A small backyard does not mean you have to settle for a limited outdoor living space. With thoughtful planning, the right materials, and a custom layout, even a compact yard can become a comfortable place for dining, relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors.
The key is to design the deck around the available space instead of trying to force a large, traditional layout into a smaller yard. These small backyard deck ideas can help you maximize every square foot without making the area feel crowded.
Before choosing colors, railings, or accessories, think about how you plan to use your new deck.
Do you want a quiet place to enjoy your morning coffee? Are you hoping to create an outdoor dining area? Do you regularly entertain friends and family? Would you prefer a flexible space that can serve several purposes?
Establishing your priorities makes it easier to create an efficient layout. A homeowner who mainly wants an outdoor dining area may need room for a table, chairs, and a grill. Someone who prefers relaxing may benefit more from comfortable seating, shade, and built-in lighting.
A custom deck does not need to include every possible feature. It needs to include the right features for your lifestyle.
Rectangular decks are popular, but they are not the only option. A custom deck can be shaped around the home, property lines, landscaping, and other backyard features.
Angled corners can improve traffic flow and make a compact deck feel less boxed in. An L-shaped design may create separate areas for dining and seating without requiring a large footprint. A deck can also be built around existing landscaping when homeowners want to preserve a favorite tree, garden, or backyard view.
Professional deck planning can help homeowners recognize possibilities that may not be obvious when looking at an empty yard.
Traditional outdoor furniture can consume a surprising amount of space. Built-in benches provide practical seating while keeping the center of the deck open.
Benches can be incorporated along the outside edge of a deck, placed in corners, or used to define different activity areas. They can also reduce the number of individual chairs that need to be moved, stored, and arranged.
For additional comfort, homeowners can add outdoor cushions and pillows that complement the deck’s color and style. The result is a clean, organized seating area that feels like a permanent part of the design.
Deck stairs are necessary, but their placement can significantly affect the amount of usable space available.
Stairs positioned in the middle of a deck may interrupt the furniture layout and reduce the main gathering area. Moving the stairs toward a corner can create a more open surface and improve movement between the deck and yard.
The direction of the stairs also matters. They should lead naturally toward important areas such as a garden, patio, pool, walkway, or backyard entrance.
On low decks, wide steps can provide a smooth visual transition into the yard. They may even offer informal seating when friends or family gather outside.
You do not need an enormous deck to create separate outdoor living zones. Subtle design choices can help divide a compact deck without installing walls or barriers.
For example, the direction of the deck boards can visually separate a dining area from a seating area. A decorative border or contrasting inlay can define different sections while adding a custom appearance.
Furniture placement can provide separation as well. A small dining table can occupy one corner while a loveseat and side table create a relaxing area nearby.
The goal is to give each section a purpose without filling the deck with too many large objects.
When floor space is limited, vertical features become especially valuable.
A pergola can define the deck while providing partial shade and architectural interest. Privacy walls or decorative screens can make a small backyard feel more comfortable, particularly when neighboring homes are close together.
Vertical planters are another way to add greenery without taking up valuable floor space. Homeowners can use them for flowers, herbs, climbing plants, or decorative vines.
Railings can also contribute to the overall design. A railing with a clean, open appearance can provide safety without making the deck feel enclosed.
A small deck should be easy to enjoy and easy to care for. Low-maintenance composite decking is a popular option for homeowners who do not want to spend their weekends sanding, staining, or sealing their outdoor space.
Composite decking is available in a wide selection of colors and wood-inspired finishes. This allows homeowners to coordinate the deck with their siding, trim, landscaping, and personal style.
For compact yards, lighter or medium-toned decking can help create an open and inviting appearance. A contrasting border can then be added to define the deck’s shape and give the project a finished look.
Lighting allows homeowners to use their decks after sunset while improving visibility around stairs, railings, and walking areas.
