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Garden decking ideas for small gardens


Small deck ideas: 31 budget decking designs for tiny gardens

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(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

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Small deck ideas come in handy when you're trying to make the most of a tiny or unused outdoor space. 

The usual options would be to transform this awkward little area into a patio or a courtyard, but deck ideas can be used successfully to enhance teeny yards too. You just need a bit of know-how and ingenuity to make the materials work and the space sing. 

Discover the tricks and tips for choosing the best decking material, color, furniture, and layout to make your space feel bigger, better, and brighter. With these small deck ideas on a budget, we promise you won't go overboard online, or at your local home improvement store.

Small deck ideas on a budget

1. Build a pretty playhouse

(Image credit: Oliver Gordon)

Move over summerhouses and expensive children's playhouses – because it's all about this pink project. Built like a real-life dollhouse, this dreamy DIY is THE place to be for play dates and socializing outside. Complete with a ladder and slide, it's the perfect miniature playground to supervise the kids while you slurp on a cool drink outside.

If you don't have time or patience to build your own, look at upcycling your garden shed by removing your garbage, evicting the spiders, and getting inspo from our shed paint ideas.

2. Add lattice woodwork for a romantic scheme

(Image credit: Jonathan Shapiro)

Hanging out on your small deck is all good until you have a peeping tom spying on your whereabouts. If you want to isolate yourself from your next-door neighbor, but don't want (or can't have) a fence to use as a partition, check out this cute garden screening idea that screams less: 'stop looking at me!' and is much more regencycore.

'Give your small deck a sense of privacy to foster a cozy, intimate feeling.' says Jonathan Shapiro , a realtor at Keller Williams, SouthPark .

'Lattice panels create boundaries around your outdoor space and block neighboring views.'

Try Home Depot for decorative trellis hardware.

3. Throw some shade with an outdoor umbrella

(Image credit: B&M)

Sun worshipper or UV-wary – which one are you? No matter which camp you fall in, respecting your skin is a non-negotiable when it comes to responsible tanning. So, avoid getting your back burnt by investing in the best garden parasol your budget can stretch to.

Just because it's a practical deck shade idea, doesn't mean that you can't make it stylish. Pick a sunshade that fits in with the rest of your external scheme. For example, classic stripes are good for traditional types, while pineapple or flamingo motifs give off that contemporary Cali vibe.

Using this over your patio table will take your alfresco eating from drab to fab, just like that.

Alternatively, if you want a more permanent fixture, consider propping a pop-up garden gazebo on your small deck, or building a pergola yourself.

4. Go wild with a kids' activity corner

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

Get the kids off their consoles and out into the backyard with this enticing area with lots of space for activities. If space permits, add a chalkboard or if there's nowhere to install one, use Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint to create a surface they can write on.

Bunting always makes everything better and brings a real celebratory feel to the outdoor space. It's super cheap to buy from Amazon or let kids have fun DIYing their own with jute twine and scrap bits of fabric from your haberdashery hoard. Hobbycraft have a tutorial on how to make bunting if you want to give it a go.

And, while we're being big kids ourselves, unleash your competitive side with indoor classics brought to life outside. Four in a row (aka Connect Four) and giant Jenga are must-haves when it comes to grabbing the best garden games.

5. Pop your DIY pallet projects on your deck

(Image credit: Future)

Be smug and show off your pallet table coffee table idea at your next backyard party. After all, knowing how to make pallet furniture takes patience, persistence, and some skill so you're well within your right to be proud of your DIY project.

Make sure it takes pride of place by placing it smack bang in the middle of your small deck. Because nobody puts Baby in the corner.

6. Create a nostalgic scene with a garden swing

(Image credit: Wayfair)

How cute is this boho-inspired Trym Swing Chair from Wayfair ? Ideal for all ages, rock back and forth with the best seat in the house (OK, technically in the backyard but whatevs).

If you've got a small tree adjacent to your deck, it's the perfect place to install your garden swing. Max out on whimsical ambiance and get to decorating your deck with wooden accessories, distinct, vibrant colors, and heaps of potted plants for extra texture. And don't forget those outdoor cushions to make the seat super comfy.

7. Use a area rug to add interest (or fake with paint)

(Image credit: Jonathan Shapiro)

'Anchor your small deck with a high-style outdoor rug,' says Shapiro.

'If you want something more permanent, a painted design on the deck can take the place of an area rug.'

If you're stuck between the two ideas, why not learn how to paint an outdoor rug so you can play with paint and texture.

8. Cool the kids down with a kiddie pool

If you take pride in having the greenest turf in your neighborhood, you'll know that you should never leave an inflatable pool on grass. According to gardening pros, the ideal place to put your best paddling pool, is on your deck.

(Image credit: Jonathan Shapiro)

Alfresco dining is a hella lot more relaxed than a sit-down meal inside. And nine times out of ten, all rules for interior dining schemes are thrown out of the window.

