I love the idea of a deck that just flows right from the house, connecting your kitchen or entertainment space straight to the outdoors. It’s a total dream!

While some decks are all about that beachy vibe, I’m a big fan of the classic rustic-style deck, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a home with a view.

If your place overlooks mountains, a gorgeous green forest, or sits by a lake, the rustic style is just perfect. It just works in those raw, natural settings.

Of course, “rustic” can mean a lot of different things depending on the materials, the finish, and all the little design details you choose.

It all comes down to your home’s style, the space you have, and your own personal taste. Charming, sensational, and totally relaxing, I’ve gathered 25 of the absolute best from all over to get you inspired.

A Cozy Fireplace

To me, nothing says “magical rustic deck” like a fireplace. It’s an absolute must. It just becomes the focal point that the rest of the deck design evolves around. Since we’re talking rustic, stone fireplaces are definitely at the top of the list.

There’s just nothing quite like a cozy stone fireplace with plush seating to set the mood on a chilly evening! If you don’t have the budget for a big built-in, a traditional standalone fireplace is a fantastic alternative.

And if all else fails? A lovely fire pit is a great idea. That’s something that’s super affordable and pretty easy to build.

Custom-made furniture and fireplace for the awesome rustic deck [Design: On Site Management] PIN IT

Check out the custom-made furniture and fireplace on this awesome rustic deck. [Design: On Site Management]
Stone fireplace and a cozy sitting area for the rustic deck [Design: Locati Architects] PIN IT

A classic stone fireplace and cozy seating area for a rustic deck. [Design: Locati Architects]
Open deck design with plush furniture and cool stone fireplace [Design: McKinney Group] PIN IT

What a cool stone fireplace on this open deck with its plush furniture. [Design: McKinney Group]
Stone and wood outdoor deck with barbecue zone and fireplace [Design: Jenifer Giudice] PIN IT

This stone and wood outdoor deck has a barbecue zone and a fireplace. [Design: Jenifer Giudice]
Rustic deck design seems like an extension of the living space indoors [Design: Pacwest Homes] PIN IT

This rustic deck really feels like an extension of the indoor living space. [Design: Pacwest Homes]

Picking Your Décor

Reclaimed furniture is so popular right now, and a rustic deck is the perfect opportunity to try out some of those salvaged and upcycled pieces. Natural cedar outdoor furniture is always an obvious fit that just never fails.

Another way to go, which is both eco-friendly and affordable, is using custom décor made from locally sourced wood. Whatever you pick, just remember that your furniture is going to take a lot of battering from the elements.

I think using colorful outdoor furniture is a great way to add a playful twist. It also lets you swap out your accent colors as the seasons change.

Natural stone deck for the rustic mountain retreat [Design: MossCreek] PIN IT

A natural stone deck is perfect for a rustic mountain retreat. [Design: MossCreek]
Decor adds bright red to the relaxing deck [Design: Pineapple House Interior Design / Scott Moore Photography] PIN IT

The decor adds a pop of bright red to this relaxing deck. [Design: Pineapple House Interior Design / Scott Moore Photography]
Lovely reclaimed wide plank wood deck [Design: McIntyre By Design] PIN IT

What a lovely deck made from reclaimed wide-plank wood. [Design: McIntyre By Design]
Low rail allows you to enjoy the lush green view on offer [Design: Julie Olsen Park City Utah Realtor] PIN IT

The low rail lets you enjoy that lush green view. [Design: Julie Olsen Park City Utah Realtor]
Log cabin deck embraces the natural landscape around it [Design: Allegretti Architects] PIN IT

This log cabin deck really embraces the natural landscape. [Design: Allegretti Architects]
Tranquil deck is all about the wonderful view on offer [Design: Olson-Olson Architects] PIN IT

This tranquil deck is all about that wonderful view. [Design: Olson-Olson Architects]

Lakeside Living

If you’re lucky enough to have a home next to a calm lake or another body of water, a rustic deck is just perfect. I can just imagine a fabulous fall party on a wonderful evening, all lit up with candles, paper lanterns, and string lights.

