Here are 8 deck ideas for small yards that will make your small space shine:

When it comes to creating an enjoyable outdoor space in your yard, bigger isn’t always better. Even a small yard can become a space where you love to spend your time. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or evening nightcap while enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors, or spending lazy Sunday afternoons lounging on your new small deck.

If you’ve always wanted a deck but your home has a small outdoor space, consider these deck ideas for small yards.

  1. Opt For Wide Steps

Create a seamless flow into the rest of your yard with wide stairs running the length of the deck and leading into your yard. This design element can help exaggerate your yard’s width. Plus, you can use the stairs for additional seating and frame them with flowering plants.

  1. Think Vertical

Make your small deck feel more spacious by utilizing your vertical space. Some options are: a multi-level deck, a trellis, walls with folding benches, hanging space for planters, or a pergola for shade. Elements like these can make the most of your smaller square footage, give your deck a much larger feel, and make your design more cohesive.

  1. Add Built-in Benches, Storage, or Planters

Smaller spaces call for creative seating and storage options. Benches can accommodate more people in a smaller amount of space than chairs can. Consider adding built-in benches (with or without storage space beneath) along the edges of your deck to make the most use of your space.

Want to keep more of your green space? Build raised garden beds alongside your deck with wide borders that you can use for seating. This way, you maintain space for your gardens while creating additional seating — it’s a win-win.

  1. Include Multiple Levels

A multi-level deck can make even a small yard seem more expansive. If your yard has a slope, building different levels of decking can enhance your space and make it more usable. Or combine a small deck with a mini patio area. A hardscape can help add design interest to your small space and create the illusion of a larger, zoned outdoor space. 

  1. Build Your Deck With Purpose

Do you plan to use your deck primarily as a place to lounge and enjoy the outdoors, or will it serve another purpose? The way you plan to use your outdoor space will help determine your deck’s design. A deck can be an extension of your indoor space — such as an outdoor living room, office, or dining room.

For example, if your deck is kitchen-adjacent, and you plan to use it mainly as an outdoor dining area, you may choose to incorporate raised garden beds to grow culinary herbs. If you want room for gardens, a fire pit, or other elements, those pieces should be a part of your design process as well.

  1. Maintain Visual Harmony

When building a deck, you must account for the proportions and design of your home and yard. Maintaining visual harmony is especially important with a smaller yard to ensure that your deck doesn’t overwhelm your space. The finish, color, and style of your deck should complement your home’s design as much as possible in order to maintain a cohesive look for your property.

  1. Enhance Your Space With Lighting

Lighting is an important part of any outdoor space, but especially smaller yards and decks. Integrated lighting can help create more contrast and texture in your small space. A combination of landscape lighting with lanterns, candles, or even white lights strung along the deck or in the surrounding trees will amplify the ambience of your yard to create a cozy, welcoming space.

  1. Incorporate a Water Feature or Fire Pit

A small deck doesn’t have to mean giving up the unique features you love. Enhance your design by incorporating a small water feature for a peaceful, relaxing space. Or add a fire pit or small outdoor fireplace to really amp up the coziness on cool evenings.

Preparing For Your Small Deck Build

Careful planning can help bring your small deck dreams to life. A few things to consider as you decide what elements to include in your deck:

  1. Decide where you want to build.

    Ideally, your deck should extend the traffic patterns that already exist from your home to your yard.

  2. Measure and take photos.

    Measure your space and take photos of your yard from multiple angles. Having this information will help you visualize how your deck will look in your space.

  3. Be realistic.

    Determine what you actually have room for, and prioritize the elements that are most important to you. 

  4. Keep it simple.

    In most cases, keeping the design to a simple square or rectangle will be the best way to give you the most usable square footage.

Once you have a general idea of what you want, it’s time to call in a quality deck contractor to help you design and build your new deck.

Bring These Deck Ideas for Small Yards To Life With Help From Outdoor Solutions

Limited outdoor space doesn’t have to keep you from having the deck of your dreams. A well-planned deck can be incorporated into even the smallest of yards. The team at Outdoor Solutions can help you design and build your new small deck — contact us today to get started!