13 Small Deck and Patio Design Ideas

Whether it’s for patio relaxation, small outdoor event hosting, or simple family fun, these small deck ideas will help inspire your next hardwood or composite outdoor patio deck.

Hardwoods

Cumaru

Cumaru, also known as Brazilian Teak, is highly sought after for its remarkable durability and natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack. Its rich, golden-brown hue adds an element of warmth and exotic beauty to any outdoor decking project

1. Tranquil Cumaru Retreat: Elevation with a View

A tranquil Cumaru retreat with an elevated small deck patio
A tranquil Cumaru retreat with an elevated small deck patio

Imagine a peaceful deck nestled gently above the natural contours of the garden. 

Crafted from the exquisite Cumaru hardwood, known for its durability and rich, golden-brown hues, this deck creates a serene escape with a panoramic view of the surroundings. It’s the perfect setting to celebrate tranquility and comfort. Picture yourself relaxing on one of the elegantly simple hardwood reclining chairs, paired with a small, inviting table for morning coffees or evening reflections. The smooth finish of the Cumaru wood and the thoughtful placement of the deck seamlessly integrate into the landscape that invites homeowners and guests to unwind in the embrace of nature’s beauty.

2. Ipe Wood Oasis: A Wraparound Deck by the Glassed-In Pool

An Ipe wood small deck patio idea with a glassed-in pool
An Ipe wood small deck patio idea with a glassed-in pool

Often referred to as Brazilian Walnut, Ipe is renowned for its exceptional toughness and longevity, with a rich, chocolate-brown color that can age gracefully into a silver patina. This premium hardwood is highly resistant to mold, weather, and insects, which makes it an ideal choice for luxurious, long-lasting outdoor decks and furniture. Its dense composition not only ensures a robust structure, it also provides a splinter-free surface to provide safety and comfort for barefoot enjoyment.

This beautifully designed deck, made from the finest Ipe wood, seamlessly connects a stunning home with the enchanting allure of a tropical paradise. It gracefully wraps around a glass pool addition, and serves as a luxurious walkway that bridges the comfort of home with the wild beauty of the adjacent tropical forest. On one side, palm trees and lush tropical plants whisper the secrets of the jungle, while the other side reveals a meticulously manicured lawn that embodies the pristine care of the property.

3. Spanish Elegance: An Elevated Ipe Deck Beside a Curved Pool

An small elevated Ipe deck beside a curved pool
An small elevated Ipe deck beside a curved pool

This exquisite Ipe deck is elevated slightly off the ground. It combines architectural beauty and natural splendor to embody the warmth and sophistication of Spanish elegance. The contoured edges gracefully meet a stunning pool, while trees grow through the deck’s surface to integrate the living landscape into its essence.

Surrounded by sun-kissed stucco walls that exude a distinct Spanish flair, the deck becomes a serene haven where the boundaries between the built environment and the natural world harmoniously blur. The deep, rich tones of the Ipe wood provide a striking contrast to the vibrant greens of the trees and the clear blues of the pool, to create a captivating outdoor living space.

4. Modern Ground-Level Ipe Sanctuary with a Tin Roof Oasis

A small outdoor patio deck creating a modern outdoor aesthetic with a tin roof
A small outdoor patio deck idea creating a modern outdoor aesthetic with a tin roof

This ground-level Ipe deck showcases modern outdoor living with a sleek design and functional luxury. It features a unique sidewalk made of intermittent Ipe deck tiles, bordered by crisp white gravel. The combination of textures and tones creates a harmonious space. The white gravel edging creates a striking contrast that enhances the natural beauty and rich color of the Ipe wood, which adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the outdoor sanctuary.

Under the protective tin roof, this deck provides a versatile oasis with a cozy seating area, a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen, and a luxurious hot tub. The tin roof adds rustic charm to the modern design to help ensure enjoyment in any weather by offering shade on sunny days and shelter during rain showers.

5. Verdant Comfort: A Canopied Ipe Deck for Leisurely Gatherings

A small canopied Ipe deck with outdoor patio furniture
A small canopied Ipe deck with outdoor patio furniture

Nestled under a protective canopy, this inviting Ipe deck is the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation and socializing. It comfortably accommodates up to 8 guests with a warm and elegant atmosphere for leisurely afternoons or evenings under the open sky.

The seating arrangement showcases craftsmanship and sustainable luxury by featuring durable and comfortable solid hardwood furniture that complements the deck’s natural aesthetic. A low-level table with an Ipe top serves as the centerpiece that provides a smooth surface for gatherings, from casual brunches to evening cocktails.

6. Eastern-Inspired Ipe Deck with Canvas Canopy

Eastern inspired small deck idea with a canvas canopy
Eastern inspired small deck idea with a canvas canopy

This Ipe deck features a canvas canopy and hanging drapes, which adds an Eastern flair reminiscent of India to the secluded outdoor space. A large cushioned sofa provides ample seating, complemented by a glass coffee table for convenience and style. A massive candle holder at one end of the deck enhances the ambiance, especially during the evening. The deck is nestled in a secluded area that is surrounded by protective rock walls to provide privacy and a tranquil retreat for relaxation and entertainment.

