When it comes to choosing a color for your deck, there are many factors to consider. The most popular deck colors tend to be neutral earth tones that complement the home and landscaping. However, personal style and climate are also important considerations. This article will examine the pros and cons of the most popular deck colors to help you select the best shade for your outdoor living space.
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Earth Tone Colors
Earth tones like brown, tan, and grey are hands down the most popular deck colors. According to industry surveys, over 60% of deck owners opt for natural wood tones or stains in darker brown and grey hues. There are several good reasons for the prevalent use of earth tones:
- Natural wood grains show through – Many homeowners prefer to showcase the beautiful natural patterns and grains in wood decking boards. Transparent stains in wood tone colors enhance the decking texture while protecting the wood.
- Complementary to landscaping – Earth tones integrate seamlessly into the surroundings. A brown or tan deck blends with trees, plants, soil, stone, and pavers for a cohesive aesthetic.
- Classic and timeless – Neutral earth tones are inherently classic. They stand the test of time and trends. You don’t have to worry about your brown deck looking dated after a few years.
- Lower maintenance – Natural wood tones help hide the dirt, mildew, and wear-and-tear that accumulates on decking over time. The color disguises flaws better than lighter or brighter colors.
Best Earth Tone Deck Colors
Within the earth tone family, some specific shades rate as more popular choices among homeowners and come highly recommended by experts:
- Wood tones – Transparent stains that allow the natural grain and color of wood species like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine to show through are perennially popular. The wood’s natural patina enhances over time.
- Walnut – A rich chocolate brown evokes the natural color of walnut wood. This luxurious shade looks stylish on decks, especially modern designs.
- Chestnut – Slightly redder than walnut, chestnut brown has a timeless, traditional look well-suited to many homes, especially those with brick or stone.
- Weathered grey – Greys with undertones of brown or tan mimic the look of weathered wood. This understated, timeworn color works anywhere.
Color Considerations by Climate
While earth tones reign supreme across most regions, climate is a factor to weigh when choosing deck colors. Here are some considerations for different weather conditions:
Hot, Sunny Climates
- Lighter colors help minimize heat absorption on decks in hot regions
- Browns, tans, and wood tones still work well for UV resistance
- Avoid dark colors like black, dark brown or dark red
Humid, Rainy Climates
- Browns and wood tones disguise mold/mildew issues common in humid areas
- Avoid paints which can bubble and peel; use stains instead
- Darker tones like walnut hide flaws better than light colors
Cold, Snowy Climates
- Darker colors absorb heat from sunlight to help melt snow faster
- Grey is popular for a weathered, natural wood look
- Reds and browns stand out against white snowy backdrops
Trending Deck Color Palettes
While earth tones reign supreme, some developments are broadening deck color trends:
Brighter Hues
Vibrant deck colors like red, yellow, green, and blue are growing in popularity. Brighter solid stains or multi-tone color combinations add personality to decks. However, bright colors show flaws, so require more maintenance. Trending bright hues include:
- Blue
- Red
- Yellow
- Green
Black
On the opposite end of the color spectrum, black is an emerging trend. Black paint or stain has a modern, sleek, almost edgy feel. However, black absorbs a lot of heat and is prone to visible scuff marks.
Whitewashed
White washing involves applying a thin white pigmented stain over wood. This creates a distressed, beachy look that works in coastal areas. Whitewash takes more upkeep to stay clean.
The Best Color for Your Deck
When selecting your deck color, keep these tips in mind:
- Consider your home’s existing color scheme and architecture so the deck complements it.
- Factor in the climate and how much maintenance you want to do.
- Stick to wood tones if you prefer low maintenance.
- Add interest with multi-tonal schemes, borders, or patterns if desired.
- View color swatches on sample boards outside in natural daylight when deciding.
- Test a small hidden area first before committing to a whole deck.
Conclusion
In summary, earth tones like wood, brown, tan, and grey are by far the most popular deck colors. They seamlessly coordinate with surroundings while disguising flaws and dirt. However, climate appropriateness and personal taste should guide your decision too. With the right prep work and care, any color can look beautiful and enduring on your deck. Just be sure to follow application tips for prep, priming, product selection and application technique. With all these factors covered, you’re sure to have a deck color you’ll love for years to come.
| Earth Tone Colors | Brighter Colors | Black | Whitewash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood tones | Blue | Black | White pigmented stain |
| Walnut | Red | ||
| Chestnut | Yellow | ||
| Weathered grey | Green |