If you enjoy music and you also like spending time outside, then yes, Quigley Decks is relevant to you. They build outdoor spaces and provide a professional deck repair Madison WI that can work very well for listening, playing, and even teaching music. They are known mainly as deck builders, but the way they approach layout, railings, and materials can really shape how you hear and feel music in your own backyard. You can see more about them at Quigley Decks, but I want to talk less about sales and more about what a music friendly deck actually looks and feels like.
I think many people treat the deck as an afterthought. A place for a grill, a few chairs, maybe some plants if there is room. If you care about the piano or any instrument, that mindset leaves a lot on the table. Your outdoor area can support your practice, your listening, your teaching, and even your small performances, if you plan the space with sound and comfort in mind.
I am going to walk through how a deck company like Quigley can help you build a space that works for music. Not a concert hall, just a real, practical place where you can play, listen, and share music without fighting with the wind, the neighbors, or wobbly boards under your pedal foot.
Why music lovers should care about how a deck is built
If you play piano, you already know that the room changes everything. A bright, hard room feels one way. A carpeted, soft room feels very different. Outside, this effect is a bit stranger. You have fewer walls, more hard surfaces, more noise, and sometimes not enough shade. So if someone builds a basic “standard” deck for you, it might look nice, but it might not sound nice.
Think about a few things that matter when you make or listen to music:
- Background noise level
- Comfort for sitting or standing for a long time
- Protection from sun and rain
- Where sound travels and how much it echoes
- How close you are to neighbors and the street
- Safe railings and stairs if people move around during a gathering
All of these can change the feeling of your outdoor “music room” just as much as the instrument itself. A company that pays attention to layouts and materials, like Quigley Decks does, can help you shape these factors, even if no one uses the phrase “acoustic design” on the job site.
A well planned deck will not turn your backyard into a concert hall, but it can make the difference between “we never use this space for music” and “we play out here all the time.”
What makes an outdoor space friendly for music?
Before getting into railings, stairs, and materials, it helps to define what you want. Not just “a nice deck.” If you are a piano or keyboard player, or you just care about sound, you might want some of these outcomes.
1. A quiet corner for practice and listening
Many players think outside practice is only for headphones and digital keyboards. That can work, but you can go further. If your deck has a part that is visually and physically separated from the busy side of the yard, it becomes easier to focus on a score, or on a recording you are studying.
Small design moves can help:
- A partial privacy screen on one side to block traffic noise a bit
- Plant boxes placed near the edge to soften sound from the street
- A small step down from the main deck level to create a “practice nook”
It will not be silent. That is fine. Outdoors never is. The key is that your mind feels like you are in a defined area that is “for music” rather than just sitting in the middle of the yard.
2. Enough space and stability for a keyboard or small piano
I am not going to pretend a grand piano likes being on a deck. Humidity and temperature changes are harsh. But digital pianos, stage keyboards, and smaller uprights that roll on casters can work if the surface is level and strong.
If you plan to place any kind of piano or keyboard outside, tell the builder, so they can factor the weight and layout into their design instead of guessing later.
Here are a few practical points that builders can address:
- Support structure strong enough for concentrated weight in one spot
- A level surface so the action does not feel crooked under your hands
- Boards installed with care so pedals do not rock or squeak under pressure
If someone builds a deck just for lounge chairs, the framing might be lighter. If they know you want to roll out a digital piano for weekend practice or a small recital, they can plan for heavier use in that part of the deck.
3. Protection from sun and light rain
Musicians are picky about light. Too much glare and you cannot read your sheet music or see your laptop screen. Too little and you strain your eyes. On top of that, instruments do not like direct sun or quick showers.
Deck builders can help create:
- Covered areas with pergolas or roof structures
- Sections that are more shaded, tied to the sun direction at your home
- Railings that do not block air flow but do add some visual shelter
I once tried to play an outdoor piece with a tablet on a stand during mid afternoon sun. The screen washed out. I kept shifting the stand, then my chair, then trying to tilt the tablet like some strange mirror. If I had even a small covered corner, that whole mess would not have happened.
4. Safe movement for guests and gear
Music tends to involve people coming and going. Someone brings a guitar, another arrives with a portable speaker, a child runs through during a quiet piece. Railings, stairs, and traffic flow matter more than you might think.
Good railings are not just about safety codes; they shape how comfortable people feel when they carry instruments and move around during music gatherings.
