If you think a deck is just a flat wooden platform off the back door, you haven't seen what Cary homeowners are asking for in 2026. The shift over the past few years has been dramatic. People are no longer satisfied with a single level of pressure-treated lumber and a basic railing. They want outdoor spaces that function like actual rooms, with distinct zones for cooking, dining, lounging, and gardening. Based on what we're seeing at Burns Carpentry, five specific design features are dominating requests this year. Here's what they are, why they matter, and what you should know before you start planning.
1. Multi-Level Decks: Why Cary Homeowners Are Adding Depth and Function
The single-level deck isn't dead, but it's no longer the default. In 2026, the most requested design feature is a multi-level deck that breaks the backyard into distinct zones. Instead of one large flat surface, homeowners want a raised platform for the grill and dining area, a step down to a sunken lounge with a fire pit, and sometimes a third level that connects to a patio or walkout basement. The reason is simple: a multi-level deck gives you more usable space without taking up more yard.
For Cary properties, where lots often have gentle slopes or uneven terrain, a multi-level design works with the land instead of against it. You don't need to level the entire yard. You build each platform at the height that makes sense for that spot. This approach also solves a common problem: the single-level deck that feels exposed and flat. By staggering the levels, you create natural boundaries between activities. The kids can play on the lower level while adults talk on the upper level, and everyone feels connected but not crowded.
From a construction standpoint, multi-level decks require more engineering than a standard platform. The load paths need to transfer properly between levels, and the transition points (stairs and landings) need to meet code. That's where working with a builder like Burns Carpentry, who handles deck building in Cary regularly, matters. Our typical timeline for a multi-level deck project runs about four to six weeks from consultation to completion, depending on complexity. The investment is higher than a single level, but most homeowners tell us they use every square foot of the finished space.
2. Built-In Seating and Planters: Maximizing Space and Style
The second most requested feature for 2026 is built-in seating and planters integrated directly into the deck structure. This isn't about buying a bench from the home improvement store and bolting it down. We're talking about permanent seating that runs along the perimeter of the deck, wraps around corners, and doubles as storage. The same goes for planters built into the railing system or the step risers. These elements eliminate the need for bulky patio furniture and potted plants that take up floor space and blow over in the wind.
Why the surge in demand? Two reasons. First, built-ins make a small deck feel larger. When seating is part of the structure, you don't lose square footage to chairs and tables. Second, they create a custom look that off-the-shelf furniture can't match. A well designed built-in bench with a cedar top and hidden storage underneath becomes a defining feature of the deck. The same goes for planters that soften the edges of the deck and add privacy when filled with tall grasses or evergreens.
There's a practical side to this too. Built-in seating eliminates the need to store outdoor furniture over the winter. That's a big deal in Illinois, where we get freezing temperatures and heavy snow from December through March. You don't have to lug cushions inside or worry about chairs rusting. The bench stays put, year after year. If you're considering this feature, think about which sides of your deck get the most sun and wind. Position seating on the shady side and planters on the windy side as a natural windbreak.
3. Lighting Upgrades: 2026 Trends for Safety and Ambiance
Deck lighting used to mean a single fixture by the door and maybe a post light at the bottom of the stairs. That's changed completely. In 2026, Cary homeowners are asking for layered lighting systems that serve both safety and ambiance. The most popular upgrades include low voltage LED strip lights under railings, step lights embedded in the risers, post cap lights that mark the perimeter, and directional spotlights aimed at trees or architectural features. The goal is to make the deck usable after dark without blinding glare or dark shadows.
The safety angle is obvious. Well lit stairs and transitions prevent falls, especially for older adults and young children. But the ambiance angle is what sells the upgrade. A deck with proper lighting feels like an extension of the indoor living space. You can entertain into the evening, read a book on a summer night, or simply enjoy the yard without feeling like you're sitting in the dark. The technology has improved dramatically in the past few years. LED lights now last 15 to 20 years, use almost no electricity, and come in warm color temperatures that don't look like a parking lot.
One trend we're seeing a lot of in 2026 is color changing lights controlled by a smartphone app. Homeowners can set the lights to warm white for dinner, switch to blue for a party, and dim them for late night conversations. It's a small feature that adds a lot of personality. If you're planning a deck project, budget for lighting upfront. Retrofitting lights after the deck is built is more expensive and less clean looking. Burns Carpentry includes lighting design in our deck building consultations, and we can recommend fixtures that match your deck's style and your budget.
