Small Decks: Big Dreams, Compact Reality

Before you roll your eyes and think, “Here we go again with another ‘size doesn’t matter’ pep talk,” hear us out. We’re not here to convince you that your tiny outdoor space is secretly a mansion in disguise. Instead, we’re here to celebrate the mighty small deck – the David among Goliaths, the studio apartment of outdoor living, the proof that sometimes the best things really do come in compact packages!

Small Deck Builder in Plymouth

At Michigan’s Best Deck Builders, we build all types of decks, big and small. Our recent Plymouth project shows just how much you can fit into a small space: it features Wolf Serenity decking in Silver Teak and Onyx, a pine ceiling, rain escapes and gutters for weather protection, spiral stairs, and finished wrapped posts and beams. Even with limited space, you can have style and great features.

Not because our clients have to choose small—but because many discover that a well-designed small deck can deliver more bang for your buck than you ever imagined.

Why Small Decks are Having a Moment

The Budget-Friendly Champion

Let’s start with the elephant in the room – or rather, the elephant that’s not in the room because you chose smart sizing. Small decks cost significantly less than their sprawling counterparts, and we’re not just talking about the initial build.

With a small deck, you’re getting:

• Lower Material Costs
• Reduced Labor Expenses
• Faster Installation Times
• More Budget Left Over for Quality Materials and Finishes

This means you can afford top-tier options like the Wolf Serenity decking featured in our Plymouth project or upgrade to custom railings, spiral stairs, or specialty ceiling features. Sometimes, less square footage means more style per square inch—just like the tailored finishes our team delivered on that recent build.

Maintenance Made Simple

Here’s something nobody tells you about that massive deck you’ve been dreaming about: it’s a lot of work to maintain. A small deck means:

• Less Cleaning Time: You can pressure wash the entire deck in under an hour
• Fewer Boards to Replace: When wear happens, repairs are manageable
• Easier Inspections: You can spot issues before they become problems
• Lower Ongoing Costs: Less stain, fewer fasteners, reduced upkeep expenses

One of our customers in Ann Arbor put it perfectly: “I can clean my entire deck while my coffee is brewing. Try doing that with a 400-square-foot monster!”

The Versatility Advantage

Here’s something nobody tells you about that massive deck you’ve been dreaming about: it’s a lot of work to maintain. A small deck means:

Intimate Entertaining: A small deck encourages cozy gatherings. Instead of hosting 30 people who barely talk to each other, you’ll have space for 6-8 close friends who actually enjoy each other’s company.

Multi-Seasonal Flexibility: Smaller spaces are easier to winterize, shade, or convert for different seasons. Want to add a hot tub? Much more feasible on a right-sized deck.

Garden Integration: Small decks work beautifully with landscaping rather than overwhelming it. You can create seamless transitions between deck space and garden areas.

The Plymouth MI project shows what’s possible—a space that seamlessly blends great design, all-weather protection, and eye-catching elements (that pine ceiling!) without overwhelming the yard.

Small Decks, Big Satisfaction

In a world obsessed with “more,” choosing a small deck is a refreshingly honest decision. You’re prioritizing function over status, quality over quantity, and smart design over square footage bragging rights.

A well-designed small deck doesn’t apologize for its size – it celebrates what it can accomplish within its footprint. Whether you’re working with budget constraints, space limitations, or simply prefer intimate outdoor living, a small deck might be exactly what your property needs.

Ready to explore what a small deck can do for your home? Contact Michigan’s Best Decks Builders today for your free consultation. Call us at 586.486.7843 or visit our website to schedule your design meeting today!