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Why don't you put a lounge chair and sit on your deck?

What about a small sitting area with one of those portable small fire places and then a regular picnic table.

You built a deck without knowing what you want to use it for?
I don't understand.

What do you want to do out there?

Make a floor plan. Put tables and chairs near the BBQ or the kitchen--if you want to eat.

Line the railings with plants to soften it up--if you like plants.

Put out a longe chair and a small table positioned for the best view--if you want to enjoy it. Put out another lounge for two if you welcome company.

Your deck is horrible and I'm sure the view of Lake George is boring. You better get rid of it. Luckily, I'm offering half a yogurt and an orange mug, in exchange for your deck. You better take this deal because it's probably the best one you're gonna get.

Seriously, I'd put a potting bench by the privacy wall on the side, a dining area right by the door, and two Adirondack chairs facing the view in between. And cover it with native plants in pots. And invite me for cocktails and swimming.

for some reason I just keep seeing Anarondak chairs (sp?)

In addition to outdoor friendly furniture, I'd use oversized terra cotta and ceramic planters (like these):

http://www.flowerpotheaven.com/terra-cotta-flower-pots.htm

Of course, they'll need to be stored indoors (house or garage) during the winter.

A large deck like this one is too much of a hassle (staining, sweeping off leaves, shoveling off snow, etc) if you're not going to use it during the warmer months.

i would use a good portion for a table, chairs, and a grill. and then two lounge chairs on the side for reading. with lots of plants and colors to liven things up. and a margarita.

well, i think your space would best lend itself to putting the round plastic table and chairs over by the taller privacy wall, which you should cover with a trellis and grow vines on. make sure that it's a table with an adequate umbrella. this way, you can have shade while you eat from both umbrella and wall, and some privacy while you get tanked at night. and if you've got the $$ you might even want some banquette seating around the table.

plants are the key to joy and beauty, so I would get windowboxes going on all those railings, and a couple of big planters in the middle-area where what appear to be doors are currently leaning. either against the wall or put them in the middle for a more jungly vibe. this would also be the good area for the grilling station.

the area directly in front of the doors is good for 2 sun-chairs/ lounge chairs or adirondack chairs with a small table in between and hopefully another umbrella. but really, you want to be more reclining/ reading on your porch and the Adirondack chairs will put your heads about even with the railing, which doesn't make for a nice view, so such chairs are probably better off in the yard.

I don't think it's a big deal that you'll have to walk too far from table to kitchen. you'll mainly be going from the grill, anyway.

enjoy!!

shadowswimming - i don't know if those portable fireplaces or fire pits are a good idea on wood deck.... kind of a fire hazard.

i had one of the portable fire pits at my old place when i had a backyard, and ashes were always flying out of it...

It may not be practical but i'm thinking outdoor pool table?

Or more practical, bbq obviously, maybe a little outdoor bar set up. you could do a cool built in table and seating area over by the privacy fence, like with bench seats along the wall, like a corner booth.

Create a lounge area and an eating area. Get some colorful patio furniture. And some plants.

There is a lot you can do with such a blank canvas. A few comfy lounge chairs and side tables for reading and lounging on one side. A table and chairs with an umbrella that you can put up or take down at your leisure (if it gets hot and too sunny in the summer, you're going to wish you had that option) on the other side or build a bench into the deck. I know a family who added wooden picnic tables to their deck and it actually looked alright. Color is easily added with planter boxes full of various flowers. You could do railing style boxes and big pots on the deck itself. Adding plants makes a HUGE difference and add life to any situation. You can also easily grow herbs and some veggies if you want.

Decide whether the primary use is going to be cooking/eating, lounging or drying off after swimming and that should dominate your purchases. Also consider your primary guests -is it all adults or will there be lots of little tykes running about??

I like the idea of a dining table right out the back of the door, and a lounging area on the other side. Get an outdoor sofa, coffee table and some chairs, maybe even an outdoor area rug to define the area (or paint a section of the deck to create definition as a rug would...)

Why do I see a nice hammock out here somewhere also? Does it get a lot of sun? Do you need to consider an umberella? or large tree for shade?

Place the bbq far enough away from the house there is no risk of singhing the outside....and with enough room to place a prep/serving station next to it. Those little shelves on the side of BBQ's are never enough room, once you drop the bbq tongs on them...

Forgot to add that a chiminera also adds a nice touch and is a bit more safe for a deck since it sits up on a stand and is relatively enclosed. It adds that fire element without being dangerous.

It's probably too late now, But I would consider ripping off the railing and replacing it with benches (if code allows). This would open up your deck. My folks have a deck with benches around the perimeter and it creates a lot of seating, allows an area for sunbathing, and will generally open up the space.

If code doesn't allow replacing the railing with benches, I'd think about putting benches there anyways. Also, would definitely do landscaping to help frame in your walkways, and consider a stone patio step down - this would help create even more usable space.

Put a couple of beach chairs out there and use it for a month or 2, to help you define just how you want to use it. I like Directors chairs because you can add fresh color with seat & back covers, at little cost. You'll probably want some sort of table. If it gets too much sun/ summer heat, you can add an umbrella or awning.

If you're in a woodsy area with lots of plants already, I'd just do a couple big pots of something flowering, depending on what kind of sun you get. Is it near your kitchen? How about a container garden with herbs and lettuces. It's nice to have a grill near the kitchen, too. But resist the temptation to fill it with stuff, it's nice to have a feeling of space.

why not do what we aussies do and have a BBQ set up with chairs and a table. you could always put some of it under cover. i do understand the sun is nice and that it gets freaking cold there... there are options for clear roofing just so you can enjoy it rain or shine and you won't be shovelling snow or racking leaves of your great big deck.