4. Privacy Screens and Pergolas: Creating Outdoor Rooms
The fourth feature dominating 2026 deck designs is privacy. Cary homeowners are tired of feeling like they're on display every time they step outside. The solution comes in two forms: privacy screens and pergolas. Privacy screens are vertical panels attached to the railing or the side of the house that block sight lines from neighbors or the street. They can be solid wood, lattice, or composite slats arranged at an angle. Pergolas are open roof structures that define a space overhead and provide partial shade. Together, they turn an exposed deck into an outdoor room with walls and a ceiling.
Pergolas in particular have exploded in popularity. A well built pergola made from cedar or aluminum creates a focal point that anchors the seating area. It also provides a structure for hanging lights, curtains, or climbing plants like wisteria or clematis. In Illinois, a pergola with a retractable canopy is a smart choice. You can open it on sunny days and close it during rain or intense afternoon heat. Burns Carpentry's pergola building service covers everything from freestanding structures to attached designs that integrate with your home's roofline.
Privacy screens are simpler but equally effective. A three foot tall screen mounted on the railing can block the view from a neighbor's second story window without making the deck feel closed in. If you need more privacy, a six foot screen with horizontal slats provides a modern look and full coverage. The key is to match the material and color of the screen to your deck. A composite screen on a composite deck looks intentional. A pressure treated screen on a cedar deck looks like an afterthought. Plan for privacy at the design stage, not as an add on after the deck is finished.
5. Material Choices Driving Design: Composite vs. Wood in 2026
Every deck design conversation eventually lands on materials. In 2026, the debate between composite and wood decking is still alive, but the balance has shifted. More Cary homeowners are choosing composite than ever before, and the reasons go beyond maintenance. Composite decking now offers better color retention, improved heat reflection, and realistic wood grain patterns that were impossible a decade ago. Brands like Trex and TimberTech have invested heavily in making composite look like premium hardwood without the upkeep.
Wood isn't disappearing though. Cedar and pressure treated pine remain popular for homeowners who want a natural look and a lower upfront cost. A wood deck typically costs $15 to $25 per square foot installed, while composite runs $25 to $40 per square foot. But the total cost of ownership over ten years tells a different story. Wood needs staining or sealing every two to three years, which adds $500 to $1,000 per application if you hire it out. Composite needs a simple wash with soap and water. Over a decade, the price gap narrows significantly.
For Illinois weather, composite has a clear advantage. It doesn't warp, splinter, or rot from moisture. It resists the freeze thaw cycles that cause wood to crack. And it doesn't provide food for termites. If you're building a deck that you plan to enjoy for 20 years without major maintenance, composite is the smarter choice. If you love the look of natural wood and don't mind the annual upkeep, wood is still a viable option. Burns Carpentry offers both wood decks and composite decks, and we help clients weigh the trade offs based on their specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a multi-level deck cost in Cary?
Most multi-level deck projects in Cary range from $12,000 to $30,000 depending on size, materials, and complexity. A basic two level deck with composite decking and simple stairs falls at the lower end. A three level design with built-in seating, lighting, and a pergola pushes toward the upper end. Burns Carpentry provides free estimates that break down the costs for each element so you can decide where to invest.
Is composite decking worth the extra money?
For most homeowners, yes. Composite decking costs more upfront but saves money over time because it never needs staining, sealing, or painting. It also resists moisture, insects, and UV damage better than wood. If you plan to stay in your home for more than five years, composite usually pays for itself in reduced maintenance costs and longer lifespan.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Cary?
Yes, Cary requires building permits for any deck over 200 square feet or any deck attached to the house. Burns Carpentry handles the permit process as part of our service. We submit the plans, pay the fees, and schedule the inspections so you don't have to worry about it. This ensures your deck meets local codes and passes inspection the first time.
How long does a pergola installation take?
A typical pergola installation takes two to four days after the deck is complete. Freestanding pergolas go up faster than attached ones that need to be tied into the house structure. If you're adding a pergola to an existing deck, the timeline depends on whether the deck can support the additional weight. We assess that during the initial consultation.
If you're in Cary or the surrounding areas and thinking about a new deck or upgrading your existing one, Burns Carpentry has been building exactly these kinds of spaces for years. We start every project with a conversation about how you actually use your yard, not a catalog of pre-made designs. Give us a call or request a free estimate. We'll tell you straight up what's possible for your property and what you can expect to invest.
