Arizona Deck & Patio Ideas (Best Materials + Design Inspirations)

When you’re thinking of redoing or upgrading your outdoor space in Phoenix, AZ, there’s one area you can’t forget: your deck. It’s a major part of the cohesiveness of your total landscape package. Whether you’re soaking up the sun during the day or entertaining in the evening, your cool deck in Phoenix, AZ is bound to get a lot of use. 

There are several kinds of decks and patios. First, the kind that’s directly off your back door is the most common. If you have a pool, you definitely need a deck, and then are the patios you use to create a sitting area in larger backyards. Whatever your fancy, there’s no limit to the deck ideas you can implement. 

First, you need to consider your placement. Then, your materials are just as important, if not more. Your landscaping team can discuss all the different types of materials and pavers available to achieve your desired look.

Choosing Your Custom Deck and Patio Materials

When you’re deciding on a patio or deck for your home, it’s important to consider the best deck materials for Arizona weather. Not all are created equal, and more importantly, not all are designed to withstand the arid climate. Your deck installer knows the best materials to use, and these include:

CONCRETE

While the concrete you think of might be plain, the truth is it’s anything but. There is so much you can do with concrete, such as adding stain, and then there are pavers, which are highly recommended for the simple reason that they’re more flexible than pouring concrete on the ground. The reason? Expansive soil. This can cause cracks in the foundation, but if you have pavers installed, we’ve found you can eliminate this often costly repair. Pool owners actually prefer concrete due to its longevity.

BRICK

Brick is one of the most popular choices when you’re considering ideas for materials, for more than one reason. Not only is it durable, it also comes in different colors and styles. Brick is also good for those intricate patterns. So, if there’s a design you’ve had your eye on — like a sunburst in the middle of your backyard hangout space — brick is the best way to go.

STONE

There are many types of stone to consider for your deck and patio areas. Sandstone is one such option. It’s designed to look more like flat stone, though on the surface it may resemble brick. Its natural color blends in well with the landscape, and you can find it in many other color schemes too.

Granite is another great option. While you might idealize it on your kitchen counter, it works well for your walkways and patio areas, too. The beauty of granite — other than its luxurious appeal — is its ability to stand up to even the highest foot traffic.

Travertine is yet another choice Phoenix homeowners often go for. It’s also commonly known as limestone and with its smooth finish, it creates a beautiful look.

WOOD

There’s something alluring about the look of wood. It’s traditional and fits in well with most landscaping projects. In Arizona, composite decking material is a better choice over natural because it’s less likely to warp as it’s made with more than just wood — typically plastics and resins along with recycled wood. Regular wood, even with staining and management can rot or splinter and needs constant attention to avoid damage from the demanding Arizona sun.

MARBLE

If you’re going for an elegant look, marble is your best bet. It comes in many different color schemes and can blend in very well with most types of decor. However, it’s not a good idea to place marble around a pool, because it can be dangerous when wet. It’s better for an accent area rather than a large space.

TILE

Another durable option for your patio or deck is tile. Ceramic pavers can create nearly any look you can dream up — even if it’s intricate and laid out in exquisite patterns. Plus, there’s no shortage of colors and patterns.

Pool Decking Ideas to Impress

When you install a pool, you need a place to hang out, which makes a pool deck a necessity. It gives you a place to relax and dry off, rather than drying off on the lawn or worse, dripping water all the way to the house.

Your pool deck design will depend on the type of swimming pool you have. With in-ground models, for example, you can have an expansive brick, stone, or paver deck surrounding it. Above-ground pools, which are far less common in Arizona, will need elevated pool decking and your best option is to make it out of composite wood to add texture and ensure longevity. 

COVERINGS

Adding onto your deck or patio in your outdoor living space, coverings are great for shade and to help keep things cool, especially on days when that Arizona sun is beating down on you. There are a number of covering types that we can install in your backyard.

Consider a ramada or pergola as part of your deck expansion. A ramada is a fully-enclosed covering, which will give you 100% shade and the most cooling power from the sun shining above. A pergola offers shade as well, but it typically has open slats, so it only offers partial covering.

Patio Decking Inspiration

Even if you don’t have a pool, you still deserve a nice place to relax and entertain outside. This is why a patio is a solid inclusion in your total landscaping plan. Many homes have a patio extending off the back door, creating an entertainment area for friends and family. Some include outdoor kitchens or lead the way to a backyard pool.  Then, there are those that encompass a good portion of the backyard, designed solely for relaxing and entertainment with personal touches scattered throughout.

When building or expanding a patio, consider the look of the yard, such as your plants and surrounding areas, and tie it in to make a cohesive plan that complements the existing and new features you’re adding. For example, you’ll want to keep the same materials or those that complement existing landscaping features, this ties the backyard together with an effortless look.

The Best Patio & Decking Features We’ve Implemented for Arizona Homes

No deck or patio design is complete without your fair share of personal touches. After all, it’s what makes your space, yours.

HEATING ELEMENT

Yes, the days are warm with the AZ sun, but as a homeowner, you know the nights can be cool. Why limit entertainment to when the sun is out? A fire pit or outdoor fireplace, for example, can help heat up the area, so you can entertain into the wee hours. It also adds ambiance for romantic nights with your loved one.

LIGHTING FEATURES

There are a number of light features you can include in your outdoor space. They seek to add ambiance and brighten up the area. Think sconces and tiki torches to keep pesky insects away. Of course, your fire pit or fireplace can be considered a lighting feature, too.

WATER FEATURES

One really simple way to add elegance to your deck or patio is to add a water feature. Consider a fountain or waterfalls, or if you have the space, a manmade pond. Not only will you garner a reaction from your guests, but it’ll also create a relaxing oasis.

Custom Decking and Landscaping Process

Our deck landscaping process is thorough because we want to make your dreams come true and the only we can do that is by letting you know where we stand every single step of the way. 

Our process consists of 10 steps, and we include you in every single one.

• You fill out our Online Project Inquiry form.
• We initiate a quick phone call, 5 to 10 minutes, to introduce ourselves and go over your specs. 
• You find galleries that fit your vision and fill out a form that details everything you’re looking for. 
• One of our designers meets with you at home to see your landscape in person and go over your vision. 
• You send us your design images and our team goes to work creating a detailed plan. 
• A Final office meeting takes place after the design is finalized and here, you’ll sign your contract that outlines your budget and other pertinent details. 
• We provide you with a detailed plan and schedule the work. 
• Construction begins.
• You review the final work and our team goes over all maintenance details as well as warranty details before our crew leaves.

Bring the Deck or Patio of Your Dreams to Life With Straight Line Landscape

Straight Line is committed to taking your visions and making them a reality. We offer a long list of complete landscaping projects and ensure you’re not only satisfied but know how to appropriately care for your landscape when all’s said and done.

As experts in the field and in the Northern Phoenix area, we want you to count on us to get the project done and get it done right.