Where mismatched furniture feels a bit thrown together and ill-prepared inside, mixing up your outdoor dining sets is a welcome way to add interest and versatility.

'Dedicate your small deck to entertaining friends and family by arranging small deck furniture in casual grouping with a petite coffee table in the middle,' says Shapiro.

'Maximize on space by incorporating seating around the perimeter. This helps free up floor space at the center and creates more standing room.'

10. Create a cozy corner made for movie night

(Image credit: @maxmademedoit)

If you want to create an outdoor drive-in cinema space without a car, this small deck idea is perfect for movie buffs and cinephiles. If your budget doesn't quite stretch to an all-out outdoor living room space, you can pick up an outdoor projector for pretty cheap. In fact, the AuKing mini project on Amazon comes in under $100, with change for popcorn and other snacks.

'I thought we could have a little date night/movie night in the garden, so went to town and brought out extra lighting, blankets, and cushions. We don't have any fancy outdoor screens or the likes, so we just take the laptop out,' explains Carol Maxwell, (aka @maxmademedoit ).

'The corner dining set is from made.com . I genuinely don't know what we would have done without this during the lockdown as it made our outdoor haven so comfy. The standard light next to the vintage egg chair is by West Elm .'

11. Combine decking with a mini patio area

(Image credit: Anna Carin Design)

To add design interest and visually enhance your small garden design ideas, combining decking with a paved area. This will create an illusion of a larger, zoned space. This decked area created by Anna-Carin McNamara benefits from a neutral patio area and a huge mirror, which makes the garden look twice the size. 

12. Try small deck ideas that use vertical space

(Image credit: Future/Leigh Clapp)

Just because your deck is small, that doesn't mean you can't make the most of floral displays on it.

The trick is to use the walls as vertical garden storage ideas. This small decking idea by @j_habite , uses decking up the wall to provide hanging space for containers. The wrap-around approach makes for visual continuity, which makes the area feel bigger and more cohesive too. Clever – and a great option if you're wondering how to make a small garden look bigger.

13. Work built-in seating into small garden decking

(Image credit: Norsu Home)

Small outdoor spaces call for clever garden seating ideas, so take note of any area that could be used for custom-built spots to park yourself. 

We like the way that the decking material is used to create a streamlined, wrap-around seating area in this decked garden by Norsu Home as it helps draw the eye around, enhancing the space, though there are loads of other places to scout for good garden furniture. You might be surprised to know that Amazon garden furniture is actually of good quality.

14. Stain a small deck in a light color for simplicity

(Image credit: Lime Lace)

We all know that light colors indoors make a room feel larger, and the same works outdoors with a deck, so choosing a light-colored decking paint or decking stain makes good sense.

In this small decked area, the light wood of the deck stands out against the dark facade; the monochrome design scheme is completed with the Square Table And Chair Garden Set in Clay from Lime Lace.

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(Image credit: Cuprinol)

Talking of space and garden dining... just because your deck is small, that doesn't mean you can't incorporate an outdoor kitchen in yours, just like you'd squeeze in a perfectly functional kitchen indoors.

We love a DIY look which is ideal to customize to whatever size your area allows for, plus, it's one of the most budget-friendly small decking ideas going.

16. Create wall-to-wall decking to exaggerate a small garden's width

(Image credit: Honor Holmes Garden Design)

When considering small garden ideas, you have to use all the design tricks up your sleeve. One is to exaggerate the garden's width with decking. You can do this by laying the boards width-ways – their lines will draw the eye across the deck's width, making it seem wider – and by laying them right up to the boundary on both sides. You can soften the finished look by creating a green vista in the near distance – this will prevent your small garden from looking boxed in. 

This enclosed garden in London has been designed by Honor Holmes Garden Design and benefits from a green space at the bottom of the garden that contrasts with the decking. 

17. Save space with compact, multi-tasking garden furniture

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

If you do want some of the best garden furniture out on your small garden deck, pick a patio dining set that has a small footprint. Dual-purpose pieces or built-in storage is a bonus, too. The St Mawes Drinks/Planter Bar Table from Garden Trading has a steel trough in the middle - perfect for cooling drinks, or creating a green display.

If cash is tight, consider looking at how to revive an old patio furniture set with spray paint.

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18. Combine small garden decking ideas with built-in planters

(Image credit: Maayke de Ridder)

Small garden decking ideas and container gardening were made for each other, and you can fit in a plant or two in even the tiniest of decked gardens, balconies, or terraces as this lovely decked area shows.

Building a raised bed like this is a great idea for small decked areas – the streamlined nature of the container will make the area feel larger and can be made to raise the height of the plants significantly, upping their impact.

Feeling strapped for cash? Instead of buying decorative pots from garden centers and nurseries, consider making your own DIY plant stands to house your plant babies.

