50 Deck Ideas With Gazebos & Pergolas

Are you looking to transform your outdoor living space? Well we've got 50 inspiring deck designs, each including gazebos and pergolas built in.
These designs are not only visually stunning but are also very achievable for the solo DIY enthusiast, thanks to the innovation of TuffBlock deck blocks like this deck subframe below:

 

ground deck platform idea with tuffblock subframe underneath

Building a deck platform is actually a lot simpler than you might imagine, even if you're new to DIY projects. By using deck blocks, you can avoid the need for digging holes, mixing concrete and then waiting days for those posts to set. You also avoid damaging a pipe or electrical cable running underground!

tuffblock deck subframe layout on sloped yard

Let these 50 deck designs inspire you to create an outdoor oasis that not only elevates the aesthetic of your home but also offers a practical and enjoyable space for relaxation and entertainment.

Deck Designs

01.

A great design feature is to use decorative stones around the border of the deck. Not only does it look visually stunning, but it also helps to hide the TuffBlock deck blocks for a seamless finish. Also consider using cloth on your pergola for extra shade and privacy.

ground deck idea with pergola and white cloth design in beautiful yard

02.

The design below features a deck with 2 heights, with a lower ground deck acting as a great step up from the path. It's also a great visual feature and can transform a simple rectangular deck platform into a visually stunning living space.

patio deck with pergola using deck blocks like TuffBlock

03.

A deck is the perfect place for a bbq & pizza oven to accompany an outdoor dining area. The pergola provides shade for the dining area, and the design as a whole makes it perfect for entertaining during summer! The L-shaped deck is a great way to incorporate a rock bed or garden bed, and a runner rug adds visual appeal to incorporate more textures and patterns to the deck design.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design and bbq, stones, pavers and lawn

04. 

Patio decks are a perfect way to extend the living space of your home. Because TuffBlock deck blocks accomodate 4x4 posts, you can build up your deck to match the height of your door jam. A raised patio deck with a set of steps is the perfect way to connect your yard to your home.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design and deck stairs in big yard with lawn

05.

A deck can provide a great outdoor living room. Consider how a corner of your yard could be transformed into a place to read, enjoy drinks with friends or dine. Growing plants up your pergola is a stunning way to add natural color and incorporates it seamlessly into your garden.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design, potted plants, outdoor furniture, deck stairs and paved path

06. 

Did you know TuffBlock deck blocks can hold 1700 lbs per block, and are break tested to 11,000 lbs each! This makes them perfect for holding up hot tubs like the deck below. What better way to enjoy the weekend in your yard than to come home to your own personal spa? Gazebos and hot tubs are a match made in heaven.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design and spa

07.

We love the simplicity of this design. The legs of the pergola match well with a traditional home and are both simple and elegant. The colors are muted and earthy, but also warm and inviting. The deck features an outdoor dining space that could be replicated in any yard!

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design, outdoor dining and a well kept lawn

08.

This is a similar design to the deck above and is a great alternative.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design, outdoor dining area, pavers and a well trimmed lawn

09.

This is a more modern design with straight lines and a metallic gazebo, but also incorporates rustic themes with the stones, pavers, and rock garden bed. The step is unique, featuring a cutout that provides room for a stone step. Neatly trimmed hedges and Arborvitae plants are the perfect accompaniment for creating privavy, and for a classy border to your deck. Consider using uplighters with these to add more visual contrast around your deck. This will look beautiful at night!

ground deck platform idea with pergola design, swimming pool and pavers, tiling, lawn

10.

This one's a video of ours. Watch how Chris built a huge pergola from scratch, that included an outdoor kitchen, outdoor dining area, a bar and a pizza oven...all using TuffBlocks for the floating deck, built around his swimming pool.

11.

Potted plants are a great way to spruce up a ground deck. Consider installing fans in the roof of your pergola for some much needed air flow during hot summer months.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design, deck stairs, raised deck with furniture on deck, potted plants in well landscaped yard

12. 

ground deck platform idea with pergola design, ultra low deck in lawn, deck platform with outdoor seating

13.

This is a unique curved gazebo. The cloth allows plenty of light to come in, but softens the harsh sun. The curved design means you're shaded from the sun even when it's lower in the sky.

ground deck platform idea with curved gazebo design

14.

L-shaped ground decks add a nice visual touch from a standard rectangle deck. The ivy here really makes the pergola look like it's seamlessly connected to the yard.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo with L shape design using deck blocks

15. 

Hanging plants go perfect with pergolas! The options are endless, and considering pergolas allow some light in from the top, they allow the plants to grow well. 

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design, outdoor sofa, bbq, potted plants, lawn and rug

16.

A floating deck from fence to fence in small yard can completely transform the space! You can walk onto your deck and enjoy the outdoors without dragging mud into the house. You can also make the most of the space, with a dining area, living area, a spot to sunbathe and even a spot to do yoga/workouts!

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

17.

We love how this deck and pergola blends seamlessly with the nature around it.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

18.

Combine a slightly raised deck with a step so you can easily access it without a big step up. Deck blocks like TuffBlock allow you to create both ultra low and raised decks so you're covered either way.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

19.

A clever use of deck blocks allows for the creation of a raised deck area, seamlessly integrating with the house and leading to a cozy gazebo retreat.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

20.

Why not place a huge L-shaped couch on your floating deck! You can turn your deck platform into a big outdoor living room.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design with l shaped outdoor sofa

21.

