Corley Designs

  • Home
  • Blog
  • 12 Clever and Crafty Backyard Deck Ideas For Tiny Spaces And Tight Budgets

12 Clever and Crafty Backyard Deck Ideas For Tiny Spaces And Tight Budgets

Dreaming of an outdoor oasis but working with a tiny backyard and an even tinier budget? We've got good news - it's absolutely possible to build a gorgeous, functional deck without breaking the bank or overwhelming your petite outdoor space. From simple DIY platforms to multifunctional entertainer's decks, there are tons of smart ways to maximize every inch. Here are 12 of our favorite clever and crafty backyard deck ideas for transforming tiny spaces on a budget!

Build a Simple Wood Platform Deck

For small backyard deck ideas on a tight budget, an elevated wood platform deck keeps things simple and cost-effective. Pressure-treated pine boards are an affordable option compared to fancier deck woods like cedar or redwood, and opting for a small 10x10 or 12x12 foot deck means less cash spent on materials. If DIY isn't your thing, you can likely find a carpenter willing to take on a simple, straightfoward build for a reasonable price. Later on, you can jazz up your basic deck by adding pretty patio lights along the railings or potted plants and outdoor furniture.

Cost-Saving Tips

Repurposed Pallet Deck

If you really want to build a backyard deck on the cheap, repurposed wood pallets are the way to go. Pallets from hardware stores, garden centers, or construction sites can often be sourced for free or next to nothing. While not the prettiest, a patched-together pallet floor certainly gets the job done on a microscopic budget. Create a funky, multi-level shape for visual interest and rustic flair. Stain or seal the wood for protection from outdoor elements and you've got an eco-friendly deck for entertaining that cost almost zilch!

Budget Deck Tips

Backyard Deck with Built-In Seating

If you want to entertain on your petite deck, built-in benches are space-saving seating at its finest. Tuck custom benches beneath the railings to maximize every inch. Built-in storage underneath is perfect for stashing cushions, outdoor toys for the kids, or gardening tools within arm's reach. Or make one long bench a cozy conversation pit by adding backrests and an outdoor rug. Built-ins prevent clutter while offering comfy spots to kick back and relax with a book or glass of wine after a long day.

small backyard deck ideas on a budget

Multi-Tasking Design

Rooftop Deck Addition

Instead of cramming a deck into a tiny yard, consider heading upstairs! Build out that empty rooftop for the ultimate urban oasis with incredible views. Ensure your home's structure can support the weight by consulting an architect or builder first. Use overlapping raised tiles or deck boards to allow for drainage. Outfit with comfy outdoor sectionals and potted trees for an exotic cabana feel. You can create nearly any footprint without land constraints. Heighten your home's functionality and resale value exponentially simply by capitalizing on unused airspace!

Benefits of Building Up

Backyard Floating Deck

Floating decks utilize sturdy pedestals to create the illusion of a deck hovering just above the ground. This allows water drainage while opening up the space visually. Floating on pedestals also makes a deck reversible and moveable since it's not permanently anchored. Kits are available, or you can build your own with leftover boards and concrete footings tucked under decorative gravel. Go as big or small as your backyard allows while enjoying the functionality of a traditional deck with the awesome bonus drama of a fun floating effect!

Floating Deck Perks

Multilevel Backyard Deck

A petite yard is no match for a towering two-story deck! Construct stacked platforms and connecting stairs to double, or even triple, your usable square footage. Include decorative planter boxes along the railings overflowing with colorful blooms. Use lattice fencing between upper and lower levels for increased privacy. This is fantastic for separating kid play areas from adult relaxation zones. Though two-story builds require more complex construction, building up framing for a multilevel deck is affordable using budget wood. The end result is ultra-functional outdoor living and entertainment over two stories without needing more ground space!

Making the Most of Vertical Real Estate

Vertical Garden Deck

Bring your green thumb outdoors by transforming deck posts, walls and railings into overflowing vertical planter boxes. This is an ingenious way to save valuable floor square footage for furniture and activities instead of garden beds. Attach wall-mounted planting shelves at varying heights circling the deck perimeter to make the most of vertical growing space. Plant everything from herbs and vegetables to flowering vines. Vertical gardens also enhance privacy as the greenery fills out, creating a beautiful and fragrant urban oasis surrounded by lush living walls right in your own backyard.

Green Thumb Perks

Deck with Pergola Shade Structure

Is your tiny deck baking in full sun? Bring on the shade with an easy-to-add wooden pergola kit. Unlike a fixed awning, panels allow adjustable sunlight filtering. Outfit the overhead beams with climbing vines, flowering hanging baskets or even string lights for ambient lighting after dark. Section off a shady corner and tuck in a bistro set to create an intimate breakfast nook or conversation pit. The column posts take up very little floorspace while providing ample cooling shade from blazing midday sun all season long. Add a fan overhead if desired to keep the chill vibes flowing.

Shady Solutions

Decorative Backyard Deck Lighting

Outdoor lighting transforms even the simplest budget deck into a gorgeous after-dark hangout. Up the ambiance with rope lighting coiled inside railings or lining descending steps. Solar-powered post cap lights emit a warm, welcoming glow. Hang strands of backyard fairy lights or paper lanterns overhead for playful, boho-chic style. Light up potted trees and architectural plants on dimmer switches to sculpt twinkling silhouettes after sunset. Outdoor lighting can be added onto virtually any existing deck affordably. Plus, your new al fresco lounge will illuminate the night, allowing you to enjoy your petite outdoor oasis morning, noon and night.

Let There Be Light!

DIY Backyard Privacy Deck

Carve out an ultra-private retreat right in your own petite backyard with a few simple upgrades. Enclose a cozy corner deck on two or three sides with tall wooden lattice. Add a garden arbor entrance and gate for access. For additional seclusion, plant fast-growing bamboo or tall grasses outside the lattice walls. Tuck in a bistro set with plush cushions to create your own intimate outdoor "room". Outfitted with pillows, lanterns and a small firepit, your secret sanctuary offers a peaceful escape to relax over morning coffee or wind down after work far from the chaos of the world.

Find Your Own Hidden Oasis

Small Backyard Island Deck

Feeling hemmed in by tiny yard dimensions? Trick the eye by surrounding your petite deck with softscape materials like decorative gravel, river rock or mulch. This island oasis effect works especially well for floating deck designs lifted above the ground plane. Add tropical touches like breezy ceiling fans, printed outdoor rugs, woven lounge chairs and potted palms. Tiki torches and string lights encircling the perimeter by night enhance the exotic Robinson Crusoe ambience. Though still compact in actual size, visually your backyard deck appears much more expansive thanks to the endless sea of ground cover encircling the design.

Escape to Paradise

Whether building up, down, or all around, these 12 clever backyard deck ideas prove you really can create a fabulous outdoor living oasis even in the tiniest of spaces. With a bit of creativity, resourcefulness and elbow grease, your budget deck dreams can become a breathtaking reality! We hope these ideas inspired you to imagine the possibilities and confidently tackle a deck project of your very own utilizing every inch available. Happy building!

↜

Choose the Perfect Blind Color for Your Room's Vibe

Get the Most Out of a Compact Kitchen with an Island Cooktop

↝