Think about:
- Clear pathways so no one has to squeeze past stands or chairs
- Stairs wide enough for someone to carry a keyboard or amp without fear
- Railings with grips that feel solid, so a guest with a violin case feels stable
This is the kind of detail a deck company deals with daily. When you add a music use case, they can place stairs and railings where traffic will naturally flow during rehearsals or small recitals, not just where it looks neat on a drawing.
Deck layouts that work well for music activities
At this point it might sound a bit abstract. To make it more concrete, here are some common deck layouts and how they can support different types of music use.
| Deck layout type | Best for music uses | Key benefits | Possible tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single level open deck | Casual listening, small keyboard, guitar sessions | Simple layout, easy to arrange chairs, good for small groups | Less separation between quiet space and social space |
| Two level or tiered deck | Separating “stage” and “audience” areas, teaching | Natural zones for performers and listeners, better focus | More stairs and railings needed, slightly more complex planning |
| Deck with built-in benches and planters | Listening circles, low key recitals, ensemble rehearsals | Integrated seating, some sound diffusion from plants | Less flexible than loose chairs when changing setups |
| Covered or partially covered deck | Keyboard practice, electronics, recording sessions | Shade, some protection for gear, easier to see music | Needs more structural planning and can change how sound carries |
You do not need some perfect design that covers every use. Most people end up using one or two main patterns. For example, one family I know has a simple two level deck. The upper level by the house is for food and conversation. The lower level is where the teenager rolls out a digital piano on a stand on weekends, with a few folding chairs for friends. They do not treat it as a “stage,” but functionally that is exactly what it is.
Thinking about acoustics without overcomplicating it
Acoustics can turn into a rabbit hole. People will talk about frequency responses, reflection times, and all of that. Outside, the rules change because you lack walls and ceilings that reflect sound in a predictable way.
You can still improve how your deck sounds for music without needing a physics degree. Here are a few simple ideas that builders and homeowners can work with.
Surfaces that reflect and surfaces that soften
Hard materials reflect sound. Softer, textured materials absorb and scatter it. A typical deck will include a mix of both.
- Deck boards and house siding reflect sound to some level
- Plants, outdoor cushions, and people absorb and scatter it
- Railings with glass panels reflect more than railings with cables or wood balusters
If you plan to play or listen in one section of the deck, you can place more soft items there. Not complicated acoustic panels, just elements like:
- Outdoor rugs under the area where a keyboard might sit
- Cushions on benches around the “listening” zone
- Planter boxes near reflective house walls to break up sharp echoes
Builders can help by placing solid walls or tall railings where it helps block noisy roads, and more open railings where you want sound to feel free and open.
Orientation relative to neighbors and streets
Here is where many people get it wrong. They place the “music corner” near the best view, not thinking about the neighbor’s bedroom or the busy road. Then they feel self conscious every time they play.
During planning, consider:
- Where the nearest neighbors sit or sleep most of the time
- Where the street noise is strongest
- Which side of the deck allows sound to travel into open air rather than into windows
A company that knows your local area can help you pick the side that feels more comfortable for sound. It is not a guarantee that no one will hear you, but it reduces awkward moments where your fortissimo practice lands straight in someone’s home office.
Lighting for reading music
Good sound is only half the story. If you cannot see your music, you will not enjoy playing outside for long. Decks give chances to add simple lighting that actually works for musicians, instead of only for mood.
Think about:
- LED fixtures aimed at walls or ceilings near your playing spot, so light reflects softly
- Outlets placed where you might plug in a music stand light or keyboard
- Switches you can reach from the “stage” area without walking across everything
I have seen setups where a player ends up running an extension cord across the deck for a lamp every single time. That is the kind of thing you can avoid if you tell the builder up front that you play piano or guitar outdoors in the evening.
Practical design ideas for piano and keyboard lovers
If you are more serious about the piano side, not just background music, here are a few practical layouts and features you can talk about when planning a deck. Some may feel a bit detailed, but small decisions tend to add up later.
A “performance nook” built into the deck
You can ask for a slightly recessed or raised area, maybe only one step different from the main deck. That area becomes the natural place for a keyboard or small acoustic ensemble. People instinctively see it as the focus.
Features that help in that nook:
- Closer access to power outlets for keyboards, speakers, and lights
- A bit of overhead cover or pergola slats so the sun does not hit the keys directly
- Room for a few chairs around, without blocking the main walking path
It does not need a stage curtain or anything formal. It is more about slight changes in level or rail placement that guide how people use the space.