19. Include a change in decking levels for compact gardens

(Image credit: Sadolin)

If you are looking small sloping garden ideas, you've actually been handed a golden opportunity. Rather than working out how to level a yard or dividing your lawn into lots of different zones, creating decking on different levels will make it more usable and enhance the feeling of space.

20. Turn your small deck into an outdoor room

(Image credit: Graham & Greene)

A tiny deck is usually the perfect size for creating an Insta-worthy indoor-outdoor living space, with all the frills. It can be covered, or not – with outdoor rocking chairs – or not. 

As mentioned, we like all the frills so we wholeheartedly recommend going to town with seating, soft furnishings, and outdoor decor to help enhance your small deck further.

21. Use contrasting colors to enhance a small deck

(Image credit: Cuprinol)

Small deck ideas needn't just be about structure. You can make a big difference cheaply using paint. Deploying contrasting decking paint colors is a clever, distracting move in a small outdoor space; think contrasting the wall and deck colors, or even experiment by 'zoning' the deck itself, painting one half a lighter color than the other. 

This small all-over decked area has been enhanced by color contrasts created with Cuprinol Garden Shades decking paint. 

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22.

Use decking to zone different areas in a small space

(Image credit: My Landscapes)

It may feel counterintuitive to use multiple materials in a small space, but using garden decking to delineate different zones in a small garden will actually make it look bigger. The trick is to use different materials in a similar shade.

This small deck idea for a rooftop garden has had a makeover with a separate decking area for sun loungers that wraps around the patio, which is used for dining and outdoor cooking. The design is by My Landscapes . 

23. Transform a small deck into an outdoor spa

(Image credit: DelightFULL)

Decking is often used in areas that get wet a lot, especially around swimming pools and plunge pools, but if your garden is very small, you can still use it this way. 

Depending on what's most feasible for your specific outdoor area, it could be a small plunge pool, or an integrated hot tub. You'll need to speak to a garden designer and/or architect first.  

Once all the formalities are out of the way, dive into the best hot tub deals for your hard-earned dollars.

24. Small garden decking needs vertical planting

Wapping roof terrace by My Landscapes

(Image credit: My Landscapes)

If you do opt for an all-decked garden in a small outdoor area, add interest with vertical planting and integrated lighting to create more contrast and texture. 

This small rooftop garden has a relaxed and glowing look thanks to the clever use of plants and lights. Why not find out how to create a living wall with our green-fingered guide?

25. Surround small garden decking with a painted fence

(Image credit: Cuprinol)

It makes sense to keep your decking natural – it's much easier to maintain if it's not painted, but oiled or stained instead. However, your garden still needs color – and you can add that by painting your fence to create a garden color scheme. Then just accessorize.  

Want a small decking idea that won't cost much, but will have plenty of instant impact? Colorful cushions can go a surprisingly long way to making your small deck more inviting. Mix and match bold colors with graphic patterns for maximum effect –small decks really can take a lot of color. 

26. Use stencils for a uplifting feature fence

(Image credit: Homebase)

'A feature fence is a fun and innovative way to add originality to your outdoor space,' says Tristan Sissons, garden buying manager, Homebase .

'And with there being a whole variety of fence paint colors to choose from, there’s something to suit everyone. If you’re in need of some feature fence ideas, remember, bright pops of color are a great way to make smaller gardens feel bigger, whereas trendy darker tones do an excellent job at making vegetation and plant arrangements stand out.'

Of course, you don't have to stick to a palm motif, there are plenty of stencils to choose from on Amazon , as well as exterior paint combos to play with. Frenchic's alfresco paint has a good range of pastel hues as well as more traditional shades.

27. Layer the greenery

(Image credit: Next)

Decorating an elevated small deck idea with greenery all around makes for a truly inviting set up. Complement any surrounding grass or trees with more plants on a table and keep cool containers close by for a loosely crowded plant party.

28. And, work in a totally tropical corner

(Image credit: Argos)

If you've only got room for one sun lounger, you may as well make it feel like you're actually sat in the jungle. How? Plant all the greenery around this mini decked area and keep your sun lounger loaded with plush extras too. Lush? Check. Dappled sun? Check. Piña Colada? Coming!

But, you don't want to be batting leaves out of your mouth while sipping on your cocktails, so take a look at the best small garden trees that aren't too intrusive.

29. Make lighting the biggest feature

(Image credit: Ikea)

Garden lighting ideas are so important in your outdoor space, especially when it's a small one, and it's amazing what you can do by layering different forms and having them displayed in a variety of ways.

Try lanterns teamed with candles for heaps of ambiance by day, and by night, to make your small deck ideas shine in all seasons.

30. Add a dramatic living wall

(Image credit: Dobbies)

Small decking ideas needn't lack drama - unless of course, you're going for that vibe. DIY your own living wall ideas and make it a big one even for your small space.

31. Make it convivial with an outdoor fireplace

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Logs burning on a cool night will make even the smallest of small deck ideas super cozy. Warm it up with one of the more classic outdoor fireplace ideas for big appeal or scale things down a notch with the best fire pit instead.

