Freshly mowed grass & fragrant flowers may elevate the look of your small backyard. But given its size, the area is often underutilized. Homeowners believe there’s not much they can do with a limited space in their backyard , let alone construct a deck.
While homeowners may not know how to properly utilize their backyard, providers of deck construction services surely do. According to experts, a strategic deck design can go a long way for a small backyard space.
The practice involves integrating multi-level platforms to make good use of the yard’s vertical space & built-in benches to free up valuable square footage, seamlessly transitioning your interior space into lush outdoor space.
Why Decks Are Perfect for Small Backyards
You’re not supposed to stay indoors for the entirety of your post-work day. As obvious, you need a getaway, that too, from the comfort of your own home. And that’s where small backyard decks come in.
Serving as an extension to your home’s interior, these versatile spaces are perfect for having a warm cup o’ coffee, relaxing, & spending time with family, all while enjoying the oasis surrounding your home. Even if you do have a small backyard space, there’s no need to worry, a well-built deck is bound to improve its aesthetics & functionality.
A physical boundary designates specific zones for each kind of activity, whereas the deck’s sturdiness provides an even surface for heavy items , necessary for patio furniture, grills, & storage boxes. Instead of finding awkward patches of grass or cluttered spaces, you’ll be met with an environment that’s clean, comfortable, & relaxing.
What Makes a Small Backyard Deck Feel Bigger?
If you’ve seen those Instagram reels where a compact space is redesigned into a fully functional & aesthetically pleasing space , then you know what the deal’s all about. That’s right. Deck construction service providers rely on visual tricks to maximize sightlines & free up floor space for built-in/embedded or foldable furniture, which also involves:
- Creating zones instead of one large space
- Using vertical elements
- Built-in functionality
- Open sightlines
- Multi-purpose features
- Integrating landscaping
- Minimizing visual clutter
3 Multi-Level Deck Ideas for Small Backyards
When yard space is limited, it’s best to go for a multi-level deck. The design & layout are curated to transform a compact or uneven backyard into distinct zones, each suited to a variety of activities. Deck construction services make this possible by maximizing every single square foot without letting the landscape have a ‘cluttered’ look. Some of the most popular ideas involve:
- Dining Area on One Level, Lounge Area on Another: Creates feasibility for a direct indoor-to-outdoor pathway for food serving & extends to a secondary platform (lounge) via a wide staircase.
- Raised Viewing Decks for Sloped Properties: Serve as highly functional, panoramic platforms, paired with glass railings & stairs leading to a lower-level gravel patio that directly borders the grass.
- Tiered Decks That Create Separate Outdoor Zones: A staggered micro-level layout, involving separate platforms for grilling, dining, & a fire pit.
5 Built-In Seating Deck Ideas That Save Space
No one has ever found it preferable to drag chairs from indoors to outdoors, given the small space. Nor are foldable chairs in favor of your backyard aesthetics. For this reason, strategic deck constructors free up floor space & provide permanent seating with built-in seating options like:
- Wraparound bench seating
- Corner benches
- Storage benches
- Built-in dining seating
- Firepit seating walls
Small Backyard Deck Ideas with Built-In Planters
Visual clutter is such a turn-off for anyone who likes to stay indoors. Not just that, but it’s also the absence of soothing planters that makes the deck space look plain & unappealing. Since planters add the vibrant color, life, & privacy your backyard decks need, it’s no surprise that deck construction services use customized planters suited to maximize space.
- Perimeter planters: Incorporating these long, narrow troughs that trace the outer edge of your deck keeps the center space free for furniture (such as dining sets, sofas, or fire pits).
- Privacy planters: These tall blocks , usually made from wood or vinyl , create the perfect privacy screen to obstruct unwanted views from neighbors or strangers alike while adding to the beauty of your backyard.
- Herb garden planters: Ideal for culinary herb enthusiasts, these planters are placed close to the outdoor cooking area , an excellent spot for adequate sunlight, watering, & drainage.
- Raised flower bed integration: Typically standing at 30 inches, these elevated flower beds sit directly on your deck, saving you the trouble of uncomfortable kneeling.
- Low-maintenance greenery: Integrating plants that thrive in compact space & require little-to-no maintenance (such as succulents, ornamental grasses, or perennial flowers) is a great addition for your small backyard space.
6 Privacy Focused Ideas for Small Backyard Decks
If you’re unapologetic about your whimsy, chances are, you’re a frequent visitor of your backyard. But when it comes to reading a book, having marshmallows by the fire pit, or sharing a laugh with your loved ones , you require privacy. As backyard decks are undoubtedly the most ideal space for such wholesome activities, here are some privacy-focused ideas.
- Decorative privacy screens: Many homeowners opt for decorative privacy screens (made from laser-cut metal or patterned wood), which act as artistic focal points without obstructing air or light.
- Horizontal slat walls: Instead of going for vertical fencing options, you can also choose horizontal panel walls , either made from cedar or redwood , which widens the deck.
- Cedar hedges: Everyone loves the fluffy look of cedar hedges, which is why they create the perfect privacy screen against unwanted views while adding to the backyard’s beauty.
- Pergolas: Consider this a partial shade for your deck that also integrates outdoor curtains & climbing vines , adding a subtle touch of privacy with the regal beauty of Wisteria.
- Fence integration: You may mount planter boxes or trellis panels directly onto the pre-made perimeter fences with climbing vines & add up to 2 meters of green privacy above the standard fence line.
- Outdoor curtains: Relating to the pergolas, you may integrate partially-sheer fabrics to bring an elegant, resort-like feel to your backyard deck & block unwanted views at the same time.
Common Mistakes That Make Small Decks Feel Smaller
Your decisions have a lot of power , and the wrong ones will always work against your favor. Your goal is to maximize the existing space of your backyard. So, rely on the advice of experts working for deck construction services, & understand the factors that make small backyard decks feel even smaller.
- Oversized furniture
- Poor traffic flow
- Too many decorative elements
- Lack of storage
- Blocking views
- Ignoring lighting
Explore More About Backyard Decks & Bring Your Backyard to Life!
You deserve to have the coziest environment in your backyard. But when you’re restricted by its limited size & uneven surface, place your trust in the expertise of deck construction services. Ensuring all your needs & expectations are met with what they deliver , professional deck constructors maximize your small backyard by:
- Building multi-level platforms to separate deck space for different purposes.
- Integrating built-in features, planter boxes, & under-seat storage.
- Using transparent railings (made from glass or thin cable) to keep sightlines open.
For more than 20 years, Allison Bros has been a trusted name in Canadian households for building quality, space-maximizing decks , suited to the client’s needs. Here, we have a comprehensive approach to getting started with backyard decks by aligning your vision with your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is a good size for a backyard deck?
A good deck size depends on the space of your backyard. If it’s a big one, then a deck of 12’x16’ (or more) is ideal, but if it’s a small deck, then 10’x10’ dimensions suit it better.
Q2. How to increase the size of a deck?
You can increase the size of your backyard deck by integrating multi-level platforms, built-in seating, & suitable planters.
Q3. How to make a small patio feel bigger?
A small patio can be made to ‘feel’ bigger by strategizing the space to suit multifunctional furniture, outdoor mirrors, & climbing plants. Since it’s a confusing task for homeowners to do on their own, it’s best to trust the expertise of deck constructors.
Q4. How to decorate a small outdoor deck?
You may decorate a small outdoor deck by installing wall-mounted or railing planters, storage ottomans, nesting tables, foldable bistros, weather-resistant & layered upholstery, vines, & strategic lighting.
