What Color Should I Paint My Deck?

Decks are designed to make the most of your outdoor time. Whether gathering as a family out on your deck or throwing an outdoor party, deck space is important in setting the look of the outside of your home. With so many available deck colors choosing the right one for your outdoor space can seem daunting. We have searched multiple sources to bring you a thorough list of some of the most popular deck colors. 

Decorating your deck can be done with several different goals in mind. You can match the color of your deck to the exterior of your home or paint your deck an eye-catching color to distinguish your outdoor space. Whatever your end goal, there is sure to be a deck color perfect for your home's exterior. The deck colors that we will discuss in further detail are:

  • Gray
  • Black
  • Chocolate brown
  • Cedar brown 
  • Taupe
  • Greige
  • Green
  • Red
  • Light blue
  • Dark blue

Picking a color to paint your deck will likely only be a part of your exterior project. You may find yourself wondering what the most popular colors in decks are or what color deck looks the best with the color of your home. You may also ask yourself if your deck should match your home and what the best method of staining your deck is. We will discuss all of these subjects and other closely related topics, just keep reading.

Deck Color Inspiration

Deck color inspiration, What Color Should I Paint My Deck?

Gray

The perfect combination of white and black, gray is a great choice for your deck. Gray is a versatile color that can be used with almost any other exterior home color to create a beautiful color scheme.

The example below shows that this light-colored exterior combines with the gray deck to make a bold statement. However, gray decks can also be paired with a dark colored home to lighten the color palette. 

Part of white residential house with brown doors

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Black

To add a sleek modern appearance to your home's exterior, consider painting your deck black. The darkest neutral color available, a black deck is sure to emphasize your outdoor space. The black deck pictured in the example below contrasts the surrounding natural greenery beautifully. 

Dark brown

Deep chocolate shades of brown can be a bold, dramatic color choice for your deck. If the color black isn't right for your space, but you like deeper shades, dark brown may be the perfect choice for you.

Warm and sleek, dark shades of brown can upgrade the look of your home's exterior space while still having the effect of natural wood colors. The dark brown deck pictured in the example below gives this outdoor space a modern touch that is accentuated using metal embellishments.

Garden with iron pergola and rustic style sofa

Cedar brown

A warm reddish-brown, cedar brown decks are hugely popular for their bright but natural wood color. Cedar decks have an appearance of depth and adaptability due, in part, to the mixture of light and dark wood.

Many combinations of exterior home color schemes are enhanced through the use of cedar stained wood decks. The vivid contrast to the surrounding natural greenery makes the perfect backdrop to the cedar deck pictured in the example below. 

Newly restored exterior cedar deck in progress on a sunny day

Taupe

A light natural shade of brown, taupe is another option for a natural colored deck. A taupe deck offers a clean, modern look that pairs beautifully with many exterior home colors.

The minimalist look that has recently emerged as a popular design scheme is the perfect setting for a taupe deck, as shown in the example below. These shades of whites and grays combine with taupe accents for a beautifully subtle palette of warm and cool neutrals. 

Modern house with garden swimming pool and wooden deck

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Greige

Gray and beige combine to form a beautiful shade known as greige. With gray emerging as one of the most popular colors for home decor, greige is a warmer shade of gray that appeals to lovers of both grays and browns.

Because of the combination of neutral colors, greige is extremely versatile. As shown in the example below, white accents offer the perfect pop of crisp contrast to this deep neutral color.

Large deck with chairs and table

Green

Inspired by nature, green is a beautiful natural cool shade that can make a great color for your deck. By blending in with surrounding natural greenery, a green deck can give your home's exterior an expansive look and feel.

The muted sage color that is shown in the example below gives this deck a cool soft appearance. During the seasons that the area surrounding your deck is not green, a green deck can add some fun, bright color to your exterior space. 

Red

To give your home's exterior a spicy dash of color, red paint for your deck may be what you need. Red decks can add a bold contrast to the outside of your home that is sure to get attention.

Red decks can also blend in well with natural red brick for a cohesive look, as pictured in the example below. From bold brick red to deep burgundy tones, there is sure to be a red shade perfect for your deck.

Red empty walkout deck at the backyard

Light blue

While light blue may not be the first color that comes to mind when choosing deck colors, this shade can add a crisp cool contrast to many exterior colors. The beige and brown color combination is transformed into a beachy color scheme with a few coats of light blue paint.

White accents matching the trim of the home in the example below give this exterior a cohesive look. The lighter color palette makes the natural greenery stand out and makes the whole layout seem more airy and spacious. 

Dark blue

Another surprising color for your deck is a darker version of a blue shade. Sophisticated and cool, the dark blue used for the deck pictured below gives this traditional red brick house an invigorating splash of contrasting color. The different shades of brown used to accent this color pairing add a traditional touch to the look of this home's exterior. 

What is the most popular deck color?

Freshly stained backyard deck

Because it is so versatile, cedar brown is one of the most popular deck colors available. Warm and bright, cedar adapts to all sorts of exterior looks to add a warm brilliance to your home's exterior space.

Cedar stains can be used on older decks to restore the bright, fresh look or add a subtle layer of protection against water and weather. Cedar-colored decks are also appealing to most potential home buyers if you plan to sell in the future.

What deck color looks good with a white house?

A view of backyard decking of modern house

Depending on the look that you are going for, almost all deck colors will look good with a white house. For subtle contrast, consider neutral shades such as taupe or gray.

Black or dark blue decks against a white house will give your home a classic dramatic feel. To add some fun color to the exterior of your home, choose a bright, vibrant shade of red or green. 

Should your fence match your deck?

House deck with wooden flooring and metal railings

Using matching colors is important in coordinating the color scheme of the exterior of your home. Matching your deck to your fence is one of many options to coordinate your exterior colors.

Trim used on your house and around windows, roof color, and even color of your gutters can all be used to match your deck. Trim from your home can be carried over to your deck trim, while your home and your deck can still be differing colors. 

Should you stain your deck the same color as your house?

Wooden deck at night with furniture looking inside

Staining your deck the same color as your house can create a spacious look for your home's exterior. It can also be overwhelming, depending on the color that you are using.

Deck colors should complement or contrast your house to draw attention to your deck. Consider dark colors if your house is light or light colors if your house is a dark color.

Is it better to spray or roll deck stain?

Painting stain onto your deck is by far the superior way to ensure that the color reaches all of the cracks and crevices that may be present on the surface of your deck. Rolling stain can be a good alternative to painting the stain on but can still cause some missed spots. Spraying stain onto the surface does not ensure that the stain will get worked into the entire surface of your deck. 

Final thoughts

A lakeside luxury home with large wood deck, What Color Should I Paint My Deck?

Your deck can be an integral part of your home's exterior. There are several methods and endless color choices when it comes to painting or staining your deck. Although your outdoor space should complement your style and represent you and your family's tastes, we hope that the selection of deck colors that we have provided has helped to narrow down your choice.

Before you go, here are some other articles that may be of interest to you:

What Color Deck Goes With A Blue House? [A Complete Guide]

11 Incredible Deck Railing Style Ideas

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