By Deirdre Mundorf | Updated Apr 11, 2022 4:27 PM

Choosing a new color for your deck—whether you paint or stain the existing wood or change the color of the decking boards with a new wood or composite material—can give your yard a refreshing makeover.

Updating your deck’s color can also help extend the useful life of your deck. Paint and stain protects the wood from rot and keeps the finish smooth and clean. Meanwhile, installing composite deck boards means less future maintenance.

Use the deck color ideas below to help you decide on the perfect color to brighten up your outdoor space and give your deck a face-lift.

Honey is one of those warm deck colors that will help bring some cheer to an outdoor space. If you haven’t previously painted your deck, a semitransparent honey stain will still allow the grain of the wood to show through. The result is a protected, updated, and natural look.

Looking for gray deck paint colors? Consider driftwood gray if you have a beach house or want to make your backyard feel like your own personal beach retreat. This Cabot driftwood gray solid deck resurfacer available at Lowe’s, a featured selection in our guide to the best deck paints, works to fill cracks and smooth the texture of deck boards. It can be an ideal option for breathing new life into an older deck.

If you want to paint a deck to add contrast against the color of your home or patio furniture, black could be a dramatic color option. With this Cabot solid black acrylic deck stain available at Lowe’s, you can fully cover over the old color on each deck board while also protecting the wood against water, UV rays, and scuff marks.

Those looking for the best deck stain that will help preserve the natural look of a wood deck may desire a clear stain like this option from Defy, available at Amazon. Applying the stain over the wood is important to prevent the boards from weathering and cracking, while the clear coat will maintain the wood’s original color and beauty.

You might also want to consider whitewashing a deck to bring out the texture of each board. Unlike solid deck stains, whitewashing doesn’t completely cover over the wood. This means you’ll still be able to see the wood grain and imperfections that make each board unique.

Looking for bold decking paint ideas? Alligator green deck stain like this option from Olympic, available at The Home Depot, can certainly liven up a backyard and offer an interesting contrast to the color of your house, deck furniture, and decor. Just make sure to paint a test board to confirm that you like the way the color looks in your space before covering the entire deck. This will help you avoid making a common deck staining mistake and ending up with a color that doesn’t make you happy.

Deck patterns with borders offer a two-toned look. The contrast between the two colors increases the visual appeal of the deck, but it can also help with sectioning larger decks into different areas for dining, relaxing, or playing games. These Trex Transcend Composite Decking Boards are available in a range of colors to allow you to customize the look and feel of your space.

Composite decking is easier to maintain and longer lasting than wood. If you’re looking for something that mimics the natural grain of hardwood, consider choosing a variegated composite board. Variegated boards use a mix of different colors and shades to create depth and give the illusion of natural wood.

Slate is a popular modern deck paint color that can elevate the design and appearance of an outdoor space. Pairing this Behr solid slate wood coating available at The Home Depot along with a modern patio furniture set can get your backyard looking fresh and ready for summer entertaining.

If you’re looking for deck ideas that will add style and personality to your space, consider trying a contrasting inlay. Creating a simple, or more complex, design using two or more Fiberon Concordia Horizon Composite Decking Board colors will allow you to make a unique deck and backyard statement.

This Behr textured anti-slip barn red deck color available at The Home Depot can pair nicely with a variety of siding colors and materials. While it can look beautiful when used to cover all of the deck boards, you may also want to consider the clean and elegant look achieved when it is used alongside white deck paint.

Painting banisters or railings with a colorful paint can enhance the overall appearance of the deck, without getting too wild. Consider selecting a color that will match or coordinate with the trim and/or shutter colors of your house. Or, add a personal touch to the space by using one of your favorite colors.

Brownstone accents alongside a lighter color, such as taupe or ivory, can create a classy and attractive outdoor entertaining space. These brownstone TimberTech PVC Decking Boards are made from a synthetic material that resists both moisture damage and rot. The cathedral wood grain helps create the illusion of natural wood.

The giant redwoods in California are majestic and breathtaking, so bring some of that wonder to your outdoor space with redwood decking boards or a redwood deck stain. This color can complement a variety of homes and surroundings, but it may be especially impactful when surrounded by lots of lush green grass and trees to really bring out the deck’s red tones.

Walnut deck stains offer a mix of dark and light browns. If you’re looking for a warm color to brighten up your backyard, walnut is an optimal choice. This SaverSystems walnut stain available at Amazon also functions as a sealer to protect your deck against water damage. Because it’s a semitransparent stain, the natural grain of the wood will remain visible.

Light oak is another deck stain color to consider if you are aiming for a more natural wood look. It is a versatile color that will coordinate with a wide variety of siding and decor options. This Ready Seal semitransparent light oak deck stain and sealer available at That Home Depot is designed for easy application. Maintenance is also simple and straightforward, as no sanding or stripping is necessary when applying additional coats.

The attractive color of Behr’s colony blue deck stain available at The Home Depot is suitable for a range of applications. The blue-gray color could be a fitting choice for a beach or lake house, or it could help to modernize a deck with a chic, upscale feel. This semitransparent colony blue deck stain provides a waterproof, mildew-resistant, and UV-resistant finish.

A solid white deck stain is another top option to consider for your outdoor space. White is a neutral color that can look great next to a variety of brick or siding colors. You can also use it as a blank canvas to adorn with patio furniture and other outdoor decor. This Valspar all-weather white stain available at Lowe’s covers up nearly all of the wood grain for those desiring a crisp and polished look for their deck.

This SaverSystems solid taupe deck stain available at Amazon fully hides the wood grain and offers superior protection against damage from water or the sun. Use it to stain your entire deck, or pair it alongside a darker brown solid deck stain to add contrast and visual intrigue to your space.

Those looking for a deep chocolate brown may find this mission brown color appealing. Use Cabot’s mission brown deck resurfacer available at Lowe’s to fill cracks, prevent splintering, and improve the overall appearance of an old and worn deck. The best deck resurfacers can help revitalize your deck and provide you with multiple years of continued use.

Looking to make your deck stand out? A light blue semitransparent deck stain can help you achieve that goal. The natural wood grain mixed with the nontraditional light blue color can work together to transform your deck into a unique piece of art.

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