. You can even build a slide from the second-level to the backyard, or if the deck is multi-level, you can slide from one deck to the one below. These features will make your deck stand out and provide entertainment for kids during parties. 

Fire Feature

A fire pit or fireplace will expand the use of your deck, allowing you to use it throughout the whole year. They create a great gathering space for friends and family where you can get cozy and warm up on cool Pennsylvania summer nights or during the fall and winter. A fire feature will be your deck’s focal point, blending functionality and style to add warmth to the space.  We recommend adding comfortable seating around the fire feature for you and your guests to make being outside at night more enjoyable. 

Curved Decks

Curved decks are a unique look that not many houses utilize. Their nontraditional design gives a different aesthetic than traditional rectangular decks. In our experience, a curved deck adds a high-end, sophisticated feel to the space that will make your deck stand out from your neighbors. This visually appealing feature enhances your view of your backyard while having an uninterrupted flow of the deck. Curved sections of your deck are great for fire pits, built-in seating, and a dining space.

Front and right-side view of a 2 level deck with gray PVC decking, matching under-deck skirting, white trim, white posts, black railings with cable infill, a black spiral staircase, stone columns, and outdoor furniture.

Multi-Level Decks 

Having decks on two or more levels allows you to designate spaces for various activities. Multi-level decks are great for homes with uneven, sloped ground, as they allow you to create a level space without needing to excavate the land. They will maximize the usability of your outdoor living spaces, providing many areas for lounging, entertaining, and socializing. One level of the deck can be a lounge section to tan, read a book, or nap, while another level can be a dining area and outdoor kitchen. A level can even be a private deck for the homeowner, with the entrance from the bedroom, while the other levels are exclusive for parties. To add even more visual flair to this space, we can add a spiral staircase from one deck to the other. 

Pergolas and Gazebos 

Pergolas and gazebos add architectural interest to your deck design. Both of these features add shade and increase privacy for your deck. They give a unique overall look to the design, enhancing the look of your outdoor living space. Pergolas are great for an outdoor lounge area, as they provide sun shading so you don’t overheat. Enhance the pergola’s look by adding hanging flower pots and climbing plants to the lattices. Gazebos are perfect for an outdoor dining area, as they provide complete protection from the sun and other Pennsylvania weather elements. These features can even have screens installed to keep bugs away when eating.

Build a Custom Deck with Decks R Us

At Decks R Us, we can work with any unique design to give you the outdoor living space of your dreams. Our custom decks will enhance any backyard, and your personal touches will make it a great space to entertain friends and family. Check out our inspiring projects for some ideas for your deck, and use our deck cost calculator to determine the pricing for your deck. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today. 

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Further Reading

Why You Should Add a Pergola to Your Deck

March 18, 2025

Many deck owners want to increase the aesthetic appeal of their property. A great way to do that is to add a pergola to your

How to Design a Deck

March 3, 2025

Designing a deck that perfectly fits your needs can be challenging. The first step in designing a deck is deciding on your budget. You can

How to Get a Building Permit For a New Deck

February 3, 2025

When building a new deck, you will need a building permit for the project. You must obtain them before any construction happens on your property.