12 Deck and Patio Ideas for Small Backyards

12 Deck and Patio Ideas for Small Backyards

Many people dream of having a huge backyard where they can build a large deck, a beautiful patio, or both. Maybe this is one of your dreams, too. But what happens when you only have a small backyard? Do you have to give up on your dreams?

These 12 deck and patio ideas for small backyards will help you make the most of your outdoor living space.

Idea: Find the right dimensions for your deck or patio

If you have a small backyard, you can build a deck or a patio, but make sure you build one that has the right dimensions.

If your deck or patio is too large, it will make your backyard appear even smaller. If it’s so small that you can barely see it, why even have one?

Idea: Integrate built-in storage

It’s totally possible to enjoy a lot of outdoor storage space, even if you only have a small deck or patio. Think about integrating at least a few built-in storage solutions.

A patio bench could open to reveal a large storage box, or you could incorporate lockers or drawers into the structure of your wooden deck.

Idea: Stick to the essentials

Your small deck or patio doesn’t have to look boring. However, try to stick to the essentials when you design the decor of your outdoor living space.

If you add too many pieces of furniture, decorative items or flower planters, your space will look cluttered, and even smaller than it actually is.

Idea: Consider deck seating to minimize clutter

Deck seating is another way to minimize clutter in your small outdoor living space. Instead of having many patio chairs, integrate sturdy but comfortable benches to the structure of your space, or place them against a wall.

Deck seating also means that you won’t have to worry about your patio chairs getting carried away by the wind whenever the weather is bad.

Idea: Design your space to make it appear larger than it really is

A few landscaping tricks can help you make your backyard appear larger than it really is. For example, adding a small diagonal path made from flat stones will create the illusion that the space is larger. This is a particularly good idea for small backyards.

Another option would be to hang decorative mirrors on a fence or on the structure of your deck or patio.

Idea: Add a small water fountain to your decor

If you were dreaming of having a beautiful pond in your backyard, you will have to forget about this idea if you don’t have enough space.

However, you could add a small water fountain to the decor of your deck or patio, for a sense of tranquility and relaxation.

Idea: Forget about grass

If your backyard is very, very small, maybe you should forget about trying to maintain a beautiful green lawn in such a tiny space.

Get rid of the grass, and replace it with wood flooring or tiles. It will be easier to maintain, and it can turn your whole tiny backyard into a patio.

Idea: Choose decorative plants that won’t grow too large

If you love decorative plants, try to avoid the ones that will grow too large, as they would end up taking over your small deck or patio.

Plant flowers and greenery that will not overwhelm the space, so your outdoor living space will look amazing, without becoming a jungle.

Idea: Turn an old tree stump into a planter

If you have an old tree stump in your backyard, and if it still looks good, you could turn it into a planter instead of getting rid of it. Simply dig a planting hole in the stump, and drill a few drainage holes in the wood.

A tree stump planter will add a beautiful natural element to your yard, and it will save some space on your deck or patio.

Idea: Have a vertical garden

If you don’t have enough space in your small backyard for a garden, you should consider a vertical garden.

It can be as simple as placing an old wood pallet against a wall to create a vertical structure for your garden, or using a wood trellis to hang planters where you can grow your herbs, flowers, vegetables or fruits.

Idea: Grow plants in stacked planters

If you only want a small herb garden, stacking a few planters of different sizes will give you some extra space to grow them. A tiered herb garden will add a nice touch to your deck or patio decor, without cluttering the space.

Idea: Grow plants in hanging baskets

If you really don’t have a lot of floor space, growing your flowers or herbs in hanging baskets can be one of the better patio and deck ideas for small backyards. You don’t have to settle for a boring white plastic basket, as there are many beautiful hanging baskets available out there.

Jon Ardor

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