Design Guide
3 Most Common Deck Patterns
The pattern in which deck boards are laid has a significant impact on the visual character of the finished deck. Beyond aesthetics, the pattern also affects material waste, framing requirements, and installation time. Here are the three most common deck board patterns and what you should know about each.
Straight (Parallel to House)
The most common deck pattern is straight boards running parallel to the house. This is the most efficient layout — it minimises material waste, requires the least complex framing, and is the fastest to install. For most residential decks, a straight pattern is the practical default. It works well with all decking materials, including Ipe, composite, and PVC.
Best for: most residential decks, budget-conscious projects, and decks where the material itself is the visual focus.
Diagonal (45-Degree)
A diagonal pattern runs boards at a 45-degree angle to the house. This creates a more dynamic visual effect and can make a deck feel larger. The trade-off is increased material waste (boards must be cut at angles at both ends), more complex framing to support the diagonal load, and longer installation time. Diagonal patterns are popular for luxury residential decks and commercial applications where visual impact is a priority.
Best for: larger decks, luxury residential projects, and situations where visual interest is a priority.
Picture Frame (Border)
A picture frame pattern adds a border of boards running perpendicular to the field boards around the perimeter of the deck. This creates a finished, intentional look — similar to a frame around a painting. Picture framing requires additional framing support at the perimeter and careful planning of the field pattern to ensure the border width works out evenly. It is commonly combined with straight or diagonal field patterns.
Best for: high-end residential decks, decks where the edge detail is visible, and projects where a finished, custom look is desired.
The right pattern depends on your deck's size, shape, budget, and the visual effect you want to achieve. We discuss pattern options with every client during the design phase — the choice affects framing, material quantities, and installation time.