Skip to content

Small Space, Big Impact: Design Hacks for Creating a Stylish Urban Deck

Ready to transform your limited urban space into a stylish oasis with a thoughtfully designed deck? This guide will equip you with design hacks and expert tips to maximize your outdoor experience, even in the smallest backyard.

Unlocking Space in Your Urban Deck Design

First, let’s explore some space-saving layouts and features that can help maximize your square footage.

    • Deck Shapes: Avoid complex shapes that can fragment the area and make it feel smaller. Stick to simple square or rectangular configurations that efficiently utilize your available space. Or, choose an L-shaped design that offers additional deck space with distinct zones, like a grilling station separated from your living and dining space.
    • Second-Story Decks: Explore the possibility of a second-story deck to maximize outdoor space. This is a great way to gain square-footage and create a private haven above the hustle and bustle of the city. Below, you can retain your yard or garden—or add a cozy patio.
    • Stair Placement: Tuck your stairs along the side or in a corner of the deck. This frees up valuable deck space for furniture or activities that would otherwise become just a space-eating walkway.
    • Railings: Avoid railings with thick posts and balusters. Opt for slim railings or those that provide a feeling of openness, like cables, metal mesh, or glass.
    • Multi-Purpose Built-ins: Planters and pergolas serve triple duty, allowing you to add greenery, privacy, and shade. By carefully integrating them, you can also save space while creating an interesting, cohesive design.
    • Under-deck Storage: Benches with storage can help wrangle clutter on your small deck, but plan to take advantage of hidden under-deck storage to stash even more items out of sight.

Modern Material Pairings for Urban Decks

When it comes to decking materials, consider options that create a modern feel and complement your urban environment. Here are some decking-and-railing pairings to spark your imagination:

Stained Wood

Stained wood may sound traditional, but there are plenty of ways to achieve a new twist on this classic for your city deck.

  • Dark and Bold: Consider wood decking with a charcoal or smoky gray stain for a contemporary feel—and the added advantage of hiding dirt. Pair this with sleek metal railings for a bold urban look.
  • Light and Breezy: For an airy feel, consider stain colors like light gray, driftwood, and taupe to reflect light and make your small deck feel larger. Complement these with glass railings for a minimalist look that maximizes your view.
  • Colors with Personality: Your deck can be a great canvas for modern tones. Deep teals, refreshing blues, and sunny golds all make unique statements. Complement these stain colors with bright aluminum railings or artistic custom panels with a modern flair.

Composite & PVC Decking

Both composite and PVC decking offer a modern aesthetic in a low-maintenance package. Consider these stylish options for your urban deck:

  • Wood-Grains: These manufactured boards mimic the look of real wood. Choose a straight grain pattern for a clean and contemporary aesthetic, and check out newer offerings designed with the look of interior hardwoods for seamless transitions from the indoors to the outside. Complement your choice with horizontal cable railings for a clean look and clear views.
  • Solid Colors: Solid color composite or PVC deck boards come in a variety of hues. Consider a deep navy, a Caribbean blue, or a bright citrus shade to spice up your deck. Solid colors make a statement and pair well with minimal décor. Sleek black metal railings with a matte finish offer a pleasing contrast to their richness, perfect for a unique, sophisticated vibe.

Decking Layouts to Maximize Visual Space

The orientation of your decking boards can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your deck. While traditional parallel installation is the most common, alternative orientations can create the illusion of more space for your small deck.

  • Diagonal Decking: This is a classic trick for making a small space feel larger. Running the deck boards diagonally draws the eye across the deck, creating a sense of expansiveness.
  • Perpendicular Decking: For attached decks, orienting the boards perpendicular to the home can visually extend the feeling of the deck space outward from the house. This works best on rectangular decks, where the long side runs parallel to the house. 

These installations are more complex than parallel layouts, so factor in additional labor costs if you’re hiring out. Alternative orientations can also affect weight-bearing capacity, so be sure to call in a professional to assess the specific requirements of your design as needed, and always adhere to local building codes.

Fast & Easy Deck Installation with CAMO

Now that you’re inspired to transform your urban space with a stylish new deck, it’s time to consider efficient building solutions. CAMO offers a variety of products and tools designed to streamline your installation process.

  • CAMO MARKSMAN Pro Tools: These tools are specifically designed for edge-fastening deck boards with CAMO Edge deck screws, creating a beautiful fastener-free surface. They work with a variety of deck materials, including pressure treated lumber, cedar, redwood, hardwood, composites, and PVC decking.
  • CAMO DRIVE Tools: Just attach the DRIVE or ClipDRIVE tool to your drill and comfortably install your decking twice as fast.
  • CAMO WEDGECLIP: These pre-assembled deck clips eliminate the need for pre-drilling and ensure consistent spacing between your deck boards. WEDGECLIP’s are designed for grooved wood, composite, and PVC deck board installations in any deck pattern on your wood joists.
  • CAMO LEVER: This helpful tool straightens warped boards and secures them for fastening, replacing the need for extra hands and making your urban deck an achievable DIY project you can tackle yourself.
  • DECK IN A BOX: This convenient kit includes everything you need to install 500 square feet of grooved composite decking, offering flexibility for larger projects—or perfect for partnering up with your favorite neighbor on twin decks. It includes board benders, hidden deck clips, and a stand-up tool for clip fastening–perfect for taking on your urban deck with ease.

With careful planning and attention to detail, your urban oasis is well within reach. By leveraging CAMO’s innovative deck tools and clips, you can efficiently build a modern deck that makes a big impact in your small space. Enjoy your chic retreat as you relax, entertain, and create backyard memories in the heart of the city.