An open-air deck is excellent for enjoying the sun, but adding a cover provides more opportunities to entertain and relax. A simple roof or pergola offers shade and, sometimes, shelter from rain, so you can enjoy the outdoors even when it’s drizzling (5 Benefits of Having a Covered Deck, 2023). With the proper covering, your deck can become the highlight of your backyard.
You don’t have to fully enclose your deck to add a cover. Pergolas are a stylish option that let in lots of light and work well for growing climbing vines and other plants (Pergola, n.d.). If you want more privacy, try hanging light curtains to make the space feel cozier.
In this guide, you’ll find a range of covered deck ideas, from affordable DIY projects to more detailed builds. Whether you’re updating your current deck or planning something new, these ideas can help you create a comfortable and relaxing outdoor space.
Modern Deck Pergola
A patio cover that extends from your house gives your deck a modern, seamless look. Simple columns support the structure, and combining wood paneling with white siding helps set the deck apart from the rest of your home. Add colorful pillows, comfy furniture, and hanging plants to make the space feel more welcoming.
Shady Greenery
With a bit of patience, training draping vines over a pergola can provide If you have a bit of patience, training draping vines over a pergola provides a beautiful, natural covering for your deck. (Growing Vines on a Pergola Creates a Living Canopy That Makes Outdoor Spaces More Naturally Beautiful. Here’s How to Do It, 2022) The lush leaves and stems create a living canopy that adds color and texture, drawing the eye upward. This approach works especially well for an outdoor dining area, where a string of lights can create a magical atmosphere for evening meals.
Sloped Deck Covering
A sloped cover with high ceilings brings a dramatic look to your outdoor area and gives great protection from sun and rain. Placing wood beams carefully can frame views of your yard, like a pool or garden, and show off your landscape’s best features.
Cozy Covered Deck Ideas
Natural wood beams over a deck work well with a Bohemian style. This sturdy cover also makes it easy to add outdoor lighting, such as wood pendant lights. Since the deck is fully protected, you can use an outdoor rug, soft furniture, and plenty of cushions and pillows to make it feel like a real outdoor living room.
Modern Deck Covering
Attaching a sloped wood cover to your home is usually easier than building a separate structure. With just a few support beams, you can make a modern overhang. Using the same wood for both the cover and the deck floor helps the whole space feel connected and relaxed.
Budget-Friendly Covered Deck Idea
If your deck has a basic pergola or exposed beams, you already have a great base for a simple DIY cover. Weave long pieces of fabric or outdoor curtains between the beams to add shade and style. This affordable idea is also easy to remove and store for winter.
Attached Covered Deck
This covered deck uses the home’s existing overhang for shade. The wood beams in the ceiling match the deck floor, making the space look unified and well-designed. Adding color accents, like sage green trim, gives a gentle contrast to the siding and helps create a calm, welcoming feel.
Screened-In Covered Deck Idea
Screening in a covered deck makes it a functional space for most of the year. (5 Benefits of Having a Covered Deck, 2025) By adding a solid roof overhang and screening in the sides, you can keep pests out while enjoying the fresh air. (Deck with Screened-In Roof – Coatesville, PA – Integrous Fences and Decks, n.d.) Installing an outdoor fireplace at one end creates a cozy gathering spot that you can use even during the cooler months.
Covered Deck with Shades
For more flexibility, try adding adjustable shades. This deck has wood beams on top for light, while side shades give you privacy and sun protection when you want it. Rolled up, they’re barely noticeable, but when down, they turn the area into a private retreat.
Deck Overhang
In a backyard where a pool is the main attraction, a covered deck provides a much-needed spot to relax in the shade or dry off. This design features a built-in overhang that covers the main seating area on the deck. If your Home doesn’t have a significant overhang, you can extend it over a ground-level deck by adding a few support beams.
Simple Covered Deck with Balcony
A balcony can naturally cover the deck or patio below it. In this example, the area under a second-story balcony becomes a sheltered spot for relaxing. A concrete slab gives a sturdy base for lounge chairs, and nearby trees add privacy.
Freestanding Deck Cover
If your deck is open to the sky, adding a simple wooden pergola is a great way to get some coverage. It won’t shade the whole area, but it adds structure and marks out the main seating spot. You can also hang fabric or grow climbing plants on the pergola for more shade and style later on.
Southwest-Style Deck Cover
Inspired by classic Southwestern architecture, this design (Local Roof Styles That Define the Southwest, 2025) uses a sloped tile roof to protect the deck from sun and rain. White stucco walls and columns make it feel like an open-air room. Since only half the deck is covered, you can choose between sun and shade.
Deck with Privacy Curtains
To add privacy and style without spending much, hang sheer outdoor curtains. You don’t need to build anything new—just use the beams or structures you already have. White curtains add elegance and, when closed, create a private, shaded spot.
Simple Deck Beams
Simple beams on this covered deck help define the space, making it feel like part of your home while still letting in lots of natural light. Faux grass on the floor adds an outdoor vibe, and details like a bar cart and stylish tables make the deck perfect for entertaining.
Limited Space Deck
Even a small overhang can make a cozy spot for seating. This area isn’t big, but it fits a couple of Adirondack chairs. Hanging pendant lights make the nook feel even more welcoming and unique.
Deck with High Ceilings
Your covered deck doesn’t need to be a massive addition. This one cleverly utilizes the Home’s existing overhang and is tucked into a corner, creating an ultra-private outdoor lounge. Placing the sofa along the shorter wall helps the space feel more open and roomy despite its compact footprint.
Coastal Style Covered Deck Idea
This coastal-inspired (Screened-In Porch Gallery, 2025) covered deck is almost completely enclosed, with windows providing protection from the elements and allowing for controlled airflow. A small open-air section, separated by columns, offers a connection to the outdoors. Keeping the walls and ceiling white and using pale wood for the floors helps to brighten the enclosed space.
Covered Deck Dining Area
With its high ceiling and complete protection from the rain, this covered deck is an ideal spot for an outdoor dining room. The solid roof makes it possible to use a vintage wood dining Table and wicker chairs for warm-weather meals. A dark green hutch provides stylish storage for outdoor dishes and utensils.
Cozy Entryway Deck
An overhang attached to the home makes a cozy, private spot on this entryway deck. Because most of the area is a walkway, a hanging egg chair is a smart way to add seating without taking up much space. Bright cushions and pillows add color to the shady corner.
Design Your Ideal Outdoor Retreat
A covered deck can add a lot to your home’s living space, giving you a spot for everything from quiet morning coffee to fun evenings with friends (5 Benefits of Having a Covered Deck, 2025). Pick a design that matches your home and fits your lifestyle to create an outdoor retreat you’ll love for years. Whether you choose a simple pergola or a fully enclosed room, the goal is to make the space feel like a natural part of your home.