What safety considerations do I need to factor in for composite decking?

Whether you're working with a big or small decking idea, there are some safety and practical considerations you need to make. Here Chris Moorhouse, category director - timber, building, decor, garden, at Wickes shares his top tips:

How can I decorate a small porch?

'We love things that are pretty within their design, yet super practical too!' says Lucy Kirk, creative and photography manager, Lights4Fun .

'Solar lights are a great example of design meets function, with the added benefit of being energy efficient and green to run. Powered entirely by the sun, they involve absolutely no running costs and minimal upkeep to ensure they glow come dusk.'

'When it comes to dressing your deck, illuminate from the bottom up by displaying solar pebble lights around the edge of your deck. Creating not only an illumination to the edge, but a colorful walkway with settings to suit all times of the year.'

'Their super handy solar powered functionality allows them to become portable, giving you the option to move around where you see fit. Complete the look by opting for solar powered festoon lights draped from tree to tree to create a ceiling high glow to your space.'

Anna is Content Editor at Real Homes. She moved to the world of interiors from academic research in the field of English Literature and photography. She is the author of London Writing of the 1930s and has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. At Real Homes, she covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design.  

15 designs for tiny spaces |

(Image credit: TKTK)

Small garden decking ideas are a fabulous way to enhance your outdoor space. Your deck can be used to zone an area that’s purely for outdoor dining, or to create a low-maintenance space if you don’t want a lawn. 

You can also use decking as a path area through your backyard. The beauty of most deck ideas is that you can add to them – so you can start small, and then create a larger area that could include balustrades and even a small fence to provide a more sheltered space to enjoy more months of the year. 

If your yard slopes, you can have a raised deck with steps down to the lower part and use the area underneath the decking for storage – decking is one of the most versatile garden structures around, whatever sized space you have. 

Small garden decking ideas

These small backyard ideas use decking to create a useful, easy to maintain and attractive space.

1. Choose Mid Century style 

(Image credit: Sam Wadieh)

On a small deck, scale is key to maximizing function, which is important to prioritize in your small backyard landscaping ideas. Avoid the deck design mistake of overcrowding your space (or just as unfortunate, letting usable space go to waste) by choosing streamlined midcentury furniture. It strikes the right balance of optimizing seating options, which also leaving room to move about. 

'Deck lighting ideas are really important for small decks in particular,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'Ensuring there are different ways to light the deck, without flooding it with light, will make it feel larger but also a cozy place to gather at night. I'd suggest wall lights with directional focus, so you can choose to light different areas, depending on what you are doing; low lighting in planting around the deck and into the yard beyond, to make the space feel larger, and a light, whether artificial or candlelit, centrally to encourage a social feel.'

2. Try a tête-à-tête

(Image credit: Serena & Lily)

The term tête-à-tête literally translates to 'an intimate conversation between two people,' which is where the eponymous, cozy sofa style gets its name. Use a tête-à-tête on a small deck to maximize seating and foster conversation. Plus, this version from Serena & Lily comes with a built-in table for holding drinks, books, or sun screen.

Which leads to another practical tip for extra-small spaces: ensure your furniture pulls its weight by choosing items that serve more than one purpose.

3. Minimize visual clutter

(Image credit: Future)

Slim-profile furnishings make sense for a small deck for a few reasons. For one, they're physically less bulky, so you can fit a full-size conversation set on a small deck without monopolizing what little space you have. Plus, the intricate construction, as above, makes the chairs semi-transparent, which helps minimize visual clutter, too. 

Last but not least, they pack a ton of style into a petite package. You don't need much else in the way of decor or accessories to make a statement. 

Think practically with deck color ideas, too. Small decks benefit from pale colors that will enhance the feeling of space.  

4. Choose all-weather furniture

(Image credit: Norsu Interiors)

If you have a small deck area, there's a good chance you won't have room for a storage shed or deck box to stash cushions or décor when it rains, so be sure to choose furnishings that will stand up to the elements.

'Look for furniture made with polywood due to its weather-resistant durability which can withstand rain, snow, and wind in most geographic regions,' says Jenny Reimold, interior stylist and HomeGoods style expert. 'Additionally, to avoid visible staining and extra cleaning, look for darker fabrics, though lighter fabrics made from synthetic fibers can be easily cleaned with soap and water or a light pressure wash.'

5. Take in a view

(Image credit: Sarita Jaccard / Sam Wadieh)

Decks are most often attached directly to the house, with an access point leading straight from inside to out. But, that doesn't mean your deck and house always needs to be adjacent, especially if a different site lets you capture a view, enjoy surrounding gardens, or offers a better spot for complementary deck planting ideas.

If your outdoor space has a view, build your deck in a spot that captures as much of it as you can. At the Los Angeles home above, landscape designer Sarita Jaccard built a walkway to a small deck that surrounds an in-ground Jacuzzi tub, where the homeowner can retire to take in the sunsets at the end of the day.

