7 Popular Deck Types in Tennessee (and How to Pick the Right One)

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If you live in Tennessee, you’re probably the kind of person who loves being outside. When you’re home, you want to enjoy being outside. And the key to that desire? A deck.

And although you can build just about any deck you want, if you pick the wrong materials or the wrong layout, you’ll feel it fast.

Tennessee decks don’t just face sunshine; they face humidity, heavy rain, bugs, and long, hot summers. And in some areas, you get a surprise taste of what folks in the north get in winter.

Keystone Custom Decks gets it. We’ve been building decks (and other outdoor living features) since 1983, so we know what customers want and how to get them to the deck that’s perfect for their homes.

We’ve compiled a list of the most popular deck materials and deck styles Tennessee homeowners choose—plus the pros, cons, and who each one is best for.

So let’s hit the deck running!

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TL;DR - Popular Deck Types in Tennessee

  • Tennessee Climate is Key: Deck selection must account for the state's humidity, heavy rain, UV rays, and year-round wood-destroying pests.
  • Cost vs. Upkeep: Pressure-Treated Wood has the lowest upfront cost but requires regular staining/sealing maintenance.
  • Low-Maintenance Options: Composite and PVC decks offer high resistance to rot and moisture with minimal upkeep, though they carry a higher upfront cost.
  • Design for Terrain: Multi-level and Wraparound decks are ideal for Tennessee's sloped terrain, and incorporating shade features (pergolas, roofs) is crucial for sunny backyards.

There’s a lot more to building a Tennessee deck than meets the eye. Read on to find out more!

Why Deck Selection Matters in Tennessee

Tennessee has warm, humid summers; mild, wet winters with occasional snow or ice; a pleasant fall; and cool, rainy springs. It’s great for tourism. But here’s what Tennessee’s weather does to decks:

  • Moisture that loves to sit in shaded corners
  • Heat & UV rays that can cook surfaces in full sun
  • Termites and wood-destroying pests that never take a vacation
  • Downpours that test drainage and ventilation
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So your “best” deck is usually the one that works with:

  • your yard (You get lots of sun, shade, or on an incline
  • your lifestyle (Whether you have kids, entertain much, have a pool)
  • your maintenance tolerance (Do you really want to stain that deck every 2–3 years?)

But what type of deck material is best for your home? That depends on several factors, such as cost, appearance, environment, and even shade. Let’s take a look at what’s out there.

Pressure-Treated Wood Decks (the classic)

If you’ve seen a lot of decks in Tennessee, you’ve likely seen pressure-treated wood.

It’s popular for one big reason: It gets you a real deck at the lowest upfront cost.

Wooden decks are…

  • Budget-friendly compared to most premium options
  • Made with strong framing and structure (great for bigger builds)
  • Widely available and easy to repair/replace boards

Remember: Treated wood can be specified by “use category” for where it’s installed (above ground vs ground contact), which matters for long-term durability 

But…

  • The maintenance is real. You’ll need to clean and repaint or reseal it over time.
  • Wood decks will warp, check, or splinter, especially if they’re always damp or bake in full sun.
  • Termites and other pests remain a risk if the deck isn’t designed to mitigate issues such as wood-to-soil contact and trapped moisture.
  • Treated wood can corrode certain connectors, so hardware selection is critical. 

Best for…

  • Homeowners who want maximum square footage for the money
  • Families who plan to paint/stain and don’t mind seasonal upkeep
  • Covered or partially shaded decks (where heat isn’t the biggest issue)
Stone outdoor kitchen on wood deck with built-in stainless steel grills and countertop sink

But if you don’t cheap out on the details and are willing to put up with the maintenance, a pressure-treated deck can last a long time in Tennessee, as long as it’s built with the right airflow, drainage, and corrosion-rated connectors. 

Composite Decks (Low-Maintenance, High Popularity)

Composite decking is highly popular because it solves a very real Tennessee problem: Humidity and maintenance fatigue.

Composite boards are made from a mix of wood fibers and recycled plastics, bound with resin, and sometimes encased in polymers such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to become “capped composites”. Most composite boards are designed to resist rot and splintering, and homeowners love not having to stain every few seasons. A quick scrub with soap and water is much more convenient than restaining a deck.

Composite decks are:

  • Low maintenance (no staining or painting in most cases)
  • More consistent in their look over time
  • Great for families: no splinters, fewer surface surprises

Bonus: Many homeowners also like the sustainability story—composite/capped products often include recycled content, a growing trend in deck design. 

But…

  • Composite decks have a higher upfront cost than pressure-treated wood
  • They tend to absorb heat from the sun, especially with darker colors—so color choice matters
  • They still need basic cleaning—shade, leaf debris, and moisture can still invite grime

Best for…

  • Homeowners who want a deck that stays nice with minimal work
  • Busy families, frequent entertainers, and households that just don’t like the idea of spending time cleaning stuff outside
  • Tennessee backyards with a mix of sun and shade

A composite deck is like buying a truck with a more extended warranty. You pay more up front, but you’ll worry less later.

Curved composite deck bar with high-top seating overlooking wooded backyard

Cedar and Redwood Decks (natural beauty—but know the tradeoffs)

Despite the appeal of composite wood, natural wood has a look you can’t fake. That’s why cedar, and sometimes redwood, still shows up in Tennessee—especially in higher-end outdoor living designs where the feel matters.

