9 decking cover ideas that will instantly transform your deck into a 24/7 space, whatever the weather

The most effective decking cover ideas will max up your deck's potential, especially if you feel it's an under-utilised space during certain times of the year. While it is often the place to be during summer, sometimes the weather can get in the way if it's either too hot or too cold, or starts raining.

Consider a simple budget-friendly upgrade to your decking ideas, such as adding an affordable canopy, large parasol or shade sail to make the space more usable during hot weather. At the other end of the scale, more permanent designs like retractable awnings, pergolas and deck enclosures let you really switch up the space to extend outdoor living throughout the year.

Whether you’re building a new deck or want to reinvent an existing one, adding a cover can help you create an outdoor living space that’s both functional and stylish, as well as feeling like a natural extension of the interior of your home.

1. Choose a louvred pergola to switch up a deck

What deck isn't improved by the addition of sleek, modern pergola ideas? Easily styled up as an outdoor room, a pergola is a key component for that seamless indoor-outdoor living moment. Some of the most popular ways to use a pergola include to create a dining or lounge area, an outdoor kitchen or to define a relaxation area next to a pool.

A pergola will also protect your deck from the weather and wind if you choose the right style. Louvered pergolas are a popular choice as they are so adaptable. It's easy to control sunlight exposure and airflow with the adjustable slats. All it takes is a flip of a switch to create cover exactly when and where it’s most needed.

2. Opt for an easy canvas gazebo

Gazebos come in all shapes and sizes, and can be temporary canvas ones to erect in summer or more permanent structures made of wood or metal. A canvas gazebo is a great addition as a decking cover as it offers flexibility and can be packed away when you don't need it. It's also a more affordable option than choosing a fixed design.

Often rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal shape, a gazebo generally has an enclosed roof and comes with optional sides too, whereas a pergola has an open slatted roof that allows light through. This means a gazebo is generally weatherproof, allowing you to sit out on your deck even when the weather isn’t ideal.

If you're unsure about the whole business of pergola vs gazebo for your decking cover, think carefully about what it's going to be used for and how it will work on your deck. Some designs may be more suitable for a lawn or gravel garden, whereas a pop-up style is ideal for most deck areas.

If you have a raised deck that's more exposed to the wind, it's especially important to consider how you're going to secure your gazebo in place too.

3. Try a decking awning

The latest awnings are both functional and durable, as well as being easy to operate at the push of a button with high-quality operating systems that are a step up from the awnings of old. They are also a great patio privacy idea to help screen your deck from neighbours.

Pergola awnings are particularly suitable for protecting outdoor areas from sun, rain and wind. Thanks to various configuration options, you can shade both small and large areas. As they are attached to the house as well as support posts, pergola awnings are wind-resistant too.

"Awnings are a good option, especially for decks attached to the house," says home design expert Darren Morley. "Some of the newer retractable roof systems offer solid shelter and clean lines, and can be integrated with lighting or heating if you want a space that works year-round."

There are many variants that allow you to design your deck as you wish. LED lights can also be integrated into the guide tracks to switch up your space from day to evening use. With a wide range of colour options available too, there's plenty of ways to complement your decking colour ideas with your awning.

Darren Morley

Darren Morley is a home design entrepreneur and founder of The Mirror Man. His work blends form and function, helping people bring more light, space, and character into their homes and gardens through thoughtful, accessible décor. Areas of expertise include interior design and styling, DIY and home improvement, home maintenance, and home and lifestyle trends.

4. Go for a retractable awning

A simple retractable awning is one of the best decking cover ideas as it's so versatile. The latest awnings are motorised and easy to operate with a handy remote. Adding options like infared heaters and LED lighting bars means you can enjoy your deck late into the night.

The good news is installation is simply a matter of attaching the awning to an exterior wall, and it can be professionally fitted in a couple of hours. This means it's a good choice if your deck is right next to the house. For this reason awnings are one of our favourite garden sunshade ideas.

Awnings can be used whatever the season without the risk of damage, as many designs have a sensor that automatically retracts the awning if there is a risk of high winds. Retractable awnings are also available in manual settings, which is a less expensive option than a fully motorised design if you're looking for more affordable options.

5. Consider building a permanent deck cover

Permanent covers for decks have been gaining in popularity as they allow you to make the most of indoor/outdoor spaces in comfort and style. Add walls too and this is a great way of adding living space to your property. This is not a cheap option though, and your pergola could need planning permission.

If you opt for a pergola like this design, for example, and plan to install it within 2 metres of the boundary of your property, the maximum height can be no greater than 2.5 metres. If you're planning something that exceeds these dimensions, and is enclosed with a roof and walls, then you'll probably need planning consent.

