Discover 19 practical deck ideas on a budget from a historical renovation expert. Learn how to build an affordable outdoor space with traditional character using smart material choices and simple designs.

Prompt: An exterior view of a wooden deck in a backyard during the late afternoon. Sunlight casts warm, long shadows across the deck boards. A person's hands holding a staining pad or brush are visible in the foreground, actively applying a rich, semi-transparent stain to the deck surface. The surrounding yard is lush and green, perhaps with a few trees or shrubs visible. The deck is clean and prepped, showing the contrast between the newly stained sections and the original, slightly weathered wood. The scene is calm and focused on the process of wood finishing. Wide shot, slightly elevated angle looking down onto the deck.
Alt-Text: View of a wooden deck being stained or sealed, showing the application process and the contrast between finished and unfinished sections.