7. Contoured Ipe Deck with Curved Roof and Lattice Work

A contoured Ipe deck with a curved Roof next to a swimming pool
A contoured Ipe deck idea with a curved Roof next to a swimming pool

This beautifully small deck idea with contoured Ipe deck extends from a natural stone sidewalk beside the pool that blends seamlessly with the outdoor landscape. A portion of the deck is sheltered by a custom, curved top roof that features intricate lattice work along its edge in order to add a touch of elegance and architectural interest. Exposed beams on the underside of the roof provide a rustic contrast to the sophisticated design. 

The combination of natural wood and stone elements, along with the unique roof design, creates a harmonious outdoor living space that is both functional and visually appealing.

Composite

8. Gray Composite Deck with Simplistic Design and Open Views

A dark gray composite deck idea with an outdoor dining table with high-chairs
A dark gray composite deck idea with an outdoor dining table with high-chairs

This gray composite deck idea creates a comfortable outdoor area at the rear of the home that is designed for family gatherings around a mobile picnic table and suitable for dining or entertainment purposes. Its simplistic design harmonizes with the home’s stucco siding for a cohesive aesthetic. The deck is supported by minimal columns to help maintain an unobstructed view of the surrounding lawn and garden, and enhance the outdoor experience by blending functionality with the natural beauty of the setting.

9. Cedar Composite Walkway with Succulent Garden

A small, brown outdoor walkway made with composite materials
A small, brown outdoor walkway and patio deck made with composite materials

This walkway, crafted from cedar composite decking, is slightly elevated above the surrounding landscape to provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing path. Flanked on both sides by white stone, the area is thoughtfully planted with cacti and various succulents to create a low-maintenance yet vibrant garden space. The pathway complements the stucco construction of the house and integrates seamlessly with the home’s design, making it a beautiful small outdoor deck idea.

Tall palm trees in the background add a touch of tropical flair to enhance the overall visual appeal of the outdoor space and create a serene environment that bridges the home with its natural surroundings.

10. Mixed Brown Composite Deck with Aluminum-Picket Handrail

A small outdoor patio deck with mixed brown composite decking materials and picket railin
A small outdoor patio deck with mixed brown composite decking materials and picket railing

This deck idea features mixed brown tones in its composite material that blends effortlessly with the wide expanse of the surrounding lush lawn. The white composite handrail, equipped with small round aluminum pickets, offers security while also ensuring that the scenic view remains unobstructed. The deck’s design includes perpendicular banded sections throughout its length, to break up the long expanse and add an element of visual interest and beauty to the structure. This thoughtful design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the deck, it also integrates it smoothly with the natural environment to create an inviting outdoor living space.

11. Sophisticated Composite Deck with Varied Plank Patterns and Wood Accents

An outdoor patio with composite decking materials that is fully-furnished
An outdoor patio with composite decking materials that is fully-furnished

This composite deck, with its dark brown planks arranged in three distinct patterns, showcases an elegance that rivals indoor luxury to a beautiful small patio. A centered perpendicular band thoughtfully separates different entertainment zones for a seamless flow between areas. The deck features a built-in seating area and an adjacent bar, which enhances the spacious environment that already includes ample seating and a comfortable dining table. 

Despite the primary use of composite materials, the inclusion of wood in the table and built-in structures adds a touch of natural warmth that gives the entire deck an appearance that closely mimics natural wood. This design choice of this small deck idea masterfully combines the durability of composite decking with the classic beauty of wood for an outdoor space that is as beautiful as it is functional.

12. Beach Gray Composite Deck for Family Entertainment

A beach gray composite deck with a grill and outdoor dining table
A beach gray composite deck with a grill and outdoor dining table

A beach gray composite deck epitomizes the ideal outdoor family entertainment area which features a sleek rectangular composite railing that adds a modern touch. This simple small deck idea is spacious enough to accommodate a large outdoor grill, a picnic table, and a sizable umbrella, to make it the perfect invitation for family and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors. 

The addition of plantings directly on the deck, combined with the treed landscape in the background, creates a cozy, woodland-nestled feel. This design provides a functional space for social gatherings and dining that integrates the beauty of nature to help make it a serene retreat for relaxation and enjoyment.

13. Solid Brown Composite Deck with Iron Railing and Natural Transition

Dark brown composite deck with iron railing and outdoor furniture
Dark brown composite deck with iron railing and outdoor furniture

This square deck idea, crafted from solid brown composite material and edged with elegant iron railings, serves as a lush oasis that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The deck is adorned with an array of plantings to create a soft transition from the cultivated garden to the untamed beauty of wild, grassy areas beyond. 

Furnished with durable rattan furniture, it is a low-maintenance yet stylish seating solution that is perfect for outdoor relaxation and social gatherings. Umbrella-shaded tables dot the space in order to provide cool, comfortable shade for warm afternoons. 

Bring Your Decking Vision to Life with Lumber Plus

Looking to enhance your outdoor living space with a perfect deck?

Lumber Plus has a wide range of decking materials to choose from. Our experts will guide you from consultation to selection and help to ensure that your deck exceeds expectations. Don’t wait any longer to create the outdoor oasis you’ve always wanted! 
Contact us today and speak with one of our experts.

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