5 Deck Design Trends Dominating Maryland Backyards in 2025

You know what's funny? Just five years ago, most Maryland homeowners thought a deck was just... well, a deck. A simple platform where you'd throw a grill and maybe some plastic chairs. But after spending so much time at home, people started seeing their outdoor spaces differently. Local deck building in Anne Arundel County has completely transformed what's possible in your backyard.

Now we're seeing spaces that rival indoor rooms—and honestly, sometimes they're even better. Maryland's climate gives us this amazing advantage where we can actually use our outdoor spaces for most of the year, and homeowners are finally taking full advantage of that gift.

Let me walk you through what's actually happening in backyards across Anne Arundel County and beyond. These aren't just pretty Instagram trends—they're smart design moves that make outdoor living actually work for real families.

Why Everyone's Going Up (And Down)

Multi-level decks are absolutely everywhere right now, and there's a really good reason for that. Instead of fighting against your yard's natural slope, smart designers are working with it to create distinct zones that feel like separate outdoor rooms.

Here's what's brilliant about this approach: your upper level becomes the perfect spot for dining and grilling—you're closer to the kitchen, the views are better, and there's something psychologically satisfying about eating "up high." Meanwhile, that lower level transforms into your conversation and relaxation zone. Maybe you add a fire pit down there, or some comfortable lounge seating where people naturally gravitate after dinner.

The magic happens in how these levels connect. You're not just building two separate decks; you're creating a flow between spaces that feels completely natural. I've seen families where the kids naturally claim one level while adults hang out on another, but everyone still feels connected.

Maryland's rolling terrain makes this especially smart. Instead of expensive grading work, you're letting the land do what it wants to do anyway. Plus, you get those gorgeous views of our tree lines that change with every season—something you'd miss with a single-level deck stuck close to the ground.

When Your Deck Does Double Duty

Honestly, the days of dragging furniture around are over. The smartest deck designs happening right now build everything you need right into the structure itself, and homeowners are absolutely loving the results.

Built-in seating is probably the most popular feature we're seeing. Instead of chairs that blow around in storms or cushions that need constant maintenance, you get permanent seating with storage underneath. Perfect for stashing cushions during Maryland's unpredictable spring weather, or keeping outdoor games and supplies right where you need them.

Planter boxes are another game-changer. They're not just pretty—they're functional privacy screens that give you year-round greenery without taking up floor space. Plant some evergreens for winter structure, add seasonal flowers for color, and you've got a living fence that changes throughout the year.

The outdoor bar trend is getting really sophisticated too. We're talking about more than just a simple counter—these are full prep stations with built-in storage for everything from grilling tools to cocktail supplies. You know what I mean? Those spaces where you can actually entertain without running back and forth to the kitchen every five minutes.

What makes these built-ins so appealing is how custom they look. Nothing screams "we just bought this at the big box store" quite like mismatched outdoor furniture. Built-in features make your deck feel like it was always meant to be part of your house.

Your Backyard's New Main Event

Let's be real—Maryland summers were made for outdoor entertaining. The weather's perfect, everyone wants to be outside, and there's something about cooking and eating outdoors that just makes food taste better.

The outdoor kitchen trend has evolved way beyond the basic grill setup. People want dedicated prep space, somewhere to keep drinks cold, and storage for all the tools that make outdoor cooking actually enjoyable. The key is creating zones that work together but don't feel cramped.

Fire pits are having a major moment too, and for good reason. They extend your outdoor season well into fall and even winter on those mild Maryland days. There's something almost magical about gathering around a fire—it brings people together in a way that regular seating just can't match.

What's really smart is how people are integrating entertainment technology without making their decks feel like outdoor living rooms. Maybe it's a weather-resistant TV that swivels so you can catch the game during summer cookouts, or a sound system that's hidden but fills the space with music.

The planning that goes into these spaces is where professional expertise really shows. You need electrical work for outlets and lighting, gas lines if you want built-in grilling, and careful thought about traffic flow so people aren't constantly bumping into each other.

Because Nobody Wants to Eat Dinner by Flashlight

Here's what's changed about deck lighting: it's finally become functional instead of just decorative. Those string lights are pretty, sure, but try reading a menu by them or safely navigating stairs after dark.

LED strip lighting under railings creates this beautiful ambient glow that actually lets you see what you're doing. Post cap lights provide subtle guidance without being harsh, and step lighting keeps everyone safe when moving between levels. The technology has gotten so much better—these systems last longer, use less energy, and many can be controlled from your phone.

Smart lighting is where things get really interesting. You might think all lighting is the same, but programmable systems let you adjust brightness and timing automatically. Dim lighting for relaxed conversation after dinner, brighter task lighting when you're grilling, or even fun color changes for parties.

Speaking of extending your time outdoors, good lighting is what makes a deck usable during Maryland's shorter winter days. Even if it's too cold for dining outside, you can still enjoy the space visually from inside when it's properly lit.

Creating Your Own Little World

Nobody wants to feel like they're eating dinner in a fishbowl, especially with today's closer suburban lot lines. The challenge is creating privacy without making your deck feel like a fortress.

Pergolas with climbing plants are probably the most elegant approach to this problem. They give you overhead structure for shade and visual interest while maintaining that open, airy feeling. Clematis, Virginia creeper, or even grape vines work beautifully in our climate and give you seasonal changes that keep the space interesting year-round.

Strategic planter placement can create natural room dividers without blocking airflow. Tall grasses like fountain grass or decorative screens with climbing plants give you privacy at eye level while keeping the space feeling open above.

The multi-level approach I mentioned earlier naturally creates some separation too. When you're up on a dining level, you feel more removed from neighboring yards without needing walls or fences.

What works especially well in Maryland is choosing plants that look good in multiple seasons. Boxwood gives you year-round structure, while seasonal plantings add color and variety. Native plants like Eastern Red Cedar or American Holly provide privacy while supporting local wildlife.

Your Maryland Deck, Your Way

The beautiful thing about these trends is how they work together rather than competing with each other. A multi-level deck might incorporate built-in seating on each level, strategic lighting that highlights the different zones, and privacy plantings that make each area feel distinct.

When we work with homeowners at All Around Fence, we're always thinking about how these elements connect to create spaces that feel both functional and beautiful. The goal isn't to follow every trend—it's to pick the ones that actually improve how you live outdoors.

Maryland's climate gives us this amazing opportunity to create outdoor spaces that genuinely extend our homes for six to eight months of the year. That's not just a nice-to-have anymore; it's become an expected part of how we live.

Think about how you actually use your outdoor space. Do you entertain large groups or prefer intimate family dinners? Are you early risers who love morning coffee outside, or evening people who want to relax after work? The best deck designs respond to your real life, not just what looks good in photos.

The trends happening right now aren't just about following what's popular—they're about creating outdoor spaces that work as hard as your indoor rooms. And in Maryland, where we're blessed with such beautiful changing seasons, that investment pays off in ways that go far beyond just property value.