Not every outdoor living project needs to be massive. In fact, some of the most functional and enjoyable decks we build are modest in size. That’s because these decks are designed specifically for how homeowners live on a day to day basis, rather than just trying to max out on square footage.
As experienced Macon deck builders, we help families find the right size deck for their home and lifestyle. That way, they can have a functional space and still stay within their budget. So if you're planning a deck and wondering about the right size for your needs, understanding a few key dimensions can help you make better decisions about your investment.
How Much Space Do You Need?
When Macon deck builders design spaces for typical family use, the 16x20 footprint is a very popular option. That comes to 320 square feet, which is enough space to comfortably accommodate a dining table with chairs, a grilling area, and additional seating without feeling cramped. You can move around furniture easily, and guests don't feel crowded during gatherings, even if you add umbrellas and pergolas to make that summer Georgia heat more bearable.
Of course, defaulting to 16x20 because it’s common, may not be the right fit for you. A lot of Macon custom decks are smaller, ranging from 10x10 to 14x12. These can work beautifully when designed thoughtfully and for specific uses.
A 10x10 deck (100 square feet) works well for intimate spaces. Think along the lines of a morning coffee spot, a small bistro table for two, or a compact grilling station. This size requires careful planning to ensure functionality, but if you’re intentional about how you use it, you can have a charming outdoor space for a smaller home, or a secondary deck for a larger one.
If you want to go a bit bigger, you could opt for a 14x12 deck instead. Coming in at 168 square feet, you’ll find this gives you a good deal more flexibility, accommodating a four-person dining table plus a grill, or a larger seating arrangement without dining. This mid-range size works particularly well for couples or small families who prioritize quality outdoor space over large entertaining capacity.
How Macon Deck Companies Help You Avoid Going Too Small
The most common mistake homeowners make is building decks that look adequate on paper but feel cramped in real use. One of the best parts of working with professional Macon deck companies is that you’ll get guidance on how big the deck really needs to be in order to keep it functional for you.
If you want to understand the thought process, consider these points:
- A standard grill requires about 4-5 feet of width for safe operation and movement
- Dining chairs need roughly 3 feet of clearance behind them for comfortable seating
- Traffic paths should maintain at least 3-4 feet of width for easy movement
- Furniture isn't just the table dimensions—chairs, when occupied, extend significantly
The “professional deck builders near me” that you’re likely looking for can help you visualize these practical considerations before committing to dimensions that won't serve you well.
Design Considerations Beyond Square Footage
Size matters, but so does shape, orientation, and integration with your home. And it’s to that end that Macon custom decks benefit from thoughtful design. A few things you’ll want to consider include:
- Furniture: Standard outdoor dining sets can vary in size, so be sure to measure your furniture before you commit to a specific deck size.
- Traffic: Think about how people will move from your door to seating areas. This will help you think through things like where a grill should go if you want the griller to be able to both cook and socialize.
- Sun and Shade: It gets awfully hot in Georgia in the summer, so consider whether the afternoon sun will make one section unusable without shade structures. You can factor this into your usable square footage calculations or consider building a cover for your deck, transforming it to a porch.
- View and Privacy: Sometimes a smaller deck positioned thoughtfully can give you better outdoor living than a larger space in a less than ideal location.
Our custom designs process helps homeowners think through these considerations before breaking ground.
Additional Planning Resources
For homeowners planning deck projects, we've created a few resources that can help you go a bit deeper in your research:
And you can also download our complementary design guide to explore even more planning details.
Getting Your Deck Size Right
The ideal deck size varies based on your budget, property, and intended use. But you have more options than you may know.
Whether you have your eye on a compact 10x10 space or a more versatile 16x20 standard, professional design is the best way to ensure your deck investment will work well for years to come.
Broaden your outdoor living leisure horizons with Archadeck of Central GA. Call us at 478-241-8406 for a complimentary design consultation on how to transform your backyard into the perfect outdoor oasis.
You can also click this link right here to connect with us in an instant.
