26 Deck Ideas for Small Yards

Don't let limited outdoor space keep you from having the deck of your dreams. Even the smallest city space or compact backyard can play host to a well-planned deck. These small deck ideas prove that bigger is not always better.

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August 21, 2020

By: Felicia Feaster

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A Small Yard and Deck Require More Creative Thinking

A smaller deck and yard will often demand a greater need for privacy. One option is to take advantage of existing trees and shrubbery for shade, privacy and ambience. For example, if you have the option, locate a shade tree on the west side of your deck where it will protect you from harsh afternoon sun. Here, the homeowners have used a floating wooden bench and custom wall planters to give this concrete courtyard deck an openness despite its privacy walls.

Bigger Is Not Always Better

Building a deck should account for the proportions of your home and yard, and also the extent to which you use the outdoor space. If big barbecues and entertaining crowds of people aren't your style (or you don't have the room to do it), then a small deck that simply affords a chance to sit outside and enjoy the elements may be the perfect solution for you.

Learn More : 31 Deck Railing Design Ideas

Purpose Is Key

The way this deck integrates with the kitchen makes it an ideal use of a small space. Meant for breakfasting and relaxing with its raised water feature, the raised garden beds full of culinary herbs make this kitchen-adjacent deck even more useful.

From: Christian Douglas Design

Alfresco Living

A literal outdoor living room, maximum advantage is made of this small yard with a deck that offers great eye candy outdoor space with a contemporary sectional, some colorful pillows, a graphic rug and pretty lighting.

From: McGuire Real Estate

Quaint Deck Area

Keep the design of your deck in scale with your house. Creating visual harmony is especially important with a small deck — you don’t want to overwhelm the outdoor space you have. Use colors and finishes that complement your property.

A City Solution

Almost this entire backyard is consumed by deck, but that's OK. This neat wooden structure provides the perfect blank canvas for furniture, container plants or even a small potted Japanese maple or olive tree.

A Compact Pool and Deck Combination

Liven up a standard porch and deck with a surprise: a colorful paint job for the underside of the veranda. The Caribbean blue featured here is a fun complement to the swimming pool water.

Tiered Wood Deck

This back yard looks like a small, modern museum garden. The tidy deck features comfortable seating around a unique art piece incorporating wood and painting. The greens and blues of nature complement the white of the structure — and vice versa.

From: Tomecek Studio Architecture

Tiny House = Tiny Deck

The landscaping for this multi-windowed tiny house includes rocks denoting a small garden area, a front deck, and a swing so that the family can enjoy nature both inside and outside the house.

Tiny, Not Claustrophobic

The small but mighty rooftop deck is a great way of creating outdoor space in a tiny home.

Chic Deck + Art

A bold wood art piece stands out against the white brick wall in this small sitting area. Brown wicker chairs with plush green cushions provide a cozy space on this compact but chic outdoor deck.

Designate Space With Design Elements

This small deck becomes an outdoor dining area with pergola and drapes. Lights hung from the trees around the structure create a festive mood.

A Deck for Catching Rays

Perfect for entertaining friends or solo relaxing, this small sun deck in Saint-Barthélemy, French West Indies, features an L-shaped white outdoor sofa with a small umbrella for a bit of shade.

Multiple Levels for Entertaining Add Drama

Even a small backyard can seem more expansive when there are a variety of levels for interest and to keep guests moving through the space.

Container Guest House and Mini Deck

This Container Guest House in San Antonio, Texas, features a perfectly integrated small deck.

Learn More : This Modern Home Is Made Entirely of Shipping Containers! Step Inside

Compact Backyard Entertaining

This contemporary outdoor space is packed with grand designs in a compact space, from the tiered seating area with outdoor rug to the fire pit and custom bench on the lower level.

From: Landwell Design + Build Co.

Making a Deck Work in an Urban Backyard

Though diminutive, this backyard boasts a petite patio, a stretch of lawn and — at the back — a deck with a seating area in a very clever use of a small space.

From: Alain Pinel Realtors

Magical Outdoor Space with Personal Bocce Court

A bistro table for two defines a small stone deck that overlooks a personal bocce ball court in this private outdoor oasis. Strings of lights hang between lush orange trees creating a magical feel in the space.

From: Jeff Troyer Associates

Rustic Charm

A dark green and red color scheme gives this little home a touch of rustic charm. An outdoor dining area covered by a pergola is the perfect spot for entertaining on this compact but well-thought out deck.

Deck With Beautiful Ocean View

As an extension of the home's entertainment space, a small deck runs the rear expanse of the home and allows for a beautiful view of the beach. Who needs a yard when you've got the Atlantic in your backyard?

From: DiMauro Architects, Inc.

Small Modern Home Meets a Natural Wood Deck

This graphic neo-farmhouse features the perfect simple hardwood deck to complement its modern lines.

From: SHED Architecture & Design

A Cohesive Design Is Key

A charming color and Adirondack chairs arranged into the perfect conversation pit (with propane fire pit) makes this small yard deck outdoor perfection.

Backyard Studio Office

This clever tiny home office is the perfect place to get away and work from home uninterrupted. A modest deck helps integrate the outbuilding with the small backyard surroundings.

From: Sett Studio

Coastal Cottage

With the invitation of blue water beyond, there's not much need for a massive deck. This small deck suits this coastal cottage just fine.

From: Kristina Crestin

Modest Deck Ornamented With Plants

Don't let a small yard keep you from experiencing the beauty of a garden. Using potted plants that require little water and are low maintenance means you can combine cost effectiveness with color, movement and textures. Succulents, burgundy Cordylines, variegated plants and evergreen vines provide contrasting colors and textures, without the use of flowering plants.

Outdoor Living

The expansive deck and exterior accent wall give this home a more substantial rustic look and the deck more than doubles the living space. Visit during the summer months so you can spend some serious quality time with the comfy deck chairs.