Not every backyard needs a sprawling multi-level deck. Sometimes the best deck is the one that fits your space, your lifestyle, and your budget without a whole bunch of square footage you won't use.
As a Macon deck builder, Archadeck of Central GA designs plenty of compact decks. And truth be told, many of them are our most satisfying projects. Smaller decks require thoughtful design. Because when you don’t have a whole lot of square footage, every decision matters. The result is often a tighter, more intentional space than you’d get by merely building big.
How a Macon Deck Company Can Help You Use Limited Space
The key to a great compact deck is treating every square foot as valuable real estate. That means thinking carefully about layout, traffic flow, and how you'll use the space. To give you some examples of how this works, consider these strategies we often use on smaller decks.
Built-in benches, planters, or storage along the perimeter. These features do double duty—providing seating or greenery while eliminating furniture that eats up floor space. A built-in bench also creates a cleaner look than a collection of chairs.
Strategic railing choices that create an open feel. Instead of using typical solid balusters, we can use cable railings that you can easily see through. This makes a small deck feel more expansive.
Smart stair placement that preserves usable deck space. Stairs take up room, and where you put them affects how much functional space remains. We think about this early rather than treating stairs as an afterthought.
You’ll note here that the goal goal is to make sure you can use every inch of the space for something, be it morning coffee, grilling, or sitting outside after work.
Macon Deck Contractors & Phased Builds
Small builds don’t always have to stay small. Beginning with a smaller deck can be an excellent starting point for a phased outdoor living project.
Maybe right now you need a deck—somewhere to step outside and enjoy your backyard. Down the road, you might add a paver patio at ground level, or a walkway to a fire pit area. Starting with a well-designed compact deck gives you a foundation to build on without overcommitting upfront.
A Macon deck contractor who understands phased builds will design your initial deck with future expansion in mind. That means taking steps like positioning stairs to connect naturally to a future patio, or choosing materials that complement what comes later.
The Right Deck for Your Home
There's no universal formula for deck size. What works for a family that entertains every weekend won't work for a couple who wants a quiet spot for coffee. What fits a large flat lot won't fit a compact historic yard. And no one understands that better than our senior designer Kelby. With her degree in design, Kelby takes pride in understanding our client’s needs and crafting custom designs and layouts that are tailored to them.
Check out our decks gallery to see examples or our completed work, and we invite you to download our complimentary design guide if you’re interested in exploring additional options.
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.
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