Take a moment to imagine how you’d use your ideal deck: Do you see yourself lounging in the sun, cool drink in hand? Sipping your morning coffee while listening to the birds sing? Are you gathered around the table, enjoying a family meal? Or maybe the whole neighborhood is there, having a summer BBQ and soaking in the hot tub?

How you plan to use your deck makes a difference in how it’s built. For example, if you have a small yard and simply want a place to enjoy your morning cup of joe, a small, simple deck will do the trick. But if you have a large space and visions of block parties and family reunions in mind, you’ll need something much bigger, possibly with additional features like built-in seating and an outdoor kitchen or bar.

Before you plan your deck build, it’s important to consider how you’ll use it and what size deck will suit your needs. Gaining a good understanding of this early in your planning process will help you create a deck that looks and feels just right in your space.

To that end, let’s go over what you need to know about deck size: why it matters, common deck sizes, and what factors to consider when determining how big your deck needs to be.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better: The Right Size Deck Makes All the Difference!

The size of a deck can vary widely depending on how you’ll use it, the size of your home and yard, and, of course, your preferences.

But depending on the space you have to work with, bigger isn’t always the better choice. You want your deck to suit the size and shape of your house—it should act as an extension of your home’s usable space. 

Choosing the right size deck for your home will allow for proper furniture placement, movement, and functionality. Too small, and you may not be able to use it the way you intended to; too large, and you could just end up wasting space that could be put to better use.

Common Deck Sizes and How They’re Best Used

Decks can range in size anywhere from 100 to well over 400 sq. ft. The average sized deck for a single-family home is typically between 300 and 400 sq. ft. This provides enough space for dining or lounging with plenty of room for movement around furniture.

However, if your yard or budget are on the smaller side, a 300 sq. ft. deck might be too big. Or, on the other end of the spectrum, if you like to host a lot of outdoor gatherings, a 400 sq. ft. deck might be on the small side for your needs. 

It all depends on the space and budget you have and how you plan to use your deck. For example, here are some commonly built deck sizes and what they’re best used for:

    • Small Decks (100-200 sq. ft.): Great for smaller homes and compact outdoor spaces. Could be used for seating, accommodating small gatherings of 4-8 people. Would also be well used as an entryway or a space for a grill, potted plants, or decor. Some common layouts include: 10×10, 12×12, 10×14, 12×16.
    • Medium Decks (200-400 sq. ft.): Room for bigger gatherings and more extensive furniture arrangements, multiple uses (i.e., a dining table plus a seating area or a play area for the kids), or features like a fire pit. Medium decks offer a good balance of cost and function, and are great for both entertaining and everyday use. Common layouts include: 12×16, 14×16, 16×16, 16×20.
    • Large Decks (over 400 sq. ft.): Plenty of room for multiple zones and bigger features like a hot tub, outdoor kitchen or bar, or simply a large lounge area. Some common layouts are: 16×24, 18×20, 20×20.

Keep in mind that multi-level decks are also an option, which can be great if you have limited yard space but room to build vertically.

How To Choose the Right Deck Size for You

Start With How You Plan to Use Your Deck

Think about how you want to use your new deck. Will you be hosting a lot of gatherings and enjoying big family dinners around the table, or are you looking for a quiet getaway to sip your morning coffee and soak in the natural surroundings?

The purpose of your deck helps you determine what size deck you’ll need and what layout will be best. 

If you’re the one always throwing neighborhood gatherings, you’re going to need a bigger deck to accommodate seating, tables, and features that put the “fun” in functions, like a grill, outdoor kitchen, bar, or hot tub. 

On the other hand, if you simply need a porch that serves as an entryway into your home or a cozy spot for lounging, a smaller deck will fit the bill. 

Other factors to consider when you’re thinking about the purpose of your deck:

    • Furniture: What pieces do you need to do what you want on your deck? Make sure your deck will fit all your furniture with plenty of space to walk around comfortably.
    • Seasonal functionality: Do you plan to use your deck only in summer, or will you be out there from first thaw to first snow? (Or, like some hearty Minnesotans, maybe you’ll grill all year long!) If the latter, consider allotting space for a covered area.
    • Privacy needs: How close to the neighbors will your deck be? Do you need to leave space for privacy screens or similar features? 
    • Gatherings: How many people do you plan to regularly host? 
    • Other features: What additional features do you need space for (hot tub, pool surround, fire pit, built-in seating, etc.)? Will you need multiple levels?

Ensuring your deck is built around how you plan to use the space will help you create an outdoor living area that comfortably supports your lifestyle.

Consider Your House Size

You’ll also want to make sure the size of your deck suits the size of your home. Most builders recommend keeping your deck to about 20 percent of your home’s square footage. 

So if your home is 1,500 sq. ft., the largest deck you’d want to build would be about 300 sq. ft.; If your home is 2,500 sq. ft., a deck that’s 400-500 sq. ft. might be more appropriate. But again, it will depend on what you plan to use the deck for.

A properly proportioned deck helps maintain your home’s curb appeal and keep the home as the focal point of the landscape. 

Factor in Yard Size and Layout

Your yard’s size will help determine the size of your deck as well. You want a deck that accommodates all the ways you want to use it…but that also isn’t so big it overwhelms your yard or so small it looks out of place.

Consider how much lawn or garden area you want to keep, the shape of your yard (is it irregularly shaped or especially narrow?), and how close your neighbors are (how much privacy do you need?). You’ll also need to work around any sloping areas and other landscaping and ensure your deck stays within property boundaries (see more on building codes in the next point). 

If you don’t have the space you need for the size deck you want, consider a multi-level deck or multiple smaller decks (one for cooking and dining, one for entertaining and lounging, etc.). 

Regardless of the size or shape of your yard, there is a deck layout that can work for your space. If you’re struggling to figure out how to fit a deck into your yard, a pro like Outdoor Solutions can help you make the most of your space.

Check Local Building Codes

As you’re figuring out what size deck you need, don’t forget to reference local building codes, regulations, and restrictions, as well as HOA rules, if applicable. 

Common restrictions dictate how close you can build to your neighbor’s property, how a deck connects to your home, and whether or not you can build in certain areas (due to factors like a well, septic tank, etc). They can also restrict how big or tall a deck can be.

Always check local regulations and permit requirements early on in your deck planning process to ensure your deck meets all requirements. 

When in Doubt, Talk to a Pro

If this sounds like a lot to think about…you’re not wrong! Planning a deck build can be complex, but working with a pro can make the whole process much easier. 

When you work with a decking contractor like Outdoor Solutions, we bring years of experience to your project. We build decks every day, and we know how to design and build a deck that will perfectly enhance your outdoor space for years to come. 

Whether you’re building a small, basic deck to fit a tight space or a large deck with all the trimmings (or something in between), we can help you decide on the right deck size for your home and lifestyle. Contact us today to get started on your next deck project. We can’t wait to work with you!