It makes your holiday season feel even more special. You can design it so it feels like a natural extension of your indoor living space. Most decks are built from pressure-treated lumber.

For that classic, countryside appeal, you can finish them with affordable options like Redwood and Cedar. Or, if you want to splurge a bit, more expensive alternatives like Ipe also work beautifully.

Fireplace and lighting give the lakeside deck a surreal appeal [Design: Thom Filicia Inc.] PIN IT

This lakeside deck looks so surreal with that fireplace and lighting. [Design: Thom Filicia Inc.]
Elegant deck overlooking the pool and the landscape beyond [Design: Martinez Wood Floors] PIN IT

An elegant deck looking out over the pool and the landscape. [Design: Martinez Wood Floors]
Rustic deck of the Headwaters Camp Cabin in Montana [Design: Dan Joseph Architects] PIN IT

The rustic deck at the Headwaters Camp Cabin in Montana. [Design: Dan Joseph Architects]

There are plenty of ways to mix rustic touches with more modern aesthetics, which gives you the best of both worlds. One alternative I’ve seen is keeping the décor modern but using stone, wood, and other natural materials to build the deck itself. Another smart option, especially if you have a great view, is to replace the traditional rustic railing. Using a glass alternative leaves that gorgeous view completely undisturbed!

Design of the railing adds to the rustic charm of the gorgeous deck [From: Dan Forer Architectural & Interior Photographer] PIN IT

I love how the railing design adds rustic charm to this gorgeous deck. [From: Dan Forer Architectural & Interior Photographer]
Versatile deck design combines shaded and open areas [Design: Andersson-Wise Architects] PIN IT

A versatile design that combines both shaded and open deck areas. [Design: Andersson-Wise Architects]
Idyllic lakeside deck flowing into the dock [Design: Shannon Ggem] PIN IT

Such an idyllic lakeside deck that just flows right into the dock. [Design: Shannon Ggem]
Low cost deck design takes advantage of the dramatic view of the landscape around [Design: Kettle River Timberworks] PIN IT

This low-cost deck design really takes advantage of that dramatic landscape view. [Design: Kettle River Timberworks]

Covered or Open

This is one of the most basic choices you have to make. Do you want an impressive, open deck that connects with the landscape, or do you need a sheltered alternative that feels more reclusive? Often, this choice is determined just as much by the elements as it is by your personal preference.

I mean, there’s really no point in building a deck with zero shade if it’s going to snow for most of the year! Sure, a cover might hinder part of the deck’s appeal or block some of that amazing view, but it’s definitely the more sensible option.

I think a clever compromise is using a pergola-style structure. You can have it cover half the deck and leave the other half open to the elements.

Fabulous little deck fits in perfectly with the classic Montana mountain lifestyle [Design: Yellowstone Traditions / Benjamin Benschneider Photography] PIN IT

A fabulous little deck that fits the Montana mountain lifestyle perfectly. [Design: Yellowstone Traditions / Benjamin Benschneider Photography]
Rustic deck with lighter wooden tones and breezy decor serve you well all your long [Photography: Realty Pro Shots] PIN IT

I love these lighter wooden tones and breezy decor for a rustic deck. [Photography: Realty Pro Shots]
Sheltered and open outdoor deck rolled into one [Design: 13 Design Lane Interiors] PIN IT

Here’s a great example of a sheltered and open deck rolled into one. [Design: 13 Design Lane Interiors]
Outdoor table and chairs seem like a natural extension of the woodsy deck! [Design: High Camp Home] PIN IT

The outdoor table and chairs feel like a natural part of this woodsy deck! [Design: High Camp Home]
Simple and ergonomic deck design for the rustic Austin home [Design: Cornerstone Architects] PIN IT

A simple and ergonomic deck for a rustic home in Austin. [Design: Cornerstone Architects]
Unique enclosed deck design [Design: PBDW Architects] PIN IT

What a unique enclosed deck design. [Design: PBDW Architects]
Stone columns and recessed lighting for the traditional, rustic deck [From: North Georgia Virtual Home Tours] PIN IT

Stone columns and recessed lighting on this traditional rustic deck. [From: North Georgia Virtual Home Tours]