Incorporating Built-in Deck Seating and Storage

How to Incorporate Built-In Deck Seating and Storage into Your Deck

When you are designing the perfect deck for your home, it’s easy to focus on the basics of size and material, forgetting about the benefits of incorporating built-in features. Utilizing built-in deck seating and storage is a smart, stylish way to maximize your deck’s comfort and functionality, making it a more usable space, free from clutter. To truly make the most of your deck space, making it practical and versatile, it pays to think about innovative built-in solutions that make it a truly multifunctional place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

A woman relaxes on a deck chair surrounded by trees in a forest in Annapolis, MD.

The Benefits of Built-in in Features in Multi-Functional Deck Design

There are built-in deck features that you may never have thought about and didn’t know you needed. While some things may seem obvious, like built-in benches that double as storage boxes, others may never have crossed your mind. What about built-in electrical outlets? This may not have occurred to you, but imagine the convenience of never having to deal with an extension cord on your deck! What about recessed or post cap lighting? These features offer gentle lighting that improves the ambiance of your deck by eliminating the need for harsh flood lights.

Design Ideas for Built-in Deck Seating Solutions

What kind of built-in deck seating will you choose? There are options for every aesthetic sensibility and practical need, to fit every type of deck.

Bench seating around the perimeter doubles as railing. This won’t be a good idea for a deck that’s very high up, of course, but can give a beautiful, minimalist look to a low-profile deck with a simple shape.
A planter and bench combination increases functionality and beauty. Having a planter and bench combination will add some beauty to the deck by incorporating colorful plants, and can also be used to enhance privacy.
Storage benches are a clever way to reduce clutter. It’s a simple design, but pure genius when you want to create a multifunctional space. You can also use in-bench storage to tuck away bench cushions during rough weather.
Backless benches won’t obscure your view. This is a wonderful way to accommodate all of your guests without feeling like you are crowding your deck, and it allows people to turn in any direction, perfect for watching children play in the yard while you relax on the deck. In a pinch, a backless bench can also serve as a coffee table or children’s table.
On the other hand, high backed benches provide privacy. If privacy is your priority, consider building your benches into an existing privacy wall or trellis, or enclosing your space with benches that have high backrests.
Wraparound benches make your deck more interesting. A bench wrapped around the perimeter of your deck, around a tree, or around a flower box can add interest, creating a focal point for your deck and a cozy place for gathering.
Upholstered benches add another level of comfort. This is something you can DIY or have done for you, making your benches a more welcoming place to relax. Be sure that the fabric you choose is rated for outdoor use and appropriate for your climate.

Outdoor Storage Options to Add to Your Deck

We’ve mentioned the benches with hidden storage, but that is far from your only option. Consider under-deck storage, perhaps in the form of drawers that slide out from underneath the deck, giving you ample storage without interrupting the flow of the deck itself. This option relies on the deck being far enough off of the ground, of course, and may require additional waterproofing. You can even incorporate storage into the deck itself, whether by building a cabinet into the railing or designing a lift-off panel in the floor that reveals storage underneath.

Practical Tips for Integrating Built-in Features

Whatever you decide to build into your deck, think about how you will feel about it in the long run. If you are someone who often likes to change your furniture arrangement, built-in seating may not be the ideal choice for you. In that case, modular pieces may be more appropriate, because you will be able to modify the look of your space more easily. Consider, too, the level of weatherproofing involved, and how different features will work with the materials you have chosen for your deck. Confer with a deck design specialist to find the right solutions to meet your needs and suit your style.

Pergola Design Tips for Enhancing Home Value

A pergola is an amazing addition to a deck, because it adds a level of versatility that improves the deck’s functionality. You can cover it with flowering vines, outfit it with furniture to accommodate outdoor dining or lounging, create a dedicated reading nook, or use it as a children’s crafting space. The possibilities are nearly endless, and a pergola adds value to your home by providing a shady spot and making your deck more comfortable.

Customization Ideas to Match Your Deck Style

What’s your style? Modern decks will look best with minimalist features, like backless benches. If you prefer a coastal vibe, think whitewashed with beachy accents. For a lush, tropical look, build in planters and fill them with beautiful flowering plants. No matter what style of deck you have, working with a design specialist can help you create the perfect look.

Contact Five Star Deck Service for Built-in Seating and Deck Storage Ideas

When you are dreaming of a versatile, highly-functional deck, built to meet your needs and suit your style, Five Star Deck Service is ready to help. Whether you want to install a new deck or your existing deck needs restoration, we provide superior exterior structural enhancements, from traditional improvements to modern upgrades. Our team has the experience and expertise to provide everything from deck sanding to full-scale restoration treatments to building an entirely new deck, and we are hold ourselves to the highest standards of workmanship in everything we do. Our experience dates back several decades, and we are well known for high quality and prioritizing an elevated customer experience. Working with our team, means access to licensed and insured professionals, but it also means working with a passionate group of experts fueled by industry expertise, hands-on leadership, and personalized guidance. For more information, or to schedule your complimentary consultation and estimate, contact us through our website.