Small Decks Hold Loads of Potential
Small slices of deck leave more room for a garden, a hot tub or a view. See how these small and even tiny decks make the most of their size
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
It's time to change our idea of how large a deck needs to be. Some have become so expansive and elaborate that if we can't imagine a complete outdoor kitchen and large parties on it, we can't imagine it's worth building. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a large deck, don't let seeing those intimidate you into thinking you can't squeeze in a small one. If you're working with a limited outdoor space or would prefer to save room for your garden, a pond or other outdoor features, don't give up on including a deck in your design. See if any of these can change your perception of how much space you'll need to add one.
by Justine Hand
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Even if your deck is just a few feet wide, you'll have plenty of room for a few folding bistro chairs, potted plants and a small table.
A water view calls out for an outdoor perch. No matter what the size, you'll enjoy not only the view but also the sounds and coastal breezes from a deck or balcony.
A small deck is the ultimate spot for enjoying coffee, the paper and the view.
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| Instead of stairs that go straight down to a patio or garden, a small deck provides a transitional space between a house's architecture and the yard. Leave enough room for an Adirondack chair or two so that you can lounge a few feet above the rest of the yard and enjoy the view. |
| A small deck not only provides a transition between the architecture and the yard or patio, but it allows for amphitheater-style seating. |
Built-in benches keep a small deck from looking cluttered while providing plenty of seats for enjoying the outdoors.
Keeping the deck small means you can make the most of the rest of a small yard by adding a pond or a water garden.
by Aquascape Inc.
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A deck built for two a few feet above a pond gives a more expansive view.
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| A troughlike fountain takes advantage of the grade change of this deck-patio hybrid. The height means that the water has about 18 to 24 inches to fall and soothe with its splash. Keeping the deck small means there's room to give the koi pond beneath the appropriate scale. |
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| If you prefer water you can take a dip in, a small deck leaves room for a hot tub. Keeping things geometric and simple in style and materials lends a Japanese garden feel. |
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| A small deck lends a stronger presence to an outbuilding, making it an important part of a yard's design. |
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by Secret Gardens
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| Let tropical foliage come right up to your small deck's edges. Squares composed of deck planks continue the transition from this space into the rest of the lush garden. More: Harvest the Beauty of a Patio Garden 11 Inspirational Small Porches Contractor Tips: Build a Top-Notch Deck |
Ideabook published on June 6, 2012.
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