15 Small Deck Ideas
Maximize Your Space

Small decks (under 200 sq ft) are the fastest-growing deck category in Canada. With urban lots getting smaller and townhome living on the rise, smart design can make a compact deck feel spacious and luxurious.

• Measure your available space carefully — even 8x10 feet (80 sqft) is enough for a bistro dining set
• Define your primary use: dining, lounging, or a multi-purpose space
• Consider traffic flow — leave 3 feet of clear walking space
• Choose lighter-coloured decking to make the space feel larger
• Use the diagonal — angling boards at 45° creates an illusion of more width
• In Canada, small ground-level decks often don't require a building permit (under 24" and under 108 sqft in many municipalities)

Corner and L-shaped decks maximize awkward spaces and create distinct zones even in small footprints:

• Wrap around a corner of your house to create two "rooms" — one for dining, one for lounging
• L-shapes work beautifully with back doors and sliding patio doors
• Typical L-shape small deck: 10x12 main + 6x8 extension = 168 sqft total
• Use built-in bench seating along the inside corner to save floor space
• Cost: $6,000–$14,000 for a small L-shape in composite

Floating (freestanding) ground-level decks are the simplest and most affordable option for Canadian homeowners:

• Not attached to the house — sits on deck blocks or shallow footings
• Often permit-free in many Canadian municipalities (check yours)
• Can be placed anywhere in the yard — not limited to the house wall
• Great for flat yards, garden areas, or hot tub platforms
• Typical size: 8x10 to 12x14 feet
• Cost: $3,000–$8,000 for pressure-treated, $5,000–$12,000 for composite

DIY-friendly: Ground-level floating decks are the most achievable DIY deck project. With basic tools and a helper, most homeowners can build one in a weekend. Deck frame kits from brands like Peak Products make it even easier.

Condo and townhome balconies can be transformed with deck tiles and clever design:

• Interlocking deck tiles: $8–$15/sqft — lay directly over concrete or existing surfaces
• Popular materials: Ipe, composite, and porcelain tiles with wood-look
• No tools needed — snap-together systems install in hours
• Add a small bistro set (30" round table + 2 chairs fits in 4x4 feet)
• Vertical gardens and rail-mount planters add greenery without taking floor space
• Check condo bylaws — some restrict modifications to balcony surfaces

The right furniture makes a small deck functional and comfortable:

• Folding bistro sets — collapse flat for storage when not in use
• Built-in bench seating with storage underneath — serves double duty
• Wall-mounted fold-down tables — $100–$300, saves 6+ sqft when folded
• Stackable chairs — store 4–6 chairs in the space of one
• Narrow console tables (12" deep) along railings — perfect for drinks without a full table
• Hanging egg chairs or hammocks — don't take floor space
• Outdoor rugs (5x7 or 6x9) — define zones and add warmth

For small decks, material choice matters even more — every board is visible and the space is intimate:

• Composite (recommended): Low maintenance, consistent colour, no splinters in a barefoot-friendly small space
• Cedar: Beautiful natural look, warm underfoot, aromatic. Great for cottage decks.
• Pressure-treated: Most affordable. Good choice if budget is the priority.
• Deck tiles: Best for balconies and overlaying existing concrete patios

Best composite for small decks: Trex Enhance Naturals or TimberTech PRO Legacy — mid-range price with premium looks. In a small space, the upgrade from budget to mid-range composite is only $300–$600 more.

Small decks are inherently more affordable, but here's how to maximize your budget:

• Ground-level = cheapest: No deep footings, no railings required, minimal framing
• DIY if possible: Small decks are manageable weekend projects for handy homeowners
• Use deck frame kits: Peak Products, Simpson Strong-Tie, and Deckorators offer prefab frame systems
• Splurge on the surface, save on framing: Use composite decking on pressure-treated framing
• Skip the stairs if ground-level — one less component to build and maintain
• Phase additions: Build the deck now, add lighting and planters next season

Budget small deck examples:

• 8x10 ground-level PT wood (DIY)$1,500–$3,000
• 10x12 ground-level composite (DIY)$3,000–$5,500
• 10x12 composite (contractor-built)$6,000–$10,000
• 12x16 multi-use composite with railing$10,000–$16,000