1. Evaluate your needs.
Your lifestyle can and should play a part in any small-deck design ideas. Before you start planning construction, think about how you currently use your outdoor space and how you’d like to use it. For example, if you regularly gather family and friends for meals, then you’ll want to maximize the deck area for seating as well as include a spot for a grill. But if you have a large lawn for playing and relaxing, a deck might serve a different purpose in your daily life, such as a spot to read the paper.
2. Maintain the proper scale.
Before you begin sorting through small-deck designs, think about scale. Your small deck should feel as though it maintains consistent proportion to both the yard and your home. Too small or too big, and either landscape or the small deck will feel overwhelmed.
3. Establish a connection between the house, deck, and yard.
A design that looks out of place with its surroundings can make a small deck look awkward. One of the keys to successful small-deck design ideas is to ensure that the materials, style, and shape feel in sync with both your home and your landscape. You’ll also want to create a small-deck design that encourages an efficient, natural flow between the inside and outside. For example, if doors to your kitchen lead to a side yard, that unexpected spot might be the best place for a small deck.
4. Think in levels and curves.
Oftentimes, homeowners let difficult yard situations, such as an awkward slope, discourage them from including a small deck. But even in a minuscule yard or space, decks can be a great way to conquer those landscape challenges. For example, a stepped-down small-deck design can provide multiple levels for gathering, serve different functions, and help you get rid of grass that never grows or cover a slope that always erodes. A curved small-deck design might help you squeeze a few extra square feet (as well as a secluded nook) out of a tiny landscape.
5. Provide visual relief.
On small-deck designs, there’s less space to distract the eye, so the details take on heightened significance. Think overhead, on the sides, and underfoot. Try an arbor to create a cozier structure (and provide supports for flowering vines). Distinguished rails offer visual relief, as do rail planters and metal accents. A deck floor in a pattern such as a basket weave or one set on a diagonal creates interest.
6. Offer storage.
Just because your deck is small doesn’t mean it shouldn’t work hard. Much like shelves, hooks, and drawers in the tiniest linen closet, there are multiple ways to put your small-deck design to work. Think of built-in seating with lids that flip up to hide outdoor cushions and toys. If your small deck is elevated, try hidden storage underneath for seasonal furniture.
7. Include plants and landscaping.
Whether they’re in containers or between the small deck and the rest of your landscape, flowers, trees, and shrubs are key to melding deck with yard. Use small shrubs to disguise footings, posts, and corners. Trees offer shade and privacy, and flowers connect with gardens elsewhere in the yard.
8. Finish it with details.
Just because your deck is small doesn’t mean you should pay less attention to the final flourishes. Plan for convenient outlets. Choose complementary fabrics and furniture that enhance the design of the small deck and your outdoor living space. Do what you can to create a space that feels comfortable and welcoming.