Cedar and Redwood decks are…

  • Beautiful, with a warm, natural appearance that simply can’t be replicated synthetically
  • Typically lighter underfoot than darker composites in direct sun 
  • Great for accents and details, such as rails, pergolas, and privacy walls. Cedar is a popular option for detailing.
  • Naturally rot- and pest-resistant (but not immune) due to tannins and/or oils in their heartwood.

But…

  • It’s still wood. You’ll really need to keep on top of sealing and staining in Tennessee’s moisture swings, or it’ll fail eventually.
  • It’s more expensive than pressure-treated wood—but that’s why it looks so good.
  • Availability and cost of natural wood, especially redwood, can be factors.

Best for…

  • Homeowners who love real wood character and don’t mind upkeep
  • Covered decks and screened outdoor spaces where the wood stays more protected
  • Designs where wood is the “feature,” not just the floor

Wood decks are classic and can’t be beat for aesthetics, but if you love the natural look but hate maintenance, that’s usually where capped composites start to win.

PVC and Capped Polymer Decks (modern performance for humidity)

If you have a backyard that stays damp, shaded, or near water, PVC is worth a hard look.

Why?

Also known as capped polymer, PVC boards are built to be highly moisture-resistant, which is a big deal in Tennessee’s humid climate.

Raised Tennessee deck with pergola and round fire pit seating area

NADRA (the North American Deck & Railing Association) notes PVC’s strong water-resistance benefits, while also noting common homeowner complaints, such as a “plasticky” look or a “springy” feel in certain conditions.

PVC decks are…

  • Excellent for moisture-heavy environments
  • Very low maintenance
  • Great choice for:
    • pool decks
    • shaded backyards
    • under-tree canopy installs

But…

  • Pvc is often among the highest-cost decking options
  • Some product lines can feel less “wood-like.”
  • Like composite, color choice affects heat in full sun

Best for

  • Shady backyards that stay damp
  • Homeowners who want the lowest possible maintenance
  • Pool + outdoor kitchen builds where water resistance is a priority

Materials are just part of the equation. You need to consider the type of deck that works for your backyard, too.

Multi-level and Wraparound Decks (perfect for Tennessee terrain)

Tennessee has a lot of areas that are not flat, so while you can still do a conventional single-level backyard deck, there are some challenges when building on sloped terrain. You want to leverage that terrain to your advantage.

With plenty of hills and walkout basements, you need a deck that sets you up to view that beautiful lake or mountain.

That’s why multi-level decks are so popular—because they solve a real layout problem while making the space feel premium.

Multi-level decks are also showing up as a broader design trend because they create zones for cooking, dining, and lounging—essentially, segregated entertainment spaces. 

Multi-level decks…

  • Handle slopes without turning your yard into a construction headache
  • Create spaces outdoors for:
    • top-level dining
    • mid-level seating
    • lower-level hot tub or fire feature
  • Better traffic flow for entertaining
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Alternatively, if you’re blessed with beautiful views all around, a classic wraparound deck would be the best way for everyone to enjoy them while still maintaining clear, separate zones for different purposes.

Wraparound decks: when they shine

  • Homes with great views on more than one side
  • Homeowners who want morning sun and evening shade
  • Farm-style, cabin, and traditional Southern architecture, where the deck becomes part of the home’s “wrap.”

But to make sure your deck becomes a place to be, there’s one thing to think about:

If your deck is in full sun most of the day, prioritize a shade strategy.

Because covered sections, pergolas, or a smart layout beats baking on hot decks all summer.

Choosing the Right Deck Material

You’ve now gained some knowledge of the different deck materials. To help with your decision-making, here’s a list of scenarios to help you decide.

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Choose pressure-treated wood if…

  • You want the lowest upfront cost.
  • You’re okay staining/sealing over time.
  • You want a classic deck that’s easy to modify later

Choose composite if…

  • You want a low-maintenance deck that looks great long-term
  • You have kids/dogs and want fewer splinters and less upkeep
  • You’re okay paying more upfront to do less later 

Choose cedar/redwood if…

  • You care most about real wood beauty
  • You’ll commit to maintenance
  • Your deck is partially protected (covered/screened), so wood lasts better

Choose PVC/capped polymer if…

  • Your yard is shady, damp, or near water
  • You want maximum moisture resistance
  • You want the lowest maintenance and don’t mind premium pricing

Why Keystone Custom Decks is Your Partner in Building a Deck in Tennessee

Tennessee’s just the kind of place where you need a deck to enjoy life. The trick is figuring out which deck matches your lifestyle and how you want to enjoy it. And it’s certainly a decision that needs some thought.

Multi-level deck with black railings and staircase leading to backyard lawn

Since 1983, Keystone Custom Decks has helped thousands of Tennesseans make crucial decisions. From free, personalized quotes, no-pressure consultations, 3D design visualization to help design your deck just the way you want it, all the way to professional builders who show up on time, clean up after themselves, and put in 110% for you, every time. Need financing? We’ve got you covered, too. We’ll even handle the permitting for you, because our job is to build your deck. Your job is to dream it.

Contact us today, and let’s build you that deck that’s worthy of the great Tennessee outdoors!