On a smaller deck, subtle lighting is often more effective than one large, overly bright fixture. Post-cap lights, stair lights, and lighting installed beneath railings can create a warm atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
Lighting should be considered during the initial design process. Planning it early helps ensure that the fixtures feel like an intentional part of the deck rather than an accessory added afterward.
Too many competing colors, furniture styles, and decorative features can make a small outdoor area feel cluttered. A consistent design creates a calmer and more spacious appearance.
Choose a limited color palette and repeat those colors throughout the deck. For example, the decking, railing, furniture, planters, and cushions can use complementary shades.
It is also helpful to select a few meaningful features rather than adding every available upgrade. A well-placed privacy screen, attractive railing, and integrated lighting may have a greater impact than several unrelated accessories.
Some of the most inviting decks are not the largest. They are the ones designed around the home, the property, and the people who will use them.
Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling can help you create a custom deck that makes intelligent use of your available backyard space. From low-maintenance composite decking and custom railings to lighting, privacy features, pergolas, and creative deck layouts, every detail can be planned around your needs.
Whether you have a narrow suburban lot, a compact backyard, or an outdoor area with an unusual shape, the right deck design can give your home a comfortable new gathering place.
Contact Miles Bradley today to begin planning a custom deck for your Michigan or Illinois home.
When looking for low-cost decks in Michigan, look no further than Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling. We have built decks all over Michigan. Also, we are experts at building low-cost decks on time and done right.
Miles Bradly specializes in low-maintenance decks that will be a beautiful addition to your home for years to come. In addition to low-cost decks, we also install Gazebos, Pergolas, and Enclosures. In Michigan, there is only one clear choice when it comes to installing decks and that is Miles Bradley.
Adding a deck to your home can offer several benefits, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your living space. In addition to adding to your living space and aesthetic appeal, you are also gaining a place where you can entertain company and enjoy the outdoors. A deck is a home improvement project that can help improve health by reducing stress levels and improving your mood. The best part, you can get a low-cost deck installed with the help of Miles Bradley.
If you are looking to have a deck installed this spring or summer, then you should act now. Beat the rush and request a quote today to guarantee to get your deck installed this year. Act now and get a free 6 Light Rail Kit Installed with Deck Purchase! Deck lighting gives your deck a unique look and ambiance that cannot be beaten.
Furthermore, when choosing Miles Bradley to install your low-cost deck, rest assured you are getting experienced deck builders who can handle all your needs. Our clients are from all over Michigan, from Canton to Novi, our clients highly recommend us! Also, at Miles Bradley, we are certified Trex Deck Builders. A Trex deck is a low-maintenance composite deck, that maintains the look of a wood deck with little to no maintenance.
New decking does add value to your home, but a new roof or a repaired roof can add value as well. Either way, a new composite deck to your home will bring you enjoyment and fun for years to come.
Trex decking comes in a variety of colors to choose from. Our talented representatives can help you decide which is best for you. Miles Bradley has won the Super Service award from Houzz and Angie’s List. Need financing? Here at Miles Bradley, we have financing partners that can help you secure financing for your new deck. Finally, give us a call today at 248-478-8660, or use our easy contact form and see what Miles Bradly Building can do for you!
With winter on the horizon, many people will begin to put away their deck furniture if they haven’t already. You may be wondering what you are going to do with it or where you are going to put all of your outdoor equipment. Many people are unaware that the under-deck area or dry space can actually be very useful if finished properly!
Patios and decks add a lot of outdoor space, allowing you to expand your living space. However, people forget about the space underneath the deck. The under deck provides a great opportunity to add to your storage options. After all, hauling all your patio furniture and decorations to the garage is not ideal. It is a lot easier just to move these big items into a dry space under your deck.
However, you can put anything into this storage area. Need easier access to winter tools? Put your snowblower or shovel into the under-deck! If you have kids, you can keep your backyard clean and clear of toys by having them stored on the deck when you are done. Having additional storage space is always a bonus but some people are concerned what they store will be susceptible to water damage, bugs, or critters. That is why people need to hire professional construction companies like Miles Bradley!
Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling will ensure your under-deck storage space has a proper seal, drainage system, and insulation leaving no room for damage to your stored items. However, if you don’t want an under deck, why not add a dry space? If you don’t need the additional storage, you can expand your living space even more with dry space underneath your deck.
During the Holiday season, Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling is offering specials to those who wish to get their decks built during the month of December.
Whether you are living in Detroit, Michigan, or Chicago, IL, Miles Bradley is here to make your deck or dry space beautiful!
Do you need to repair or replace your deck?
This a question that every homeowner has to answer eventually. Time always takes a toll on a deck. Sometimes it’s the natural deterioration of the deck. Other times, it can be the result of a guest or yourself being less than careful. Most people can probably account for the number of times when people have been less than gentle with your outdoor space.
Regardless, there will be a point where you have to fix these problems. However, the way you tackle these damages will vary depending on certain factors. Sometimes, a little repair job will do the trick. But sometimes circumstances call for more drastic action. So, when should you repair or replace your deck? Here are a few things to consider before deciding!
First of all, how old is your deck? Over time, your deck will take a beating from the weather and aging. Common issues will pop up, including:
If your deck is newer, repairing these issues as they come is typically better. Fixing problems as they occur will help the longevity of your deck. However, if your deck is older, these issues will often compound with age. Furthermore, older decks can be outdated making them less structurally sound. If your deck is almost fifteen years old, replacing is often the best option.
Another important factor is safety. Is your deck safe? Before considering what is the best option for a deck, you should fully inspect your outdoor space’s condition. To ensure your deck is structurally sound and safe, you should look at:
All of these areas play a role in the overall stability of your deck. Inspecting them will help you catch any problems early, allowing you to repair them. However, if components like the ledger board are pulling away, your deck will need more than a repair job. It. is a good idea to get your deck inspected if it’s older than 10 years old.
If you are not confident inspecting your own deck, Miles Bradley offers deck inspections!
Finally, there is the price tag. How much is going to cost to repair or replace your deck? A good rule of thumb to go by is that if the repairs cost more than a deck, then you should replace it. After all, what is the point of repairing your old deck when you can buy a new one for cheaper? The best way to know the cost of your deck’s repair or replacement is to get a quote from a construction company. If you want the best deck builders, then you should contact Miles Bradley.
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What is the best time to have a deck built? Peering out your window into the backyard and seeing all that snow and ice probably doesn’t make you think about the spring and summertime…but it should! Just imagine lounging on your beautiful, custom-made deck this summer. Now imagine lounging on it with a bunch of extra cash! Because you can save by thinking ahead and getting your low-maintenance deck built!
One of the best times to build a deck is during the winter. There are many benefits to building a deck during the offseason. First of all, there is less demand for contractors during the winter months. As a result, you can get your deck built faster without waiting for openings. Furthermore, the damage to your landscape is reduced because the ground is frozen. The stable ground provides the best conditions for building a new deck!
By beating the spring and summer rush, you can save big in the decking offseason with Miles Bradley! We are a certified Trex Platinum Contractor, which means you’ll be setting yourself up with a deck made out of the industry’s leader in high-performance composite decking!
In addition to our expertise in building rectangle, multi-level or two-board-border decks we specialize in building:
And more! Think about it! By waiting to decide whether you want a deck built in Michigan, your project can be put on a waiting list. Our decking professionals aren’t as busy, you can have your deck built quicker than usual. You’ll also save money doing it and can now take advantage of the great special we’re running!
The best time to have a deck built is winter! That is why you should use the professional deck builders at Miles Bradley. You might not be in a summer state of mind right now. However, building a deck now can save you money! That way you can enjoy your deck as soon as the sun peeks out this spring; it’s a win-win! So, get an estimate for your project today!