Lincoln homes vary widely — from classic ranches to two-stories in newer subdivisions and bungalows in older neighborhoods. That range gives homeowners a lot of flexibility when it comes to outdoor upgrades, especially decks.
If you’re planning a new deck, design matters. But more than that, the layout has to work with the structure of your house, the slope of your yard, and how you actually plan to use the space. Below are five deck styles Lincoln homeowners commonly build, along with a breakdown of what makes each one a solid fit for different properties and priorities.
1. Platform Decks
Platform decks sit low to the ground, usually less than 2 feet above grade. This makes them ideal for homes without a basement or with sliding doors that open right into the backyard.
Why they work well in Lincoln:
- Perfect for single-story or ranch-style homes
- Great for level lots
- Require minimal railings (or none at all)
- Easy to maintain and budget-friendly
Platform decks are also flexible. You can use them for dining, lounging, or even as an open-air transition between the house and other parts of the yard. If you want something straightforward that improves your outdoor spaces without a lot of structural complexity, this is a good place to start.
2. Raised Decks
Many Lincoln homes have walk-out basements or main levels that sit 4 to 10 feet above the yard. In these cases, a raised deck is the most efficient way to create a usable outdoor living space that connects directly from the upper floor.
Benefits of raised decks:
- Adds structure to sloped yards
- Provides a shaded or dry space underneath
- Connects with stairs to the lower yard or pati
- Can include covered sections, lighting, and privacy panels
Raised decks take a little more planning, especially when it comes to railing, stair design, and drainage. But with the right builders and layout, they become a natural extension of your home and not just an afterthought.
3. Wraparound Decks
Wraparound decks aren’t just for farmhouses. They work well on corner lots, homes with multiple access points, or any property where maximizing outdoor connection is a priority.
Things to keep in mind:
- Best for homes with more yard space
- Good for creating multiple zones (shade/sun, seating/dining)
- Helps visually tie multiple doors or elevations together
- Increases total deck square footage without needing a huge footprint
For families that like to entertain, or for homeowners who want to get more functional use out of every side of the house, wraparound decks offer a lot of value.
4. Covered Decks
The weather in Lincoln changes fast. Wind, sun, snow — sometimes all in the same week. A covered deck gives you year-round functionality, even when conditions aren’t ideal.
Covered decks can be integrated into the home’s roofline or built with a standalone cover. They often include ceiling fans, heaters, or lighting to extend usage time throughout the year.
Why they’re worth considering:
- Protects furniture and finishes from weather
- Adds shade during hot summer days
- Makes it easier to use the deck in early spring or fall
- Helps with resale if buyers are looking for more than a seasonal space
If you’re thinking about building once and using it long-term, a covered deck can bring practical value without needing to fully enclose anything.
5. Custom Multi-Zone Decks
Not every project fits into a template. Many homeowners want a mix of features: open sun on one side, partial shade on the other, storage underneath, or even integration with a patio, hot tub, or garden.
Custom decks don’t mean over-complicated. They are just meant to fit how you use your home and yard.
Features we often include:
- Built-in seating or planter boxes
- Transitions between composite and natural materials
- Multiple access points from the home
- Lighting systems or accent rails
- Space for grills, tables, or sectioned-off quiet areas
If you’re investing in a deck you’ll use every day that’s meant to last for years, a custom plan ensures it’s designed right the first time.
Before You Choose a Deck Style
Every Lincoln home is a little different. The style that works for your neighbor might not make sense for your lot or your schedule. Before finalizing a design, ask yourself:
- How do I want to use this space — every day or just seasonally?
- How many people will use it regularly?
- Do I want shade, sun, or a mix?
- Do I plan to add lighting, steps, or access to a lower level?
- Am I working with a level or sloped yard?
Good deck building starts with good planning. That includes understanding local code, choosing the right materials, and working with a team that understands the difference between a quick build and something that lasts.
What Lincoln Homeowners Care About
As a family-owned business that’s worked with Lincoln clients for years, we hear the same priorities come up again and again:
- Quality of materials and finish
- A deck that fits the house — not something oversized or underbuilt
- Honest answers to their questions
- Clear timelines from start to final board
- Local experience — not just out-of-town installers
- Communication, reliability, and pride in the work
These aren’t extras. They’re what make a project worth doing in the first place.
What a New Deck Can Bring to Your Home
Beyond the design and layout, a well-built deck improves your home’s value in ways you feel every day. It gives you a place to sit outside in the morning. A spot to watch the kids play. Room to host dinner when the weather is right. Or just a better way to enjoy the parts of your life that don’t happen indoors.
The deck isn’t the goal. The time spent using it is.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re planning a deck project in Lincoln, we’re here to help. From choosing the right layout to answering questions about materials, cost, and timeline, our team is built around making it easy for you to start, stay informed, and feel good about the work when it’s done.
We offer full design, build, and consultation services, and we’re proud to bring trusted, local craftsmanship to every project.
Call us at (402) 369-5724 or message us here to talk about your deck — and how to build something that fits your home and how you want to use it.
About Lincoln, NE
Lincoln, Nebraska’s state capital, blends historical charm (think the Nebraska State Capitol) with green spaces like Antelope Park and Pioneers Park Nature Center. With its growing neighborhoods from the Historic Haymarket to College View, locals value homes that reflect pride and outdoor space enjoyment. For official info, visit City of Lincoln official site.