Custom Deck Ideas for Small Backyards

When we bought our Bennington home, I fell in love with everything except one thing - our postage stamp-sized backyard. "We'll never be able to have a real deck," I sighed to my husband as we stared at the cramped space. But then I discovered Hunt Home Remodeling's Custom Deck Builds page and realized small spaces actually offer some amazing deck possibilities!

The Small Space Revolution

Turns out, we're not alone in our tiny yard dilemma. Recent surveys show:

• 42% of urban and suburban homeowners have backyards under 500 sq ft

• Small decks (under 200 sq ft) have increased 28% in popularity since 2020

• Creative designs can make a small deck feel twice its actual size

What Custom Really Means for Small Yards

Hunt's guide opened my eyes to solutions I'd never considered:

• Multi-level designs that create separate "rooms" in tight spaces

• Built-in benches that double as storage

• Narrow wraparound decks that maximize every inch

• Vertical elements like trellises to add dimension without floor space

Why Custom Beats Prefab for Small Spaces

We almost bought a prefab deck kit before realizing:

• Standard sizes rarely fit odd-shaped yards

• Generic designs waste valuable space

• Most aren't optimized for our Nebraska climate

• They often violate local building codes

Hunt's Clever Small Space Solutions

Their portfolio showed genius ideas like:

• Corner decks that tuck perfectly against the house

• Expandable designs that can grow with your needs

• Integrated planters that add greenery without footprint

• Transparent railings that maintain sightlines

Bennington-Specific Tips

The guide highlighted local considerations:

• Setback requirements for small lots

• Wind-resistant designs for our open landscapes

• Material choices that stand up to humidity

• Privacy solutions for close neighbors

Our "Ah-Ha" Moment

The game-changer was seeing Hunt's "Deck + Patio Combo" - a small elevated deck leading to a ground-level stone patio. This gave us:

✓ Defined dining area on the deck

✓ Lounge space on the patio below

✓ Room for our grill and firepit

All in less space than our old apartment balcony!

Final Thoughts

Six months later, our "too small" yard is now our favorite spot. The custom design fits like a glove, and we actually use it more than we would a bigger deck. As Hunt's team told me: "It's not about the square footage - it's about smart design."

Tags: #SmallSpaceSolutions #CustomDecks #BenningtonHomes #OutdoorLiving #DeckDesign