A practice corner with storage
One thing digital piano players struggle with is storage. Stands, pedals, cables, small amps. These items often end up piled in a corner inside, then carried outside every time. A deck with integrated storage solves some of that friction.
Possibilities include:
- A storage bench along one railing that holds music stands, cables, and covers
- A small closet or cabinet built near the house wall, weather sealed for gear
- Hooks or shelves under a covered area for folding chairs and stools
Quigley style deck projects often include custom benches, planters, and small built-ins. If you state your music needs, they can shape one of these pieces for sheet music binders, extension cords, and similar items, instead of only gardening tools.
Steps that work like seating
Wide steps along one side of the deck can serve as informal seating during a small recital or jam session. People sit on different levels, and it feels relaxed but still gives everyone a view.
This approach helps if:
- You do not want permanent chairs cluttering the deck
- You host students or family who come and go in small groups
- You prefer a casual, living room feeling instead of rigid audience rows
Again, this is more about planning widths and rail placement than anything complex. Builders just need to know you see those steps as possible “audience seats,” not just as a path down to the yard.
How railings affect the feel of a music deck
At first, railings might look like a simple safety issue. They are, but they also change how enclosed or open your music area feels, and how sound travels.
Types of railings and sound
Here is a simple way to think about some common railing types in music terms.
| Railing type | How it feels | Effect on sound and music use |
|---|---|---|
| Wood balusters | Traditional, slightly enclosed | Breaks up sound a bit, adds visual separation, can reduce distraction |
| Cable rail | Open, modern, minimal blocking | Lets sound and air move freely, keeps views for audience and players |
| Glass panels | Very open view, more reflective | Reflects sound more, which you might or might not like, depending on taste |
| Solid privacy sections | More enclosed and sheltered | Blocks some outside noise and sightlines, gives a “room” feeling |
If you worry about neighbors hearing every note, solid sections or taller plantings built along one side can help. If you want the sound to carry into the yard where kids are playing, more open cable railing might feel better.
Safety for children and instruments
For families with young students, rail height and spacing are not just code questions. Children walking around with violins, flutes, or music folders do not always watch their step. Solid, comfortable railings reduce stress for parents during outdoor practice sessions or recitals.
Builders can also anchor rail posts more securely near spots where you might lean an instrument case or rest a music stand. Small details like this matter over time, even if they sound minor on paper.
Balancing music use with everyday life on the deck
Up to this point, this might sound like the deck should exist only for music. That is not realistic for most households. The good thing is that many features that help music use also help daily life.
- Shade structures help both keyboards and people staying cool
- Storage benches work for both music gear and outdoor cushions
- Good lighting helps both evening practice and family dinners
- Safe railings help both guests at a recital and children playing
You might feel a bit torn: you want a serious music area, but you also want a place for grills, games, and quiet coffee mornings. That tension is normal. A practical approach is to decide on a primary music function and one or two secondary uses, then ask for a layout that respects that mix.
For example, maybe your top priority is solo keyboard practice with headphones. Your second priority is family meals. In that case, you set up a small, shaded corner near an outlet for the keyboard, while the main central space gets the big table. You do not try to host quartets and choirs outside. That clarity lets the builder spend their design energy where it helps you most.
Weather and maintenance considerations for music gear
Here is an area where I think many people are a bit too optimistic. They buy a nice digital piano, wheel it outside often, and then wonder why the keys feel odd after a season of sun and humidity changes. A deck builder is not a piano technician, but they can still help reduce some of the risk with smart design.
Moisture and temperature shifts
Outdoor decks see rain, snow, and heat. Even under a cover, humidity can swing a lot. For acoustic pianos, this is harsh. For digital instruments, it is less severe but still not ideal.
You can reduce issues by:
- Keeping permanent acoustic pianos indoors, and only using weather resistant or portable gear outside
- Having covered areas where you park your keyboard, instead of leaving it fully exposed
- Using fitted covers and simple cases when the instrument is not in use
Builders can help by sloping surfaces correctly so water does not pool near outlets or your usual keyboard spot. They can also leave enough clearance and structure to hang roll down shades or curtains if you choose to install them later for extra protection.
Deck materials and sound underfoot
Different deck boards feel and sound different underfoot. Composite boards tend to be a bit quieter and more uniform. Wood can creak or change more over time if not maintained well. If you plan to use pedals a lot, soft creaks can become annoying in recordings or during quiet practice.
