Having a small backyard doesn’t mean you can’t have a gorgeous deck space to relax and entertain. With some creativity and smart planning you can transform even the tiniest outdoor area into a stylish oasis on a budget. Here are some fabulous yet affordable small backyard deck ideas to inspire your next project.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
When working with a compact footprint, make the most of vertical real estate. Install wall-mounted shelves for potted plants or decor. Hang lanterns, gardening tools, and other accessories to add visual interest without taking up floor space.
Creating a vertical herb or succulent garden is also a great way to green up a small deck. Use wall planters, racks, or even repurposed wooden pallets arranged vertically. This adds greenery and fragrance while keeping the floor open.
Use Multipurpose Furniture
Multifunctional furniture is a savvy solution for small decks. Look for benches with built-in storage to stash cushions or outdoor games when not in use. Ottoman coffee tables give you extra seating when needed.
Repurposing everyday household items is also a creative way to get more function. Plastic storage tubs flipped upside down make instant side tables Old trunks become coffee tables Vintage crates stacked on their sides create charming open shelving. Get creative!
Paint to Perfection
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in any space. Painting worn outdoor furniture, or even upcycling flea market finds is a budget-friendly way to give your deck a mini makeover.
Soft pastel hues create a soothing, peaceful retreat. Deep, saturated colors energize the space. Metallic paint adds glam. Consider painting railings, stairs, or floor deck boards for even more impact.
Incorporate Budget-Friendly Privacy Solutions
Privacy screens can cost a pretty penny, but there are inexpensive alternatives to define your space. Outdoor curtains hung from the ceiling create an intimate dining or lounging area. Lattice panels attached to walls add greenery when you train climbing vines over them.
Hanging plants are another affordable way to delineate different functional zones and make the space feel enclosed. Ferns, ivy, and trailing vines work beautifully.
Keep Flooring Simple
There’s no need to splurge on fancy decking or pavers with a compact deck. An inexpensive, neutral stained deck allows you to layer in visual interest with rugs, pillows, and decor. This also keeps things flexible if you want to rearrange furniture frequently.
If your existing deck needs repairs, replacing a few damaged boards is far more budget-friendly than re-decking the entire space.
Maximize Seating with Floor Cushions
Chairs occupy precious floor space. Floor cushions maximize seating options without clutter. They easily move around to create flexible arrangements for hanging out or dining. Look for inexpensive, weather-resistant outdoor cushions.
For extra savings, sew your own cushion covers from clearance upholstery fabric or even sturdy drop cloths. Tie corners of seat cushions together to keep arrangements tidy.
Create an Illusion of Space with Mirrors
Like a compact living room, placing mirrors strategically helps a small deck feel more spacious. Lean a full-length mirror against a wall or hang a beautiful framed mirror. Position it across from a focal point like a seating area to make the space feel doubled.
Try laying a mirrored tray or platter on a table to reflect the sky. The sparkle and shine enhances the sense of openness.
Construct a Basic Pergola for Shade
Installing an overhead structure is one of the best ways to make a small deck more usable. The shade allows you to enjoy the space any time of day, rain or shine. But permanent pergola kits can be prohibitively expensive.
An affordable DIY option is constructing a simple square pergola using 4 posts anchored into the ground or deck floor. Run evenly spaced horizontal beams across the top, leaving gaps for dappled sunlight. Finish it off by laying decorative rafters over the beams.
Add Ambient Lighting
Outdoor string lights easily create a magical, inviting ambiance. Stretch them overhead from a pergola or awning for a warm glow on summer nights. Use solar-powered options to avoid wiring hassles and save on electricity bills.
Place lanterns on side tables or hang them from hooks to provide flattering lighting. Tealights in glass jars or colorful painted cans make charming accents throughout the space.
Display Potted Plants Creatively
Plants bring life to any outdoor space, but floor space for large potted trees or sculptural planters may be limited on a compact deck. Get creative with displaying greenery by mounting wall planters or small hanging baskets.
Repurposing everyday items like crates, ladders, carts, or bookshelves for plants adds quirky charm. Paint old wheelbarrows, chairs, or wagons bright colors and fill them with flowers. The options are endless!
Incorporate a Small Water Feature
The pleasant sights and sounds of moving water make even the tiniest deck feel transportive. Small tabletop fountains are widely available at home and garden stores for less than $50. For a striking focal point, install a mason jar waterfall using supplies from the hardware store.
If adding a pond, use an inexpensive preformed liner kit and limit the size to what will fit nicely in your space. Surround with attractive rocks and plants. The soothing water will make your deck an urban oasis.
Add Personality with Fresh Decor
Budget-friendly decor additions breathe new life into tired deck spaces. Toss patterned outdoor pillows on benches and chairs. Roll out an area rug in a bold print or vibrant color. Display your favorite houseplants in pretty pots.
Hang items with meaning on the walls like family photos, unique art, or a collection of vintage mirrors. The right accents convey your personal style better than any expensive deck materials.
With a little ingenuity, these affordable ideas can transform even the most modest outdoor area into a stylish backyard oasis. The decor options are endless, so have fun designing a small deck that perfectly fits your needs and style!
Affordable Outdoor Lighting Ideas
Great lighting completely changes the mood. String lights are a favorite with many homeowners—theyre inexpensive, super easy to hang, and create instant warmth. Solar-powered options eliminate the need for electrical outlets and reduce energy costs.
LET’S BUILD SOMETHING AWESOME TOGETHER.
As summer approaches, many homeowners are eager to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. Theres no better place to relax than your own deck! If your outdoor space could use a refresh, now is the perfect time to explore budget-friendly deck design ideas. With creative thinking and careful planning, you can transform your deck into an inviting space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors—all without breaking the bank.
23 Best Backyard Deck Ideas On a Budget
FAQ
What is the cheapest deck to build?
| Decking Material | Low to High $/ft2 | Deck Size 400ft2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | 3-6 | $1,200 – $2,400 |
| Bamboo | 3-10 | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Cedar | 4-8 | $1,600 – $3,200 |
| Composite decking | 5-13 | $2,400 – $5,200 |
What is the cheapest size deck to build?
12’0″ wide by 12’0″ deep is the most cost-effective size for a deck. The largest deck area that still complies with IRC standards and produces the least amount of material waste.
How to decorate a small deck on a budget?
- Clean the deck.
- Stain/Re-stain the deck.
- Spray paint the furniture.
- Add plants.
- Add tiki torches.
- Add a fire ring or chiminea.
- Update the cushions.
- Add a rug.
What is the cheapest decking option?
The most economical decking material, by far, is pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood is superior to regular wood because it has been infused with chemicals that help it resist decay and rot, as well as damage from certain types of insects.