Small deck ideas that work on a budget

A small deck — even 8x10 feet — can be a useful outdoor space if you furnish it thoughtfully. The trick is choosing items that serve more than one purpose and fit the scale of the area. Here are five categories of upgrades, each achievable for under $200.

Built-in benches

A built-in bench creates seating that does not eat into your already limited deck space. Because the bench is attached to the deck structure, it eliminates bulky chair legs and frees up the center of the deck for a small table or movement.

Simple design: Six identical frames made from 2x4 lumber, attached directly to the deck joists. The seats span between the frames with the same decking boards used on the floor — a consistent look with zero waste.

Add storage: Build the seat as a hinged lid over a hollow base. The cavity underneath stores outdoor cushions, garden tools, or pool supplies. This eliminates the need for a separate storage box.

Wrap-around option: An L-shaped or U-shaped bench around the deck perimeter maximizes seating while leaving the center open. Add a backrest at a slight angle (about 5 degrees off vertical) for comfort.

Budget: $50-$150 in lumber, depending on wood type and deck size.

Lattice privacy screens

Lattice panels give you privacy from neighbors without the solid, closed-in feel of a full fence or wall. They also create a surface for climbing plants, jasmine, clematis, or morning glory will fill in a lattice panel within one growing season.

Material options:

• Wood lattice: Traditional look, can be stained or painted. $15-$25 per 4x8 panel.
• Vinyl lattice: Maintenance-free, will not rot or need repainting. $25-$40 per panel. Comes in more patterns (diagonal, square, even decorative cutouts).

Mount panels between posts along one or two sides of the deck. For a more modern look, use horizontal slat panels instead of traditional diamond pattern lattice, same privacy, cleaner lines.

Perimeter seating

If your deck has the space for it, a compact outdoor sofa or a pair of armchairs changes the whole feel of the space. Weatherproof outdoor sofas made with aluminum frames and solution-dyed fabric start around $250-$400, but off-season sales (September-November) often cut that in half.

For a cheaper approach, large outdoor floor cushions ($15-$30 each) create lounge-style seating that can be stacked and stored when not in use.

Key tip: Measure your deck before buying. Leave at least 30 inches of clearance for walkways. A common mistake is buying furniture that technically fits but leaves no room to move.

Planters

Planters add color and define zones on a small deck without permanent changes. A few practical approaches:

Tall slatted planters with grasses: A 36-inch tall planter box filled with ornamental grasses (fountain grass, blue oat grass) creates a natural privacy screen. Build from cedar slats for $20-$40 per planter.

Stacked stone planters: Stack flat stones of varying sizes with masonry adhesive between courses. Fill with trailing plants like petunias or sweet potato vine. Low cost, no mortar needed, and the irregular shape adds visual texture.

Container gardens: Group 3-5 pots of different heights along one edge of the deck. Plant a mix of flowers (zinnias, marigolds, lavender) and herbs (basil, rosemary). A container garden costs $30-$60 and adds real function, you can cook with the herbs.

Lighting

Deck lighting extends the hours you can use the space and makes it safer to navigate steps and edges after dark.

Low-cost options:

• Solar path lights: $15-$25 for a pack of 6-8. Stake along deck edges or mount on railings. No wiring needed.
• String lights: $10-$20 for a 25-foot strand. Run between posts or along the railing. LED versions last for years and use almost no electricity.
• Solar lanterns: $15-$30 each. Hang from deck posts or place on tables. Charge during the day, glow for 6-8 hours after dark.
• LED candles: $10-$15 for a set. Weather-resistant versions work well in enclosed lanterns.

Placement tip: Keep lighting at or below eye level when seated. Overhead glare kills the atmosphere, soft, low-angle light is what makes an outdoor space feel inviting at night.

Deck maintenance on a budget

A small deck is easier to maintain than a large one, but it still needs annual care:

• Power washing: Rent a pressure washer for $40-$60/day or buy a budget electric model for $100-$150. Clean the deck surface once a year in spring.
• Staining/sealing: A quart of deck stain ($15-$25) is usually enough for an 8x10 deck. Apply after cleaning and let dry for 48 hours. This protects against UV damage and moisture rot.
• Board replacement: Individual deck boards can be replaced without rebuilding. Pressure-treated pine boards cost $2-$5 per linear foot at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
• Inspection checklist: Check for soft spots, loose nails, and wobbly railings every spring. Tighten hardware and replace any boards that flex more than half an inch when you step on them.

Tools you’ll need

If you do not own power tools, many hardware stores rent them by the day. The entire bench project can be cut and assembled in a single afternoon.

Related guides

• Concrete patio ideas on a budget, ground-level alternatives with similar cost range
• Backyard pool ideas on a budget, deck-adjacent pool options for small yards
• Plant room ideas, bring your container garden indoors during winter

Video guide

Watch this helpful tutorial for a visual walkthrough:

Video by A Little Fish in the Kitchen on YouTube.

Sources

• Pressure-treated lumber pricing: Home Depot Decking Materials
• Solar lighting product ranges: Amazon and Lowe’s retail listings (February 2026)
• Lattice panel specifications: Lowe’s Lattice Buying Guide

Bottom Line

A small deck becomes genuinely useful when every item on it serves more than one purpose. Built-in benches store cushions, lattice screens block neighbors and support climbing plants, and solar string lights provide ambiance without wiring. Focus on the perimeter, seating and planters against the edges, and keep the center open for movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a small deck look bigger?

Keep the deck surface clear and push all furniture to the edges. Use the same material for the deck floor and built-in seating to create visual continuity. Add vertical elements (planters, trellises) that draw the eye up rather than across the limited floor space.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable decking material at $2–$4 per linear foot. A basic 8x10 deck costs $400–$800 in materials for DIY. Ground-level decks skip the need for posts and footings, further reducing cost.

How do I add privacy to a small deck?

Lattice panels ($15–$30 each), outdoor curtains on a tension rod, or a large planter with tall ornamental grasses ($20–$40) all add privacy without major construction. Lattice also supports climbing plants like clematis for a living privacy wall.