If that detail matters to you, say so. Even a small area with extra stable framing under your practice corner helps reduce movement and noise. Many builders already reinforce areas where grills or hot tubs sit. They can treat a “piano zone” in a similar way.
Using your deck for teaching and small recitals
Many piano teachers and students discovered outdoor lessons during health related restrictions in recent years. Some went back inside as soon as they could. Others realized that fresh air, natural light, and extra space change lessons in a good way.
Outdoor teaching setups
For teachers, a well planned deck can support:
- One main instrument (often digital) under cover
- A second stand or table for a student keyboard if needed
- A small seating area for parents, placed where they can see but not hover
- Storage for method books, clipboards, and small accessories
Traffic flow becomes more than a theory. Students arrive and leave, sometimes with siblings in tow. Stairs and railings placed thoughtfully reduce awkward crossings. For example, a side stair near the driveway can let students come straight to the teaching corner without passing through a family dinner zone.
Hosting small recitals
Outdoor recitals have tradeoffs. Wind can flip pages. Birds may join with their own notes at the worst time. But they also feel less stressful for beginners, and families often enjoy them more.
A deck that supports small recitals tends to have:
- One focal point where the instrument sits, visible from most seats
- Enough stable space for a few rows of chairs or use of steps as seats
- Clear paths to restrooms and the house kitchen without crossing the playing area
- Outlets for small speakers, microphones, or recording devices if needed
Some families run an extension cord from wherever there is power and hope for the best. It works, but trips and tangles are common. If you know you will repeat these events yearly, placing outlets and lighting in better spots during deck construction saves a lot of trouble.
Balancing neighbors, privacy, and shared music
One question people often hesitate to ask out loud is: “Will my neighbors hate this?” It is a fair concern. Not everyone wants to hear scales at 7 am on a Sunday. At the same time, music is part of normal life and culture, and many neighbors enjoy hearing a bit of it.
Rather than trying to solve this with a perfect rule, you can shape your deck so it supports courteous habits:
- Place your main music area away from nearby bedrooms when possible
- Use partial screens or tall planters on the most sensitive sides
- Keep louder sessions within reasonable hours
- Invite neighbors to a casual recital once in a while, so the sound feels like a shared event rather than a mystery
A builder cannot manage neighbor relations for you, but layout and privacy screens can at least make it easier to play without feeling like every note lands in someone else’s living room.
Where to start if you want a music friendly deck
If you already have a deck, you might not be ready to rebuild it from scratch. You can still adapt it step by step with small changes:
- Identify a quieter corner and claim it as your music area
- Add an outdoor rug, a stand, and a simple cover solution for your gear
- Test practice sessions at different times of day to see when sound and light feel best
- Gradually adjust seating, plants, and lighting around that area
If you are planning a new deck or a larger renovation, then you have more options. The key is to talk about music early, not as an afterthought. Many people tell the builder about grills, hot tubs, and dining tables, but forget to mention that they spend several hours a week at the piano or with students.
When you describe your dream deck, include the sentence: “I play and listen to music a lot, and I want this space to support that.”
From there, you can sort through questions such as:
- Do you see yourself practicing outside daily, or only on special days?
- Will you host students, friends, or small audiences, or is this mainly for you?
- Do you need power for keyboards and speakers, or is this more about acoustic instruments?
- How sensitive are you to noise from streets and neighbors when you practice?
Your answers will steer choices on layout, coverings, railings, and outlets more than any technical catalog of products.
Question and answer: Is an outdoor deck really useful for serious musicians?
People sometimes ask something like: “Is a music friendly deck just a nice extra, or can it really help a serious musician?” I think the honest answer sits somewhere in the middle.
If you are preparing for high level auditions, you still need a well maintained indoor instrument and quiet practice time. Outdoor playing will not replace that. But a well designed deck can support the other sides of your musical life in ways that matter.
You get a space where:
- You can listen deeply to recordings while breathing fresh air, not just stuck at a desk
- You can run through pieces on a digital piano without disturbing the whole house
- Students can relax a bit more during lessons, which often improves learning
- Family and friends can hear you play in a casual setting, not only at formal events
So is it necessary? No. Many great musicians had no deck at all. But if you are already thinking about improving your outdoor space, bringing your love of music into that conversation is not a mistake. It can turn a regular deck into a place where your musical life expands, in small, real ways, day after day.