Salt Lake City Deck Builders: 5 Design Trends You’ll See Everywhere This Year
- Mark Evans
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
When it comes to outdoor living in Utah, decks aren’t just an add-on anymore — they’re a statement piece. With homeowners investing more into their backyards, Salt Lake City deck builders are seeing some exciting new trends that blend style, functionality, and low maintenance. If you're a contractor looking to stay ahead or a homeowner dreaming up your perfect space, here are five deck design trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this year.
1. Mixed Material Designs: Wood, Metal, and Composite Together
Gone are the days when decks were just stained lumber from top to bottom. Today’s Utah decks are embracing mixed materials — combining the natural warmth of wood, the durability of composite like TimberTech, and the sleek touch of metal railings.
Builders are designing decks with:
Composite decking floors for low maintenance
Cedar or redwood accents for warmth
Black aluminum railings for a modern contrast
It’s the perfect marriage between style and practicality, especially when dealing with Utah’s unpredictable weather.
2. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transitions
Homeowners in Salt Lake City are blurring the lines between their indoor and outdoor living spaces. Decks are no longer isolated islands — they're true extensions of the home.
Builders are focusing on:
Wide sliding glass doors that open onto the deck
Matching flooring tones between the interior and the deck
Covered spaces that feel like outdoor living rooms
A deck isn’t just for summer BBQs anymore — it’s becoming part of daily life, 365 days a year.
3. Low-Maintenance, High-Performance Materials for Salt Lake City Deck Builders
Let's be honest: Utah's mix of dry summers, snowy winters, and everything in between makes maintaining a traditional wood deck a headache. That's why low-maintenance decking is one of the hottest trends.
Salt Lake City deck builders are heavily recommending materials like:
TimberTech composite decking (high UV resistance, scratch-resistant, and barely needs upkeep)
Waterproof deck systems for second-story decks
PVC-based railings instead of wood handrails that crack and split
Homeowners today want to enjoy their deck, not spend weekends sanding and staining it.
4. Integrated Lighting for Nighttime Wow Factor
Deck lighting has evolved way past a single floodlight bolted to the house. Builders are now designing integrated lighting systems that highlight the deck's beauty while adding serious functionality.
Popular deck lighting upgrades include:
Recessed stair lights for safety
Post cap lights for ambiance
Under-rail lighting for a floating effect
Not only does it make the space safer after dark, but it transforms a normal backyard into an upscale retreat — perfect for long Utah summer nights.
5. Multi-Level Decks and Zoned Outdoor Living
Utah homeowners aren’t settling for simple square decks anymore. Builders are creating multi-level outdoor spaces that serve multiple purposes at once.
Think:
Cooking zone with a built-in grill and prep space
Dining zone for an outdoor table setup
Lounge zone with a fire pit or cozy sectional
Private hot tub deck tucked a few steps down
These zones help organize outdoor living, especially for bigger families or entertainers. Plus, a tiered deck looks stunning against Utah’s naturally sloped backyards.
Final Thoughts: Salt Lake City Deck Builders Are Changing the Game
If you’re planning a deck project this year — whether you’re a contractor bidding a big job or a homeowner dreaming up ideas — these trends are shaping what Utah backyards are becoming. Mixed materials, low-maintenance choices, lighting, and smart layouts are all key to building a deck that isn’t just beautiful today but will still be going strong a decade from now. (See Our Preferred Contractors)
At Wasatch Deck and Rail Supply, we carry top brands like TimberTech, Fortress, and Trex, and we know what materials work best for our unique Utah climate. Whether you're working on your own backyard or building for a client, we’re here to help you build something amazing.
Resources to get you started on your new deck:
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