'The view at this property is just so special, we wanted to create an area where one could retreat and appreciate it,' Jaccard says. 'The walkway is meant to feel purposeful and direct, leading the visitors eye (and therefore self) to a viewpoint where they can appreciate the mountains and the beauty of this location.'

6. Enclose your decking

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Make a feature of your decking area by enclosing it within the footprint of your home, an all encompassing look if you will, so your outside space becomes an extension of your home and links due to the fence around it. 

There are plenty of deck railing ideas to choose from. Here, the wide plank of the top bar that runs around the decking can also be used as a shelf – for drinks and nibbles when entertaining, or even for pots and planters. 

7. Opt for slimline furniture

(Image credit: Julia Currie)

When space is tight, as with interiors, choosing furniture that has a low profile and slim legs will help to create the illusion of space. 

This set is a great example of this works in small garden decking ideas – you can see underneath the sofa and coffee table, and the pale wood and light taupe cushions keep the overall look ‘light’ visually. 

8. Opt for decking throughout

(Image credit: Catherine Clancey Garden Design)

If you love being out in your garden but are not keen on the gardening aspect, then consider having the whole area decked, perfect for adding cohesion to courtyard gardens. 

A fully decked space will also be super low-maintenance, something worth considering alongside how much a deck costs, and you can use planters against the back fence to create interest and privacy.

9. Zone your space

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb/Future)

You could create a design feature when you plan your small garden layout by only decking certain areas of the space. 

We love how this bistro seating area is edged with beautiful textured stone. The colors of the furniture also tie in visually with the decking color and stone edging to give a cohesive look.

Consider deck edging ideas carefully, too. Small decks benefit from a delineated border to make them feel purposeful.

10. Mark your boundary

(Image credit: Lagoon)

Instead of having a fence at the end of your garden you could use your small garden decking ideas to create the boundary, especially if you have raised decking. 

Removing tall visual boundaries will also help to make a small garden look bigger. Here, there’s a nice natural line between the end of the decking and the wild field beyond.

(Image credit: Cox & Cox )

If your garden is narrow or an awkward shape and you are looking for long garden ideas, why not add decking along the length of your house, as you can see here, in a wraparound effect. It will be easy to maintain and provides a hard standing area for your table and benches. 

12. Make small garden decking ideas work in a country garden

(Image credit: Ann-Marie Powell Gardens)

Ann-Marie Powell, founder of Ann-Marie Powell Gardens , created this beautiful country garden decked scheme.

‘With a split level garden, decking was a perfect choice. We chose to use green oak as it would age with grace and character, pressure washing to keep the areas slip proof and clean, and adding to the charm by exposing the end grain and natural qualities in the wood. 

'Laid using stainless steel lost head screws so the fixings became invisible and didn’t rot the wood, 15 years later I actually prefer the deck to when it was first laid.'

The clever use of deck planting ideas in this scheme also maximises the available planting space in a small garden.

13. Go for flexible small garden decking ideas

(Image credit: Acres Wild)

'Decking is a very flexible and useful material in that it allows you to create useful level areas, say around a tree, without the need for foundations as you would with paving, which can destroy a tree’s roots,’ says Debbie Roberts, co-founder of Acres Wild – so why not incorporate one or two of these best trees for a small garden into your decking ideas.

The fact that decking doesn't need foundations makes it a useful flooring option for balcony gardens too, and it can also be made into steps, like in the tropical-inspired space above.

14. Use decking in any weather

(Image credit: Neptune)

The beauty of decking is that you can enjoy it all year round. No squelching through mud to celebrate an occasion if it has rained the night before – you can simply use your decking to set up a lovely firepit and relax wrapped in faux throws whilst enjoying marshmallows with your family.

15. Opt for small garden decking ideas with levels

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Small garden decking ideas can be so much more than a simple level for you to walk on. You can create raised areas, like these, that can be used for seating and as somewhere to place drinks and nibbles if you are entertaining. 

They also add interest to the corner of your garden. We love how this decking area is edged with flowers and a painted wall, and utilises soft, washed deck color ideas that complement the vivid blue of the wall.

How do I build a small deck area? 

You’ve been inspired by our small garden decking ideas and set your heart on creating a stylish decking area, but how do you go about it? 

To start with, you need to make sure your ground is flat, soft and level. In terms of power tools, all you need is a basic tool kit and some simple woodworking skills. 

You need to decide on your area – are you covering the whole lawn, or do you want to keep the decking to a minimum and nearer to the house?

One top tip is to measure or at least place your garden furniture where you would like the decking to go. This way you can see how big the decking area needs to be to fully accommodate it. It’s also worth checking that you don’t need planning permission and let your neighbours know too. 

Once you have everything in place and you have your measurements, you need to create your frame and attach the inner joists. The spacing of these will depend on your decking design – for example, do you want horizontal, diagonal, chevron or a particular pattern? 

