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Installing a deck in a tight space can be a challenge – not to mention squeezing in all the features your client may want, such as storage, seating and a fire pit. Landscaper Asher Mountseer, of Paperbark Landscaping on the Sunshine Coast, suggests these innovative decking solutions and has one hurdle tradies need to keep in mind.
“The challenges that arise with smaller decks are usually around the area itself,” Asher says. “A small deck is often in an area where it’s hard to achieve decent drainage. ”
The landscaper shares more insider tips for maximising small spaces with these outdoor deck ideas and solutions.
Tip : Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for using the product or equipment.
“Choosing wider-than-average boards instantly makes a small deck appear larger,” Asher says. “It also lets you avoid the typical ‘picture framing’ of tiny decks, which can make them look cramped.” A standard timber board is 90mm wide, but on a small deck you might look at ones as wide as 140mm. With fibre cement decking like HardieDeck™ , you can go as wide as 196mm.
“The challenges that arise with smaller decks are usually around the area itself and how to achieve decent drainage,” Asher says. “A seemingly small project may need a fair bit more thought about how to keep the frame dry and make sure water doesn’t accumulate under or around the structure.” How can this be resolved? “By creating the appropriate fall to a decent water outlet that leads away from the house and deck,” Asher says. “If there’s a stormwater drain, you can tap into it and add a drainage structure under the deck.”
“Working out the logistics, such as how to get materials in and out when the only access is through the house itself, is another challenge with decks on small blocks,” Asher says. “You can lessen the impact on everyone by choosing lightweight decking materials that are easy to cart in and out, like DecoDeck aluminium boards.” Asher also suggests setting up your cutting area at the front of the property, if possible, so “you’re not trying to carry 6m lengths of decking boards through the house – this reduces the chance of accidental damage to your client’s property.”
“Built-in bench seating is a clever way to add functionality to a small deck or outside area, without swallowing up precious floor space,” Asher says. “Add a hinged seat and it doubles as storage, giving your client somewhere to store cushions or the kids’ toys. We recently had a job where we turned an old faux rock area into something more usable – we cut into the rock face and added decked seating with merbau timber.” Stairs can also add some multifunctional storage opportunities. “In another project we used HardieDeck™ boards to create a stairway between levels against a new retaining wall and added storage under the stairs for the kids’ bikes with a concealed door on a spring-castor wheel, so it’s easy to open and shut,” Asher says. “I’ve also had a few requests for conversation pits lately. In smaller decks, these generally need to take the form of two-side seating and two-side sheer, so people don’t end up knocking knees.”
“Designing a multi-level deck is another good way to enhance a small space – it gives more depth to the area and creates separate, usable zones,” Asher says. “Entrances using decking pods – small deck landings used as steps or staggered walkways – are also very popular with clients. You can make an otherwise boring front yard very special by adding just a few pods with underflow LED lighting.”
“Curved decks take up less space than square and rectangular decks, and can add real character to an outside area,” Asher suggests. “Ekodeck composite boards are a good way to finish a curved edge as they have a plastic base that lets them curve without damaging the adjacent board.”
You can visually expand the size of a small deck by opting for light-coloured boards over dark timber tones. “HardieDeck™ ’s fibre cement boards come in a cool pale grey that’s perfect for this – it has a contemporary look that many clients love and the colour makes the deck appear bigger than it actually is,” Asher says. “Another plus with HardieDeck™ is that you can install it as low as 150mm from the ground, which works a treat for low-set decks on small blocks.”
Check out our story about the pros and cons of the latest decking materials.