Since covered deck 'rooms' feel like an extension of the interior of the home, pulling in colours and design elements from indoor rooms is a great way to make it feel like a natural addition to your living space.

6. Put up a quick and easy shade sail

This is one of the easiest and most affordable options for your decking cover. Shade sails are so simple to set up and can be quickly adjusted to move around with the sun. They give durable coverage that can be put up in an instant, making them a great option for a small deck too.

Also known as sun canopies, fabric shade sails come in various sizes including larger ones to cover more roomy deck areas. Alternatively you can try using several smaller ones together and turn your shade coverage into more of a feature.

Shade sails are designed to be fixed to a wall or sturdy fence post, or connected to a pole in a flowerbed so they don't clutter your deck. Look for styles that repel water too, so you can stay out during a shower.

7. Create a leafy decking cover

Use climbing plants to create unique living decking cover ideas. This cool corten metal pergola makes the perfect foundation to create a botanical canopy with climbing plants that you can sit beneath to enjoy the flowers and fragrance. A pergola frame like this one will easily support the weight of masses of plants as they grow.

"Leafy screens, arbours or even tall planting can also create shade and add a softer, more natural feel," says Darren Morley. "These options take longer to establish but can blend beautifully into the garden and give a greater sense of privacy."

If you would like to enhance your deck with flowers and foliage in this way the good news is that it's easy to do. There are plenty of fast-growing climbing plants for pergolas that will work to help you create a beautiful living canopy.

If your deck is sunbaked choose roses, clematis and sweet peas, while if it's more of a shady retreat opt for climbing hydrangea, star jasmine and honeysuckle instead.

8. Buy a large cantilevered parasol

You can't beat a chic and stylish cantilevered parasol to cover your deck, so that's probably why it's the most popular way to add temporary shade to suit your needs. They come in a range of prices to suit your budget, are simple to erect, and can be easily stored when not in use.

"A large cantilever parasol can offer broad coverage without the need for permanent fixtures, and it can be moved or packed away when not in use," says Darren Morley.

The tilt system on the latest models ensures they can be positioned at any angle by simply locking into place with the lever. Aim for a parasol that can be moved around 360 degrees in a smooth and easy action, to guarantee shade on you deck wherever you need it.

It's worth investing in a quality product to ensure longevity. Look for styles with durable stainless steel mechanisms in powder-coated aluminium housing, meaning your parasol won't rust or corrode, and use a cover to protect your parasol when not in use to keep it working well and looking good.

Choose a parasol with guaranteed colour fastness, which is especially important if you choose a dark shade so it doesn't fade. Also look out for one that's water and dirt repellent, and offers good UV protection. Make sure you choose the correct weighted base as they are often sold separately.

The Royce Junior cantilevered parasol from Dunelm is made from from aluminium with a polyester canopy and can easily cover a large decked area.

9. Build your deck beneath a tree for natural shade

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. If you already have a mature tree in your garden, you might want to consider creating a deck underneath it to make the best use of existing shade in your garden.

Tree varieties with a dense growth habit offer solid shade, while those with a more airy structure give dappled shade. If you already have a suitable tree in your garden that's great news. If not it will be rewarding watching your new tree mature, especially if you choose a fast-growing variety.

"To create shade for a seating area look at how the sun travels around your garden and position the tree where it casts a shadow at the times when you're going to be sitting there," says garden designer Manoj Malde, author of Your Outdoor Room: How to Design a Garden You Can Live In (available at Amazon). He suggests choosing umbrella trees, which is is a type of pleaching, for shading a deck. "Perfect for small gardens, they do not take up much space and will not block the neighbour's natural light."

If you're building a new deck consider positioning it under a shady tree for an affordable option that offers shade plus the option to use some of the best landscape lighting techniques for evening entertaining.

Manoj Malde

Manoj Malde is an award-winning garden designer and TV gardener, known for his vibrant style and bold use of colour. Manoj is a familiar face due to his presenting work on the TV shows Your Garden Made Perfect and Garden of the Year. Manoj is also an RHS show judge, RHS ambassador, and Chelsea Flower Show medallist.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to cover a deck?

The cheapest way to cover a deck is by using a shade sail or several shade sails. They're affordable, easy to put up and can be attached to a wall, a fence post, or even a sturdy tree. They will also cover a decent area of deck.

If your deck is compact and you simply want to shade a small spot like a table or a reading chair, an ordinary patio umbrella is perfect for the job. There are multiple styles to choose from and they're very affordable.

One final bonus of adding a cover to your deck is that it can help with your general decking maintenance. Keeping a deck protected from the worst of the weather can prevent dirt and algae building up on the surface, which in turn can ensure your decking remains non-slip during the colder, wetter months.