Once this is done and all secure, you can then add your deck boards by starting in one corner and working out. It is important to allow a gap of 3mm in between each one. Keep working until you have finished the entire area. 

Photography: Emma Lee

(Image credit: Future)

How can I make my small deck look good? 

To make a small deck look good, first give the decking time to weather naturally, and to allow for a certain amount of natural shrinkage and expansion. 

Then, you need to decide on how you want your small garden decking ideas to look – this also depends on whether the boards are soft or hardwood. 

Keeping it clean and free from rotting leaves and algae is a must, because both of these can leave you with a slippery deck that can become dangerous. 

Spring is a great time to give your decking some love and attention. Power washers are ideal for blasting off debris, and when it’s dry give it a coat of deck oil, paint or a stain. 

The more you look after your decking, the longer it will last. 

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.

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The slatted Cedar fence panels have been treated with Owatrol wood protection to ensure a longer lifespan and to help keep that rich tone.
Fresh Design Idea: Sunny, Summer Lot and Mid Size Backyard Garden in Modern Style with Good Lighting, Decking and Wooden Fence - Great Interior Photo

Beachside Haven

Mom's Design Build

This backyard is nestled on a popular lake. We added a private beach, stunning stacked retaining walls, an ipe deck, outdoor kitchen, bluestone patio and stunning year round landscaping. The tiered landscape complements the new construction home and maximizes the usable space of the yard.

Un jardin avec piscine en ville

La Nostra Secrets d’Intérieur

Jardin existant avant travaux (démarrage travaux) Crédits photos La Nostra Secrets d'Intérieur, toutes utilisations est strictement interdite
Inspiration for home comfort: Sunny, summer lot and modern courtyard garden with good lighting and decking

Richmond Asian Garden

Northwest Native Landscapes LLC

This compact, urban backyard was in desperate need of privacy. We created a series of outdoor rooms, privacy screens, and lush plantings all with an Asian-inspired design sense. Elements include a covered outdoor lounge room, sun decks, rock gardens, shade garden, evergreen plant screens, and raised boardwalk to connect the various outdoor spaces. The finished space feels like a true backyard oasis.

Accoya Decking Installation

Karl Harrison Landscapes Ltd

Designing a first-floor decking terrace The decking terrace was elevated 2.4m from the garden floor level and as the clients were turning their property upside-down. Their Architect had a vision of a cantilevered machine like structure with giant tubes of polished stainless, angled glass and a massive budget. Alll of which were beyond a lottery winner never mind a modest house in Bournemouth. This was for a TV show and as Karl Harrison (and his decking expertise) were known by the production company, he was brought in to consult and find a sensible budget acceptable solution. A raised timber decking design Mixed use space or to have several areas in one space was the request. The initial plan from the Architect wasn’t big enough as the client wanted an exterior dining area, the plans evolved and the decking grew. A BBQ area, a lounge and a new fence. The decking structure was to 4kN use loading with 150x150 rebated posts, plenty of structural joists to take the cantilever and glass balustrade. The trick here was to paint all of the structure, including the posts in matt black. This elevated the decking and made it look like it was floating.

Japanese Inspired Backyard Santuary

Bradford Associates, LLC

Drone technology shows the backyard after construction and installation was complete.
Pictured: small summer garden with oriental style backyard pond with midday shade and decking c

LONDON - Notting Hill

Cityscapers

Nigel Gomme midday shade, decking and garden path or gate

Flower Containers

Sylvan Gardens Landscape Contractors

Inspiration for home comfort: a small sunny plot and a classic backyard garden with container plants, good lighting and decking

Fired Up

Fired Up

Fired Up

Inspiration for home comfort: Sunny area and medium-sized nautical-style garden with good lighting, decking and container plants

Do-it-yourself garden wooden flooring in the dacha

If the dacha does not have a terrace, this is not a reason to deny yourself summer tea parties in the fresh air. Garden wooden decking - simple, light, mobile - is no less functional and reflects the atmosphere of the times.

RD Interiors

gnulidugi

What is garden decking?
Usually a solid or modular platform made of wood or composite materials. Wooden decking creates a solid base that is essential for placing large outdoor furniture. But, unlike the terrace, which is located on an elevation above the ground, the flooring is laid directly on the soil and is separated from it only by the thickness of the shield (and it can be minimal).

Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.

Easier is better
The simplest design is perhaps the main advantage of wood flooring. An even solid base is required - if there is such a site with good drainage, you can lay the flooring simply on the surface of the soil. If there is no flat area, or you are planning to lay a large area, it is worth making a traditional prepared base: a sand or sand and gravel cushion.

Tip: The gravel backfill is both a drainage function and a decorative feature, protruding along the perimeter of the deck. Just need to provide a place for water flow.

Natalia Borisova

Flooring arrangements will depend on what material and structure of the flooring you choose.