Who doesn't love a bbq in summer? This deck design is everything you need to entertain friends and family in those warm summer months.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design, bbq, rug and pavers around deck

22.

If you're building your deck platform in the middle of your yard then a stone pathway using pavers can be a great way to connect it to your house.
ground deck platform idea with gazebo design, white cloth curtains, outdoor dining, white pavers in lawn leading to deck platform

23.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

24.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

25.

This design has a unique step which is inverted, and allows easy access to the deck.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

 

You've made it halfway! Hopefully you've seen some designs that have inspired you.

If you want to learn how TuffBlock can help you build one of these decks then feel free to watch our end to end tutorial showing you each step:

 

 

One of the biggest benefits with TuffBlock is its low profile which allows you to build ultra low decks (unlike concrete deck blocks) at only 2 inches from the ground. This way, you can build a patio deck without adding a big step up.

TuffBlocks are lightweight at 1.5 lbs each, but are load rated to 1700lbs per block (and break tested to 11,000lbs each). They're also UV stabilised for direct sunlight. TuffBlocks allows you to build quickly, with less hassle and with peace of mind. Check out our article '13 Benefits Of Using TuffBlocks' to see why it's a great solution for foundations!  Ok enough about TuffBlock :)

Back to the deck ideas...

26.

Decorative stones are great for the edge of your deck, and visually frame it. Take advantage of your pergola by hanging lights in it so you can enjoy the space in summer nights!

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design, blue pattern pavers, bbq area and outdoor dining

27.

This minimalist deck maximizes small spaces with clean lines and a retractable awning, providing a versatile outdoor living area. The lighting of a space like this can really transform it at night. The use of a trellis or fence with wide gaps can allow plants to grow up it and allow for a visually pleasing backdrop.

ground deck platform idea with awning design

28.

This simple deck platform is perfect for any yard. Enjoy your lush lawn whilst sitting on a comfy outdoor sofa.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

29.

Classic elegance meets outdoor living in this spacious deck area, featuring a Victorian gazebo and ornate furnishings for a touch of opulence.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

30.

Multi-layered decks with steps can be slightly more difficult to build, but worth it for the added visual appeal.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

31.

This is one of our favourites! This pergola fits perfectly with the traditional 'craftsman' style house. By using 4x4 lumber posts, you can build a deck that seamlessly matches the height of the patio door. And with 3 levels of pyramid steps, it creates an easy way to access the beautiful yard whilst leaving the space open.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design, white cloth, deck steps

32.

This is similar to the deck above, but uses a more traditional 'stringer' staircase. If you have a spot in the corner of your yard then a raised deck could be a great addition.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

33.

This enchanting garden deck is accentuated by a vintage-style gazebo, surrounded by a riot of colorful flowers and verdant plants.
ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

34.

patio deck platform idea with gazebo design and steps leading to lawn with deck pavers and potted plants

35.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

36.

A contemporary deck design featuring sleek lines and a minimalist pergola creates a striking contrast with the lush garden surroundings. Trimmed hedges and horizontal screen fencing are perfect for a contemporary deck.
ground deck platform idea with gazebo design next to swimming pool

37.

Place a garden bed next to your deck with a small masonry retaining wall.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

38.

A patio deck with an extended roof or pergola is the easiest way to extend the living room and have it flow out into your yard. This space doesn't have to be an outdoor dining room. It could be anything you want!

patio deck platform idea with gazebo design and outdoor seating

39.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

40.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

41.

This space would be great for meditating, doing yoga or simply relaxing with a book!

pergola deck ground level in yard

42.

This one is intended to show you the subframe of the floating deck platform. Hopefully it gives you an idea of how many of these decks ideas might go together, and gives you a look under the hood.

ground deck platform idea with gazebo design using tuffblock deck blocks

43.

This is another zen deck design, this time featuring a raised garden bed in the middle of the deck. Imagine what you could grow, and create an amazing feature right in the centre! We love the curved stone path that leads you up to this deck. What a great space.

floating deck idea with paved pathway

44.

Swimming pools and decks go hand in hand. And this modern deck with a pergola is the perfect place to dry off after a dip.
ground deck platform idea with gazebo design next to swimming pool

45.

Rocks, stones, rugs and potted plants...what's not to love.
ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

46.

Afraid of the mosquitos? A gazebo structure like this might be your best bet to keep them away whilst enjoying your deck.
ground deck platform idea with gazebo design

47.

Pergolas create just enough shade to create a cooler spot during the hot summer months.
ground deck platform idea with gazebo design in shade, outdoor dining area, garden bed and plants climbing the pergola

48.

If you already have an overhanging roof, then a gazebo can be great way to extend that out further. Here they've got the best of both...the dining area and then a great spot for a lounge.

tuffblock deck with gazebo

49.

Want to be slightly different? Well decks boards laid at a 45 degree angle could create a visually striking deck design.

floating deck with pergola

50. 

Lighting can completely change a space, and nothing shows that more than this deck. Hanging lights & candles can be used together to light up a space.

ground deck with deck blocks at night, lanterns, sofas, in yard

There it is! 50 inspiring deck projects that you can take on yourself. Hopefully you've found something in here that you want to replicate, or gives you ideas that you can mix and match for your own home.

If you're considering using deck blocks, then check out our article '13 Benefits Of Using TuffBlock' which outlines why TuffBlock is a great option compared with alternative foundation methods.

tuffblock deck blocks for decks, walkways, sheds and cubby houses

Build On.


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