Picture this: a summer night along the Wasatch Front, the grill’s sizzling, kids circling with popsicles, and you—feet up—watching the sky go pink over the mountains. That’s the kind of outdoor living space that doesn’t just look good; it feels like home. Whether you’re a DIY weekend warrior or a contractor juggling timelines, here are ten creative, buildable ideas that work in Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties—where the sun’s strong, the wind’s real, and winters don’t mess around.
1) Map your zones, then make them flow
Before you buy a single board, sketch where life actually happens—lounging, dining, cooking, and play. A good plan saves budget and headaches. Use furniture groupings and outdoor rugs to “draw” rooms on the deck. If your yard slopes (hello, bench-cut backyard), consider two levels tied with wide steps. It looks custom and handles crowds. Keep the grill near the kitchen door and the dining area downwind from smoke. It seems picky, but it’s the difference between cozy and chaotic.
DIY tip
Masking tape on concrete or lawn paint on grass helps you test layouts fast. Walk it. Sit in it. You’ll feel the flow.
2) Mix deck colors for a custom look (that’s still easy)
Composite decking holds up in our high-altitude UV and freeze-thaw cycles, which is why we stock Trex and Timbertech for a reason. Try a two-tone design: a rich picture frame border with a lighter field, or a breaker board to avoid butt joints. Warm browns match our red rock sunsets; cool grays play nice with modern stucco and canyon stone.
Contractor note
Mind Joist spacing—often 12″ o.c. for diagonals and composite curves. Hidden fasteners like CAMO or Trex Hideaway keep the surface clean and snag-free. We can help with span tables and fastener pairing.
3) Layer lighting for mountain evenings
Here’s the thing: lighting makes small spaces feel polished and big spaces feel intimate. Combine three layers—overhead glow (bistro strings or pergola pendants), task lights (downlights over steps and the grill), and tiny sparkle (post-cap lights). Low-voltage systems from brands like Dekor or Kichler are simple to install and sip power. Add a dimmer; your eyes will thank you after sunset.
Little safety win
Light stair treads and transitions. Guests move with confidence, even after a second s’more.
4) Create Shade that actually holds up here
Utah sun can be merciless at 4 p.m. A pergola with slats angled to block the west light feels like a life hack. Shade sails look sharp and handle wind when tensioned right. Want rain cover without gloom? Go with clear polycarbonate panels. If snow load is your worry, an adjustable louvered system or beefier timber pergola with Simpson Strong-Tie Hardware has staying power.
Contractor note
Respect frost depth on Footings and use proper anchoring. It’s not glamorous, but it’s how shade stays put through canyon gusts.
5) Add built-in seating that hides the mess
Benches double your seating without buying a fleet of chairs. Try a corner L with a backrest and hinged lids for cushion storage. Leave ventilation gaps so gear dries after a snowstorm. A narrow bench along a Railing creates stadium seating facing the view—game nights, fireworks, you name it.
DIY tip
Pre-plan cushion sizes. It’s easier to build to standard dimensions than chase custom foam later.
6) Choose a fire feature you’ll use year-round
Because yes—marshmallows in January are a thing here. Gas fire tables are clean and easy for weeknights. Smokeless wood options like Solo Stove give that campfire feel without watering eyes. If you have composite decking, add a fireproof base or paver inlay to keep heat off the boards. And keep an eye on local burn restrictions; red air days pop up in winter inversions.
Safety first
Mind clearances and wind. Even a low flame can wander on a gusty Cottonwood evening.
7) Build a kitchen that fits your style (and budget)
Start small with a rolling prep cart and a Blackstone or Traeger. Then add a gas stub, a real prep surface, and weather-ready storage. If you’re going full kitchen, we can source modules, stone veneer, and stainless doors that handle snow and heat. Don’t forget GFCI outlets and a spot to stash tongs. It’s the tiny systems—the “where do I set the plate?” stuff—that make cooking outside easy.
Contractor note
Plan for ventilation, grease management, and a shutoff valve that’s easy to reach. Your inspector—and your future self—will appreciate it.
8) Bring in plants that love our climate
You know what? A few tough, fragrant plants can make a deck feel like a retreat with almost no fuss. Think drought-tolerant and bee-friendly:
- Lavender and Russian sage for color and scent
- Yarrow and salvia for reliable blooms
- Serviceberry for spring flowers and fall color
- Creeping thyme between pavers for soft edges
Add drip irrigation with a smart timer, and you’re golden. Planters in powder-coated Aluminum or Cedar hold up well; just give roots room and drainage.
9) Make it four-season comfortable
Layer comfort like you layer clothes in October. Overhead infrared heaters take the edge off at 40°F. Wind screens or slatted privacy panels tame canyon gusts without closing the space. Use quick-dry cushions with Sunbrella fabric, and keep a deck box for throws. When the snow flies, a blower and a sturdy broom protect composite boards better than metal shovels.
Small detail, big payoff
Outdoor-rated rugs warm up the look and the toes—and hide a scuff or two after a big family barbecue.
10) Let railings and privacy screens do double duty
Railings are safety gear, sure, but they’re also jewelry for your deck. Cable rail keeps the mountain view open. Black powder-coated aluminum feels modern and shrug-proof against weather. Want privacy without a fortress vibe? Try horizontal cedar slats, a living wall, or a laser-cut Steel panel with a Wasatch motif. Cap the posts with low-voltage lights for a clean finish.
Contractor note
Follow code height and baluster spacing; it’s kid-friendly and inspector-friendly. We stock systems that go together fast and look custom.
A quick word on Materials (because they matter here)
High UV, big temperature swings, occasional lake-effect snow—Utah’s tough on materials. That’s why we carry composites that resist fading, hardware that won’t rust out by year two, and lighting that stays bright. If you need a takeoff, color samples, or next-stop delivery along the Wasatch Front, Utah Deck Supply makes it easy. Bring your sketch. Bring your Pinterest board. We’ll help you turn it into a cart that makes sense.
Ready to build the backyard everyone uses?
Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a contractor managing three jobs at once, we’ve got your decking, railing, lighting, pergola hardware, and the little parts that keep projects moving. Call Utah Deck Supply at 385-993-5492 or Request a Free Quote. Tell us what you’re dreaming up, and we’ll help you make it real—simple, sturdy, and ready for those Wasatch sunsets.
