When the weather gets warm, there’s nothing like outside entertaining. You can get your backyard ready to host gatherings all summer long just by sprucing up your deck.
Don’t feel like you have to stick to a traditional all-over stain, either. With a little paint and a lot of creativity, you can make your deck the focal point of the backyard. Here are five of our favorite deck paint ideas to take your outdoor space from boring to brilliant.
Stencil an All-Over Design
You don’t have to do a complete overhaul to jazz up your deck. If your deck paint or stain is already in good condition, simply add a stenciled design on top!
Choose a simple pattern to repeat at regular intervals, like this example. You could also invest in one large, detailed stencil to create an eye-catching display. Either way, stenciling is the perfect way to add artistic flair to your entertaining space..
You’ll need specific brushes that are intended for stenciling as well as the stencil, measuring tool, and painter’s tape. Decide in advance how often you want to repeat your stencil or choose a point for the middle of a large design. Then, use a pencil and tape measure to mark your area before taping down your stencil.
If you want to add more depth to your design, use several paint colors to fill out your stenciled patterns. It’s up to you how simple or complex you want to take this project. Either way, your stenciled deck will refresh the look of your entire backyard.
Roll Out a Checkerboard
If you have vintage tile or parquet floor in your home, how cool would it be to continue the checkerboard pattern onto your deck? This deck painting idea doesn’t require artistic skill, just a little math and patience. Divide your deck into squares and paint or stain in a checkerboard pattern.
The pattern play can be as subtle or dramatic as you like. Simply choose two colors of paint or two types of stain. Contrasting colors will be the most eye-catching, but even a slight difference in shade or tone will add lots of visual interest.
The key to this technique is making accurate measurements. Decide ahead of time how big you want your squares to be. Make sure you have a plan, too, for how many squares can fit the length and width of your deck. Measure and mark off your squares with tape before you break out the paint!
The process can be more time consuming than other creative deck paint ideas. You’ll have to paint or stain one color and let dry completely before taping off again for the contrasting color. However, the end result will be well worth the effort.
Freehand Paint an Area Rug
Outdoor area rugs are a great design feature but they can be difficult to maintain. Keeping any outdoor fabric free from moisture, mildew, and pollen requires regular upkeep.
You can achieve the same look by painting an area rug directly onto your deck. Artistic homeowners can use this as a chance to freehand a special design. However, even taping off a rectangle and painting simple lines can create a bold look.
Depending on how detailed you are with the design, this could be a quick afternoon project or an endeavor for several days. Expect to use painter’s tape, rollers, and brushes to create a painted area rug for your deck.
Two-Tone Look
Even if you’re not interested in adding pattern or statement art to your deck, you can still get creative with your color combinations.
Get this look by choosing one color for flooring and stair treads and using the other for railings. If your deck steps have both treads and risers, you can continue the two-tone look down the stairs. Paint treads the same color as your flooring and risers the same as your railings.
Pulling off this deck painting idea requires very little taping or measuring. It’s a great way to add some fun and flair to your outdoor space without much additional work.
Accent Your Railings
One of the most time-consuming aspects of painting any deck is painting the railing. Make sure your hard work stands out by taking a creative and colorful approach.
Many deck railings have interesting features, such as pillars, posts, and end caps. One way to get creative with your deck painting is to accent these features.
Consider painting posts a different color than the railing and spindles, as in this example. You could also choose two colors and use one for all vertical spindles and posts and the other for the horizontal railings and finials.
This deck painting idea won’t require any measuring or intricate details. With only a brush or roller and a bit of painter’s tape, you can highlight your deck’s architectural details with eye-catching color.
FAQs
What kind of paint should I use on my deck?
Exterior paint and wood stain are your two primary options. They each have their own advantages that can preserve your decking and enhance your creative deck painting ideas.
Painting will likely require several coats, including a base of primer. While the work is more intensive, paint also offers more waterproofing and protection around the wood. After painting, none of the decking’s original color or wood grain will be visible.
Exterior paint is available in a full range of colors. If your vision includes bright color or you want to completely cover the woodgrain on your decking, paint is the best option.
Stain penetrates the wood, so your coverage will be semi-transparent at most. If you want the wood grain of your decking to show in your design, stain is the way to go.
Stains won’t give you the vibrant color options that paint will. Most deck stains are shades of brown, venturing into grays or reds. Because the original wood will be visible, the same stain can look totally different on different types of wood. If you only want a slight color change from your original decking color, stain can save you quite a bit of time.
Find out more about choosing the right paint or stain for your project with our guide to The Best Deck Paint for Transforming Your Yard.
How can I protect my painted deck from the elements?
Choosing the right paint or stain for your deck is one of the best ways to protect the wood from harsh weather. Both help block the wood from moisture and UV rays from the sun.
For the best protection from the elements, look for a combination stain and sealer product that is also available in clear to help protect your painted designs.
How do I choose the best colors for my deck?
If you’ve ever painted a room before, you already know that the color on a paint chip can read very differently once it’s on the wall. Factors like sunlight and trim color can affect the look of the final result.
Carefully consider the overall look and color scheme you want for your home. Then, be sure to sample products on your porch before committing to the colors. For a more in-depth step-by-step on this decision, check out How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors for Your House in 6 Easy Steps – DIY Painting Tips.
How often should I repaint my deck?
Most decks will need to be repainted or restained over the years. However, if you use high-quality painting materials, you can extend the life of your painted deck as long as possible.
Deck paint can last for ten years or more. Stain, on the other hand, could last as long as eight years or need restaining every year.
Regardless of the product you use, plan to repaint or restain if you see signs of wear and tear. This is especially true after severe weather.
What is the best time of year for painting my deck?
When planning a deck painting project, you’ll want to consider the weather and the season. For obvious reasons, precipitation can make a mess of your wet paint or stain. Extremely hot or cold temperatures can also make it difficult for your paint to dry.
Spring and fall both have mild temperatures that are conducive to outdoor painting projects, as long as it isn’t rainy.
From a practical standpoint, you’ll probably want to put your creative deck paint ideas into action during the spring. That way, you’ll have all summer to show off your hard work during barbecues and backyard parties.
Inspired Deck Painting
Going bold with your deck painting ideas can turn your backyard into a fun, creative space. After all, painting or staining a deck is hard work! Make the most of your efforts by creating a space that reflects your style and truly feels like home.
Ready to get started? Check out our deck staining page to learn all about the process!