A custom deck is one of the best ways to expand your living space and enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of home. Whether you use it for relaxing, entertaining, or family gatherings, the right add-ons can take your deck from a simple platform to a highly functional, beautifully designed extension of your home.
At 13TEN Renovations, we help homeowners design and build decks that are not only durable but also customized to fit how you want to live. Here are some of the most impactful deck add-ons that can enhance both the form and function of your outdoor space.
Pergolas
Pergolas are a beautiful addition to your deck, providing not only a focal point and architectural interest but also a shaded area to enjoy the day or night. Because of their structure, pergolas can be decorated with lights, hanging plants, or climbing plants, allowing a great deal of freedom with personalized design and style aesthetic, and also providing partial privacy.
Enhanced Deck Lighting
Thoughtful lighting is an essential part of any well-designed deck, enhancing both safety and ambiance after the sun goes down. Integrated features like riser lights on stairs improve visibility and reduce trip hazards while creating a subtle, sophisticated glow. Post-cap lights placed along railings, deck corners, and stair perimeters add another layer of soft illumination that not only improves navigation but also highlights the architectural details of the space.
Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, quality lighting extends the usability of your deck well into the night, transforming it into a warm, inviting extension of your home.
Custom Planters
Custom-built planters are a simple yet impactful way to bring natural beauty directly onto your deck. Integrated seamlessly into the design, planters add structure, texture, and visual interest while offering a functional space for greenery, flowers, herbs, or even small vegetables. Whether built into the deck railings, framing a seating area, or placed strategically to define spaces, planters create a polished, finished look that complements the overall design. Beyond aesthetics, they’re a practical solution for adding privacy, softening hard edges, and bringing a sense of warmth and life to your outdoor space, all while eliminating the clutter of freestanding pots.
Benches
Thoughtfully designed benches offer comfortable, permanent seating that blends seamlessly with the deck’s aesthetic, eliminating the need for bulky outdoor furniture. They can be customized to fit the layout of your space, whether wrapping around a corner, defining the edge of the deck, or framing a focal point like a firepit or dining area. Many homeowners also opt for benches with hidden storage, providing a convenient solution for keeping cushions, garden tools, toys, or seasonal items tucked neatly out of sight. Beyond practicality, built-in seating contributes to a clean, cohesive look that enhances the overall usability and visual appeal of the space.
Hot Tubs
Adding a hot tub is one of the most impactful ways to transform your deck into a true year-round retreat. Beyond offering a relaxing space to unwind, a professionally installed hot tub becomes a seamless part of your deck’s design when properly planned.
Our team ensures the deck is engineered to support the additional weight, with reinforced framing and thoughtful placement that balances privacy, convenience, and aesthetics. Whether tucked into a corner behind a privacy wall, placed beneath a pergola, or designed with custom-built surrounds, steps, and integrated lighting, a hot tub enhances both form and function. It’s not only an investment in your lifestyle, providing stress relief, muscle recovery, and a cozy space to enjoy cooler evenings, but also a smart addition that can increase your home’s appeal and value.
Our designs always consider key factors like electrical access, drainage, and maintenance to ensure your hot tub feels like a natural, intentional extension of your outdoor living space.
Water Features
Incorporating a water feature, like a built-in koi pond, adds a unique, tranquil element to any deck design. A thoughtfully designed koi pond becomes an eye-catching focal point, bringing movement, sound, and a sense of calm to your outdoor living space. Whether seamlessly integrated into the deck itself or framed by surrounding decking, a koi pond elevates the atmosphere with the soothing sounds of water and the natural beauty of aquatic life.
Custom features like stone surrounds, waterfalls, or integrated lighting can enhance the design even further. While koi ponds do require thoughtful planning, considering filtration, maintenance, and climate, they create a one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat that blends craftsmanship with nature in a truly impactful way.
Privacy Walls
Privacy walls are a practical and stylish solution for creating a sense of seclusion without fully enclosing your deck. Whether you’re looking to block views from neighbors, define different zones, or simply add a bit of shelter, privacy walls can be customized to complement the overall design of your outdoor space.
Available in a wide range of materials, styles, and finishes from horizontal slats to decorative panels, privacy walls can be tailored to match your aesthetic while enhancing functionality. Depending on your layout and needs, a single privacy wall may provide the perfect amount of coverage, or you might choose to incorporate multiple panels to create a more enclosed, intimate feel. It’s a simple yet impactful way to enhance comfort while maintaining an open-air experience.
Grills
A dedicated grilling area is a must-have for any deck designed for entertaining and outdoor living. Whether you prefer a simple setup for weekend cookouts or a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, incorporating a grill into your deck adds both convenience and functionality.
Proper planning is key. We recommend allocating a clear space of at least 3×6 feet to maintain safe distances from railings and foot traffic, without disrupting the flow of the deck. Built-in grill stations or designated grill pads can be designed to match the overall aesthetic of your space, often paired with countertops, storage, or prep areas for added convenience. Not only does a grilling area enhance how you use your deck, but it also creates a natural gathering spot for family and guests, making outdoor cooking a seamless part of your everyday lifestyle.
Deck Installation in Richmond, VA
At 13TEN Renovations, we design and build custom decks that are tailored to how you want to live. Whether you’re looking to create a quiet space for relaxation, an outdoor hub for entertaining, or a versatile extension of your home, our team delivers thoughtful designs, expert craftsmanship, and high-quality materials that stand the test of time.
From pergolas and privacy walls to built-in seating, grilling stations, and even koi ponds, we help Richmond homeowners transform their outdoor spaces into something truly exceptional. Ready to start your deck project? Contact our team to schedule a consultation.