Deck Inlay Designs

Best Deck Inlay Designs

Picture Frame Deck Designs

Picture framing a deck involves running at least one layer of deck board around the perimeter of the deck, at the edge of the inlay. Picture frame patterns lend a polished feel to your outdoor living space while also staying subtle enough not to compete with other add-ons like lighting or railing. For those who gravitate toward more traditional styles but want a subtle finish to their outdoor living space, picture frame deck patterns will have your neighbors regarding your deck like the work of art it is.

Benefits to This Style: Picture Frame Deck Designs

• Hides the Ends of Composite Decking: Adding a picture frame detail to your composite deck is a great way to combine elevated style and straightforward protection. The edge-tracing picture frame lends a nicely finished look, and at the same time, creates a natural cover to finish the ends of composite decking.
• Won’t Compete for Center Stage: Picture frame designs lend visual interest to your outdoor living space without dominating other features like lighting or railing. They also keep the look of the space subtly modern and more versatile than some of the more statement-making deck patterns like tile or herringbone.

Herringbone Deck Framing

Elegant, intricate, and textural, nothing says “luxury decking” quite like a herringbone pattern. Herringbone deck designs are formed by repeating instances of two deck boards meeting at 45-degree angles. The crisscrossed, interlocking design evokes the richness of woven textiles and takes a deck from straightforward to statement-making. Also, check out our Best Herringbone Deck Ideas blog for more inspiration.

Benefits to This Style: Herringbone Deck Framing

• Packs a Punch: This advanced deck pattern is rich in visual interest and immediately elevates the style of your outdoor living space. Because of the tightness of the pattern, a herringbone inlay pairs best with larger decks where the pattern can recur. Herringbone deck designs also work well as an intricate focal point when used as a framed inlay offset by single-width decking throughout the rest of the space.
• Accommodates a Unique Deck Shape: Depending on the collection and product line, TimberTech boards come in lengths of 12′, 16′, and 20′. If your deck is longer than a single board’s span, a herringbone insert at the center of the deck can cover any natural breaks and minimize joints and gaps.

Pinstripe Deck Pattern

Crisp and coastal-cool, the pinstripe is one of the deck patterns that evokes thoughts of a relaxing and sun-soaked afternoon. Traditionally defined by two narrow boards buffeted by standard or wide-width boards on either side, the pinstripe pattern promises villa vibes even if you don’t live in a tropical climate. If you gravitate toward subtle but intentional design and have an eye for detail, this is the deck pattern for you.

Benefits to This Style: Pinstripe Deck Pattern

• Elevates the Look and Feel: As deck patterns go, installing one reminiscent of suit fabric will go a long way toward communicating a sense of resort-ready sophistication — however, just like single-width or picture framed decks, a pinstripe pattern won’t upstage or compete with other décor.
• Reimagines Decking: Because this pattern is a fresh take on a popular deck layout, you can expect family and friends to feel immediately welcome at the same time you showcase your unique taste.

Diagonal Deck Inlay

Nothing says “dynamic design” like a diagonal inlay. With sleek lines streaming from stage left to right, diagonal deck patterns showcase a high level of stylistic complexity and deliver some serious curb appeal. Diagonal inlay deck patterns are not for the faint of heart — this design is dynamic and unique, so expect to have an outdoor living space that sparks conversation.

Benefits to This Style: Diagonal Deck Inlay

• Introduces Alternate Dimensions: Diagonal lines draw the eye through a space. Especially for larger decks, diagonal lines can imply a gentle flow of traffic — especially when anchored by furniture or a dining table at strategic points, like in the photo above. The final effect? A multi-dimensional outdoor living space that clearly supports different uses.
• Modernizes Your Home: Diagonal lines make a fresh style statement that can’t be denied, making even more traditional homes look and feel contemporary.

Tile Deck Pattern

Tile deck patterns are formed by adjoining framed portions (“tiles”) whose inlays run perpendicular to one another. The geometric design is pleasing to the eye and the crisp right angles convey precision and intentionality. Talk about a high-end outdoor living space.

Benefits to This Style: Tile Deck Pattern

• Stately Elegance: The clearly defined linework of this deck pattern shows off the unwavering, buckle-free profile of your premium-performance composite deck. If you have a home whose exterior also plays up contours and borders — such as a Cape Cod- or Craftsman-style home — this pattern provides a seamless complement.
• Establishes Space: The clear borders to this deck pattern draw the eye outward, contributing to a sense of enlarged space. That said, the repeating pattern of tile deck patterns mean that this inlay option is best-suited for a sizeable outdoor loving space.

Curved Deck Patterns

Curved deck boards are formed through the process of heat bending which allows the boards to be molded into curved shapes. This is an option for engineered decking, only — wood deck boards cannot retain their structural integrity when heat is applied.
  

What Is Heat Bending?

Heat bending involves heating the deck boards up to high temperatures. Once heated, the boards can be bent into a curved shape. When the boards cool, they retain the new, curved profile.
  
Due to the high temperatures needed, our capped polymer decking line, TimberTech AZEK, is the ideal decking line for this process.

Curved Composite Decking Design Ideas

Curving With the Landscape

Dramatic Curved Stairs

Curved Bench Section

Single-width Deck Pattern

Single-width, as you might guess, is a deck pattern where the inlay is made up of the same width of boards across the entire deck. This go-to deck pattern has stood the test of time for a reason. The consistent lines evoke classic style and won’t compete with other design elements you might introduce, whether those be variable pieces like outdoor living furniture or a more permanent pergola. If you yearn for a timeless deck design that exudes classic vibes combined with an adherence to balance and structure, this deck pattern is for you.

Benefits to This Style: Single-Width Deck Pattern

• Easy Installation: Because this is the most straight-forward inlay option and uses standard framing, you can expect a timely installation from your contractor. If you’re interested in going the DIY route, single-width decking is an accessible project — but with a final product that is just as gorgeous as some of the more advanced deck patterns.
• Versatile and Scalable: The timeless, unimposing feel of this pattern means that it works well on decks of any size. When used on a larger deck, the no-frills pattern echoes the airiness of your outdoor living space. On a smaller deck, the straight lines won’t pull the eye downward, maximizing a sense of openness and banishing feelings of clutter.