1. Plank Garden Decking
This is the most permanent type of wooden deck (although it can be moved if necessary). The flooring involves the construction of a wooden covering on logs with various laying options. For such a flooring, a frame is made of timber with lags in the shape of the planned site. With a large area or a complex laying pattern (diagonal, combined), the logs are installed in two layers.

Boxleaf Design, Inc.

The further process is similar to laying interior flooring - even the laying patterns can be used the same as for parquet boards. Such flooring will slightly raise the platform above the ground (by the thickness of the base beam). But this has its plus - the coating will be warmer and better ventilated.

Idea: To make the flooring more mobile, you can make separate modules in this way and assemble the flooring, fastening them together.

Artecology

Weatherproof wood or decking is the best material for wooden decking, but the cost of such construction will be higher. The service life of simpler varieties will be extended by additional processing of wood - for a durable structure, this is a necessary procedure.

Architectural bureau Designportrait

Wood must be protected from decay with special impregnations and varnishes, the lower part should be well waterproofed, because garden decking is in direct contact with the ground, which means that wood is at particular risk. It is possible to lay a layer of waterproofing material between the ground and the flooring.

Small gaps (3-5 mm) are usually left between the planks for water drainage and ventilation. Of course, stiletto parties will have to be moved elsewhere. But these gaps compensate for the "mobility" of wood in the air - its swelling and drying.

Greenblott Design

2. Prefabricated modular flooring
This flooring is called "garden parquet" because of its similarity to panel parquet. It is sold in the form of square plates with locks of various types, which allow you to fasten them together, creating a single canvas - just like in the interior, except that the locks are usually different. The modules themselves already have a certain pattern for the location of the dies - straight, checkerboard and even diagonal. Due to the different arrangement of elements during the assembly of the flooring and their combination, it is possible to achieve a different pattern of the finished canvas. Such flooring is easy to find on sale.

The Land Collaborative

The most common modules are blocks made of natural wood, plastic or a composite material based on wood flour and binders, fixed on a plastic base. Another option for prefabricated garden decking can be polymer modules - the same ones used for sports and playgrounds. They often have a mesh structure, which also contributes to the flow of water. A separate plus of ready-made modules is that their surface is most often non-slip due to the properties of the material or a specially applied texture. The small size of the modules (often - 30x30 cm) allows you to flexibly vary the size and shape of the flooring. Thanks to this, they are also convenient to use for decorating passages between beds and paths in the garden. Platforms and passages made of similar material will give the garden neatness, and the landscape - unity.

Form Collective

Modular garden parquet can also be assembled directly on the ground. But due to the small thickness of the modules, a flat base is especially important for its installation. It must be well tamped and additionally can be covered with geotextiles.

austin outdoor design

3. Pallet lovers for recycling
It can be a long discussion about the applicability of storage pallets in design, but if you do use them, then garden decking is one of the best applications. They are wooden (sometimes immediately with special impregnation from decay) and plastic. And in their form they are a ready-made base for flooring. But there is one caveat in their use in this way: pallets, as a rule, have wide gaps between the boards, so they will have to be supplemented with a top coating - for example, moisture-resistant plywood. In addition, you need to carefully consider the strength of the material - if it is untreated pine, it is not very wear and weather resistant. For a longer service, additional processing will be required, and it is better to remove pine pallets for the winter. Due to their modularity, this is not very difficult to do. In fact, pallet garden decking combines the properties of solid wood and modular decking.

Green Studio

There are only a few restrictions on the use of garden decking. The site must be flat or terraced. The boardwalk can also be laid on a plane with a slight slope, compensating for the angle with the thickness of the beam, but this is already a complication of the design and an obstacle to mobility. In addition, good drainage is needed, and the base must be strong enough. That is, in some cases, it may require special preparation. But the advantages of flooring can be called a lot.

Ellie Lillstrom Photography

Simplicity and speed
The terrace is a permanent building. Its construction requires a large amount of construction work and careful planning. With flooring, everything is simpler, it does not require a foundation or penetration into the ground. You probably won't need a ladder or even a balustrade. But with the role of a solid platform for placing sun loungers or dining furniture, garden flooring will do just fine.

SEE ALSO…
10 Easy Outdoor Living Design Tricks

Effect Home Builders Ltd.

The decking is quick and easy to assemble, especially if prefabricated elements are used. But even if you decide to do it from scratch with your own hands, it will not require too complex building skills from you. That is why garden decking is ideal for new or neglected areas - you will quickly create a solid platform on a flat open plane or in an old garden, near a house or "temporary hut".

Bergen Street Studio for Architecture

Depending on your future plans, flooring can be considered as a temporary option. Although this is just the case that will surely become a positive confirmation of the well-known saying. There will simply be no reason to replace the flooring with something more capital, for all its merits.

And by the way, garden decking can replace not only the terrace: it will be an excellent alternative to paving. More simple and cheaper than porcelain stoneware, and even more so - natural stone. And more mobile.

