In addition to our 1,400 square feet of indoor space, our house also offers some wonderful outdoor areas — including a large second-story deck off of our family room. This elevated, tree-lined living area quickly became one of our favorite “rooms,” and in this post I’ll explain how we made it inviting, useful, and low-maintenance.
When we bought the house in February it was raining, so we didn’t spend much time out here initially. Since then we’ve painted the house, replaced rotting deck boards with Trex, and installed new secure railings. Removing old features like a pergola and a leaky chimney revealed just how large the deck really is — in fact, it’s practically the biggest “room” in the house. That size presented layout challenges, and our goal was to make the space useful without filling it with unnecessary items.
Before sharing specifics, a quick note: a short walk-through video helped us and visitors understand the deck’s scale and how we created distinct zones. The video shows how the deck looks by day and by night, and how the different areas flow into one another.
A large outdoor area is a gift but it can also be wasted if not planned well. We live in a climate where outdoor space is usable most of the year, so making this deck approachable and low-effort was essential. Over the last decade we learned that outdoor areas only become valuable when they are easy to use — not just decorative. In past homes, cushioned chairs that didn’t dry quickly turned outdoor dining into a chore. This time we prioritized function first.
We organized the deck into three intentional zones: (1) a comfortable lounge and conversation area, (2) an outdoor dining and game table, and (3) a flexible placeholder area for future use. The lounge is anchored by a seven-year-old outdoor sofa we brought from Richmond. It has held up well with annual pressure washing, but placed against the shaded side of the house the cushions were slow to dry after rain.
We wanted a practical way to keep the cushions dry without bulky covers. Our solution was a lightweight, waterproof sun sail shade stretched over the cushions. It’s low-profile, easy to pull on and off, and when not in use it tucks neatly behind the sofa. Two short bungee cords loop under the couch and hook the sail to the metal rings on its corners to keep it in place, which makes protecting the cushions quick and convenient.
Around the sofa we added a simple coffee table and two wood & wicker chairs that complement the weave of the couch. The deep chairs needed larger 22″ outdoor pillows for back support; these pillows are lightweight and quick-drying so they can be left out even after a shower. The combination makes the lounge area comfortable and ready to use without long set-up or drying times.
The outdoor dining and game zone features a faux-wood aluminum table. After our previous wood table rotted and fell apart during a move, we switched to an aluminum version to avoid rot and reduce maintenance. It stays shaded most of the day so it never gets too hot, and cleaning has been simple. For seating we chose black molded chairs with drainage holes so there’s no need for cushions and they’re always game-ready.
This dining area has already seen far more use in a few months than our old table saw in years. It’s become a favorite dinner spot, a makeshift work desk, and our go-to family game table in the evenings. The table’s durability and ease-of-care are the reasons it gets frequent use.
The third area is a deliberate placeholder. We resisted filling the remaining space just to make it look complete. For now we’re using a couple of found bistro chairs and a small side table — items that cost us nothing and allow us to test whether the spot needs cushions, a hammock, a plant collection, or a double lounge chair for reading and napping. Leaving this zone flexible prevents impulse buys and gives us time to discover the most useful layout for our family.
One final element that transformed the deck is the string lighting. The lights were the first purchase we made for this space, and they instantly added atmosphere. After an initial attempt of zig-zagging the strands between house and trees resulted in a few dislodged hooks during a storm, we looped the lights entirely around the trees so they sway as a unit. A smart outdoor plug runs them on a schedule, making the deck welcoming at dusk without any fuss.
Pictures can’t fully convey how peaceful this elevated, tree-ensconced deck feels. From pink sunsets peeking through the canopy to mosquito-free evening air, it really is a magical, private pocket above the street. We’re continuing to tweak a few areas — adding plants, refreshing paint accents, and planning a hanging daybed for the side porch — but the core approach remains the same: prioritize functionality, minimize maintenance, and let the space be usable at a moment’s notice.
If you’re planning your own outdoor space, think about how often you’ll actually use each area and choose materials and furniture that make using it effortless. For us, that decision has turned this huge deck from a maintenance burden into a beloved extension of the home.
Note: some items mentioned are durable, easy-care choices intended to reduce upkeep and increase everyday use of outdoor spaces.