7 Best Deck Ideas for Dog Owners

Just like their human owners, dogs adore the great outdoors. But between games of fetch and frisbee fun, potential dangers could be lingering on and around your deck.

In an effort to keep everyone’s favorite furry friends safe, we’ve rounded up seven must-have features every dog owner should consider to create the perfect pet-friendly outdoor space.

1. Add Security with a Deck Gate

An unsecured deck can be dangerous for pets. Adding a gate creates a protective barrier, preventing curious pets from wandering off or encountering potential dangers. It also establishes clear boundaries, allowing you to manage their play area effectively. 

Trex®'s aluminum gates feature durable construction, versatile sizing options, and an array of colors to complement any deck style.

2. Protect Paws with Composite Decking

Traditional wood decks are prone to splintering, leading to painful paw injuries. Over time, wood decking can also rot and warp, creating an unstable walking surface for pets. That's why composite decking is the best decking for dogs.

Trex's durable composite deck boards, made from up to 95% recycled sawdust and plastic film, resist scratches and remain splinter-free, so you can depend on a secure and comfortable environment for your four-legged pals. Composite decking for dogs also eliminates the need for toxic staining and reduces your long-term maintenance needs — even with heavy use.

Will Dogs Scratch Composite Decking?

Using scratch-resistant materials, composite decking reduces your long-term maintenance costs and minimizes potential damage. However, your decking's scratch resistance will vary based on the product itself. For maximum durability, our experts recommend the Trex Transcend® line of decking.

3. Banish Stains for Good

Maintaining a deck with pets, especially when potty training puppies prone to the occasional accident, can be a real challenge. Spills, muddy paw prints, and an over-excited bladder can take a toll on a traditional wooden deck as well.

Enter Trex's revolutionary decking materials, engineered with both pets and owners in mind. Made with durable, resistant, recycled materials, Trex decking boards can stand up to any dog-related mess. You can easily remove stains and odors with soap and water, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your furry friends and less time fretting over cleaning duties.

Will Dog Pee Ruin Composite Decking?

Just like any other decking, dog pee may impact your composite deck boards if left uncleaned. The amount of time dog pee can sit on composite decking before it stains or leaves an odor will likely vary by your selected brand. However, Trex composite decking is stain resistant, so you may be able to prevent any damage if urine isn't left for too long.

4. Enhance Safety with Lattice

Without proper lattice or barriers around your deck, pets can easily find their way underneath, leading to potential injuries or entanglement. Additionally, the absence of lattice can attract unwanted wildlife, posing further risks to your canine companions. 

Trex's lattice collection offers a reliable solution, restricting access to the underside of the deck, keeping pets safe and unwanted guests out. Trex lattice also blends seamlessly with your deck design and adds a touch of charm.

5. Beat the Heat with Lineage® Decking

During scorching summers, hot outdoor surfaces can become uncomfortable and even hazardous for pets. Unprotected paws can suffer from burns and painful blisters even with minimal exposure to all sorts of materials, such as concrete, sand, wood and composites.

A cool solution to this problem is Trex Transcend® Lineage® decking. Designed with cutting-edge heat mitigation features*, Lineage®® decking ensures a cooler experience for your deck so your pets can play and lounge more comfortably.

Does Trex Decking Get Too Hot for Dogs?

Most building materials used outdoors get hot when exposed to long-term sunlight. Using Trex boards made with SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology, can offer your pets a cooler experience than boards of a similar color without heat-mitigating technology in the same sun and heat conditions.*

However, it's important to keep in mind that decking will inevitably heat up and may be too hot for dogs when exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight.

6. Ensure Safety with Hidden Fasteners

As the name suggests, hidden fasteners are installed underneath the deck boards, keeping them out of sight. With no visible hardware, your deck boasts a sleek, polished appearance that can greatly improve aesthetics.  

But hidden fasteners also prioritize safety for your pets. Trex's hidden fastening systems eliminate the risk of sharp nails or screws protruding from the deck, preventing potential paw injuries and painful snags.

7. Relax Under the Shade of a Pergola

Heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn are all serious risks for dogs on hot and sunny days. To safeguard your furry friends, offering ample shade outdoors is crucial. 

Trex Pergola™ options serve as a stylish and practical solution to create shaded areas on your deck. These pergolas enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space and prioritize your pets' comfort and well-being, ensuring they enjoy the outdoors safely.

What to Put on a Deck for Dogs

Your dogs deserve to enjoy your deck the same as you. While shade from a pergola may be a good start, these dog-friendly deck ideas will turn your deck into a puppy paradise:

• Add a dog pillow to offer your puppy a place to sleep the day away in the sunshine.
• Keep your dogs hydrated on hot days with an upcycled Trex dog bowl, and reduce the impact of water on your deck boards by using a water mat.
• Add a dog house to give your pets an all-day outdoor sanctuary.

Bonus Tip: Establish Boundaries and Privacy with Fencing

Extend peace of mind past your deck and to every corner of your yard by considering the addition of pet-friendly Trex fencing. Your four-legged friend deserves an expansive yet safe and secure space to explore, and Trex's durable fencing options offer just that. 

While the fencing safeguards your pet, it also enhances your outdoor space's look. And with minimal maintenance required, you can enjoy more quality time with your pet and less time worrying about upkeep.

Design the Paw-fect Deck with Trex!

With Trex, creating a pet-friendly deck is a breeze. From gates and lattice to scratch-resistant decking and pergolas, Trex has you covered. With Trex's commitment to safety, you can relax in your outdoor space knowing your beloved pets are safe and secure. To get started, check out our composite decking options to see which best suits your style and budget.

*Our SunComfortable™ products with heat-mitigating technology are designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar color. Although engineered to be more comfortable, they can still get hot to the touch when direct sunlight and high temperatures converge for extended periods of time. On such days, care should be taken.