10 Design ideas for a small backyard deck

Who says you can’t have fun in a small yard? Even if you have a small backyard, you can still enjoy the outdoor life very well. Design ideas for small backyard decks can be simple and effective. Start with a basic plan and add features such as built-in benches, planters, and stairs. Choose a low-maintenance deck material such as composite decking material or PVC material. Consider a multi-level design to add visual interest and create additional seating space. Hang strings of lights to create ambiance and add some potted plants to add color. Finally, add some privacy screens and a few chairs to complete the look. With a few simple design ideas, you can create a stunning and functional small backyard deck.

Things to do before building an outdoor deck

Before you get ready to build your outdoor deck, you need to consider these considerations to avoid surprises during the construction process

Make sure the deck is sized. If your house and yard are small, you don’t want the outdoor deck to take up too much space. Depending on whether you want easy access to the outdoor deck idea, you can choose whether it becomes a separate building or part of the house. Keeping it simple is the key to having an attractive deck that adds value to your home and fits in with your outdoor space.

Construction permits. Before you start building your outdoor deck, make sure you have the right permits in place. Once you have a plan for your outdoor deck, you can start building it. You will then need to present two copies of scaled drawings to your local building official in order to obtain a permit. There will be plenty of inspectors willing to help before you build the deck and make sure it meets the safety and building codes in your area. This can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Deck railing codes. Even for the smallest decks, deck railings must follow rules and codes. If your deck is more than 30 inches above the ground, you must build a guardrail to keep people safe.

Use a sloped yard. An uneven yard can be difficult to maneuver and make your backyard feel smaller. You may want to put stairs or ramps in the sloped part of your yard so you can reach the flat part of your deck. Sloped yards can be difficult for many people to deal with. So you may want to hire a contractor to help you figure out how to make the most of your space and take advantage of the natural features in your yard.

10 Ideas for Building a Small Outdoor Deck

1. How do you arrange furniture on a small deck?

Making a sitting or dining area at one end of a small deck is one way to arrange deck furniture. This will give you more room to do other things at the other end of the deck. Place a chaise lounge or bench at one end of the small deck rather than in the middle. This way, your furniture will not take up the entire width of the deck.

You can also put nice planter boxes around the edge of your small deck, which can also help it blend in with your backyard and make it feel larger and more open. In the same way, you can save space by putting LED lights on your deck boards. Because you don’t have to set up large floor lights that may take up more space.

2. How can I make a small deck look bigger?

Choose deck furniture that fits the way your deck is built. A corner of the deck is a great place to set up a wicker or rattan sofa that can be used as a bed and couch. This is especially true if your deck is part of your house. By placing a combination sofa on your deck, right next to the wall of your house. Then you can make more space on your deck and have more chairs for your guests.

3. Think of a small deck as a room in front of your home

The best way to build a deck, especially a small deck, is to connect it to a doorway in your house. For example, glass sliding doors are a great and convenient way to get from an indoor space to an outdoor deck. When the weather gets warmer, you can open your glass doors so people can walk indoors and outdoors. This will help you make the most of your small deck so that you can invite people over. Put an inviting dining table on your deck to make it less like an outdoor room and more like an extension of your house.

4. Add an element of nature to a small deck

You can make the most of your space by building a small deck around a large tree or other natural features. These can serve as built-in walls that divide your outdoor deck into places to sit or do other things. Installing glass railings can also give your deck more of a connection to its surroundings, giving you an unobstructed view of lush trees and making your small deck feel larger.

5. How to Make a Small Deck Look Bigger

If a small deck has glass railings and interesting small furniture, it will feel bigger. Not only do glass railings give you a better view of the lush greenery in your yard. And they also help your deck match better with the rest of your house. In addition, small, stylish furniture, such as bent chairs that easily fit around a round table, can free up space on your deck that isn’t being used.

6. Small decks with furniture are conspicuous

With the right furniture, small decks can look very stylish. Egg-shaped wicker chairs are stylish and comfortable for small spaces. On a small deck, you may not need a lot of furniture. But it allows you to be creative and choose truly unique pieces that will make your small deck stand out.

7. Deck furniture with hidden storage space

You can make the most of a small deck by purchasing versatile furniture, such as a bench with hidden storage. By building benches into your deck design or by leaning them against the wall, you can give your guests more room to hang out on your deck. Built-in storage drawers on the bench give you a place to store extra towels, blankets, books, and snacks that can be used on the deck.

8. A small roof with a deck

Even if you don’t have a backyard and live in a busy city, a rooftop deck is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. A small outdoor deck with a great view of the city can be a quiet place to relax. Put colorful flowers and plants on it to make the city look a little greener. A small deck on the roof with colorful chair cushions can also be a great place to relax.

9. How to decorate a small deck?

There are many ways to decorate a small deck, but adding a pop of color can make even the smallest deck feel charming. Neutral furniture can be placed on the deck, but mixing and matching bright pillows and blankets with solids, florals, and patterns can pull the look together. Bright vases and flowers can also add a lot of color to a small deck.

10. Cozy up to a small deck

Planters of different sizes and colors can make a small deck feel more comfortable. White railings and deck furniture stand out when contrasted with a cocoa-colored deck. Placing different-sized plants in a small area makes it look better without making it feel crowded. It also gives a fresh green color.

You can get a lot out of a small deck, such as getting your money’s worth and having years of enjoyment. Planning carefully before you build your deck and getting ideas on how to decorate your small deck can go a long way in making the space feel warm and inviting.