Maximizing Small Outdoor Spaces: Deck Ideas for Compact Yards

Small Deck Ideas to Suit Compact Outdoor Spaces

In many yards, space is at a premium. If you have a small yard, though, it doesn’t mean that it has to be boring or unattractive. With some creative planning, you can design a deck that turns your compact outdoor space into a functional, beautiful oasis, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. With some practical, innovative deck ideas, you can make the most of your available space, with built in features and space-saving designs that maximize your limited outdoor area and create an inviting atmosphere that aligns with your aesthetic sensibilities as well as meeting your needs.

Clever Space-Saving Deck Designs

If you already have a small yard, it might seem counterintuitive to put in a deck. However, a well-designed deck, even a small one, can extend your living area, transforming your cramped back yard into an entertainment area and improving its overall aesthetics. By integrating built-in features, choosing the right furniture and lighting, and decorating the deck to maximize its appeal, you can create a welcoming space that not only enhances your back yard, but also increases the value of your home. One very practical way to optimize your deck is to include a multi-level deck design, tailored to fit your space. Tiered decks add depth and dimension to your deck, and provide separate dining, lounging, and entertaining areas. You can even incorporate a pergola into your deck design, adding further functionality by providing a shaded nook.

Built in Features for Functionality

When every square inch matters, it makes sense to use built-ins and multifunctional furniture. Benches with hidden storage compartments, built-in planters that also provide seating, and railings wide enough to also function as a bar are just a few of the creative ideas you can use to make your deck more versatile. Bring in some space saving furniture to complement your built-in pieces, and your deck will be the perfect place for entertaining.

Maximizing Greenery for a Lush Look

If your yard is already small, you may worry that installing a deck will further diminish your already limited gardening options. In fact, a deck can open up a new world of possibilities for bringing natural beauty to your property. A pergola can allow space for vines to climb, creating a lush, beautiful look. Whether you like the look of simple greenery or prefer fragrant, colorful flowers, this is a wonderful option. Even if you don’t choose to add a pergola, however, vertical gardening can make the most of your limited space and add life to your deck. Trellises, hanging pots, and wall-mounted planters are all good for giving your deck a vibrant look, and they can add privacy as well. What will you plant? A trellis with lush vines adds a barrier for privacy, an herb garden mounted on your deck railing can be functional, fragrant, and full of life, and hanging baskets can spill over with green plants and colorful blooms, adding interest to your outdoor space.

Strategic Lighting for Decks for Small Yards

Consider this: the way you light your deck can enhance its aesthetics, improve its functionality, and offer an ambiance that beckons you to enjoy the space long into the evening. A mix of lighting elements typically works best, with lights that illuminate the perimeter, steps and railing, for safety, and other lights that simply make your backyard more appealing. Lights that shine on focal points of your yard can be impactful, and fairy lights strung along your fence, over your deck, and across the trees can make an ordinary back yard suddenly seem magical. While you want to make sure your pathways and steps are illuminated for safety, you will also want to choose warm, gentle lighting in the entertaining areas, to make them feel welcoming and cozy.

Small Backyard Solutions for Styling and Enhancing Your Space

The options for your backyard deck are nearly endless. With some creative planning and help from the experts, you can find the right design to make the most of your space and provide you with many years of use and enjoyment. How will you style your beautiful new deck?

• Use compact, multifunctional furniture. Furniture scaled to fit your small deck and furniture that folds away for easy storage are two of the many options for making your deck a haven.
• Maximize utility with dual-purpose design. That built-in bench that doubles as storage? Pull out a folding table and it offers space for dining alfresco. Add a cushion and it’s the perfect, comfy spot for reading or just lounging.
• Consider incorporating kitchen features. Even a small deck can accommodate a compact grill and small prep area, perhaps with built-in storage underneath it. This gives you the convenience of preparing food outdoors as you interact with your guests, rather than being stuck inside while everyone else socializes on your gorgeous deck.
• Decorate to create the illusion of more space. Just as you use optical illusion inside your home to make small rooms seem more expansive, you can also do this on your deck. Choose light colors and thin railings, or ditch the railings in favor of see-through panels. Hang a mirror on the wall, to create a feeling of more space.

Let Five Start Deck Service Help You Make the Most of Your Small Yard

No matter the size of your yard, Five Star Deck Service can help you make it fabulous, designing and installing a beautiful new deck exactly to your specifications. Our team has the experience and expertise to provide everything from deck sanding to full-scale restoration treatments to building an entirely new deck, and we are hold ourselves to the highest standards of workmanship in everything we do. Our experience dates back several decades, and we are well known for high quality and prioritizing an elevated customer experience. Working with our team, means access to licensed and insured professionals, but it also means working with a passionate group of experts fueled by industry expertise, hands-on leadership, and personalized guidance. For more information, or to schedule your complimentary consultation and estimate, contact us through our website.