Yorkshire Garden Designer

Mobility and flexibility
Mobility is one of the main advantages of garden decking. This is not a capital structure with a foundation and deepening. Even in its most stationary version - in the form of a solid platform - the flooring simply lies on the ground. Modular garden parquet is generally easy to disassemble. This means that the layout of the site becomes flexible - a great option for irrationals and those who like to change everything around. A dining or relaxation zone every season (or even much more often) can be arranged in a new place. In front of the house, by the pond, in the depths of the garden - where do you dine today?

Maaike van Diemen interieurontwerp

In addition, the simplicity and modularity of the design allows it to be stored away for the cold season. This will protect the material from aggressive environments and extend its service life.

Idea: With modular decking, it's easy to create a temporary space for an outdoor summer party, and after it's over, dismantle the venue and put it away for storage.

SEE ALSO
20 ideas for carefree summer outdoor parties

Clinton & Associates, PC Landscape Architects

Open Zoning
Flooring, like paving, is a good way to zone a site. It clearly outlines the boundaries of the site, allocates space from the surrounding landscape. The terrace usually adjoins the house and marks a gradual transition from the interior space to the exterior. The flooring has no architectural binding - it can be placed anywhere in the garden. And unlike the terrace, it denotes the shape of the site directly on the ground, or with a very slight rise. That is, zoning retains maximum openness, the space is less fragmented. From the environment, the flooring stands out only in material and color, but not in height.

SEE ALSO…
Going Beyond the Barriers: 11 Techniques for No-Fence Zoning

TC Williams, LLC

Decorative Options
design solution. You can vary its color, shape, material, styling pattern.

1. It is not necessary to make the decking rectangular. The material, of course, imposes its limitations, but with self-production it is quite possible to make even rounded lines, although this will require more work.

Arteza Company

2. You can emphasize the geometry and make the flooring polygonal, or use a scalloped edge that will create an interesting transition to the surrounding space. It is especially easy to leave such a "torn" edge when laying modular garden parquet.

3. The lightness of the design allows you to leave holes in the flooring - to bypass existing trees, fit in a mini-pond or flower garden. By the way, plants in flowerpots look great on the flooring itself, emphasizing its "parquet", interior atmosphere taken out into the garden, as well as additionally solving zoning problems.

Evamix

4. The combination of color and pattern is another spectacular decorative move. Along or across, diagonally or herringbone, checkerboard or zigzag - even if you use one color, the flooring will not be boring. The modularity of the coating simplifies the creation of color combinations.

You can take the paints and apply the design you like: with a stencil or just with a brush. When choosing a paint, keep in mind that you will walk on the flooring - that is, the paint must be wear-resistant.

Sarah Greenman

5. Another decorative move is to combine sections of different heights due to different base thicknesses. In this case, the site is formed as if by wide gentle steps. But this is already a way of complication, bringing the flooring closer to the terrace.

gnulidugi

Where to use

1. Before entering the house. If there is no porch or it is very small, a garden deck can be a substitute for it. It will take over some of the functions that the porch performs, serve as a buffer zone for dirt and dust. As I mentioned, modular decking can also be used as walkways. In this case, such a path will logically end with a small area in front of the entrance to the house.

SEE ALSO…
Good question: Why does the house need a porch?

NG-STUDIO Interior Design. Sanremo

Holly Marder

2. In front of the house. As a simpler alternative to a terrace for a summer dining or relaxation area. Like a terrace, such a flooring can be supplemented with a canopy, but with a light folding structure. READ ALSO…0210

3. Courtyard or other walkable areas . That is, where there is a lot of movement and activity in different directions. It is difficult to plan the paths here, and strictly defined directions are inconvenient. Garden decking will create a paved space without major paving.

Architectural bureau Designportrait

4. Near the pool . A great option for a mobile frame pool. But it will also be good for a stationary buried in the ground: in this case, you can choose more expensive materials, for example, decking. Although one of the advantages of decking is precisely in their simplicity and relative cheapness.

SEE ALSO…
A good question: How to organize a country pool for the weekend

Flooring near the pond will also be useful - it will create a flat platform on which you can place a bench or the same sun loungers. Wood - a natural material - will be especially appropriate here. But when placing the flooring near the reservoir, carefully monitor the drainage.

Arbor Group

5. Dining area or seating area in the center of the garden. Here the main advantages of decking are realized - flexibility of form and mobility. It is very convenient to place such a site in an old garden - existing trees are easy to bypass. And the device, using the flooring of a dedicated area for relaxing on the lawn, immediately solves the problem of zoning.

6. Under a pergola or living arbor. The flooring creates a base for it, turning it into a real living pavilion and allowing you to comfortably place furniture.

SEE ALSO…
Living arbor: How to grow it in Central Russia

7. Children's play area. Wood is a great option to arrange a flat playground for children's games. The mobility of the design allows you to build a sandbox and other equipment into it.

Learn more