Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget -
The Inspiration Guide

Deck Ideas for Backyard Landscaping Inspiration

Whether you want a place to barbecue with friends, an outdoor living room, or a backyard oasis for meditation and exercise, a deck is a wonderful addition to your home’s landscape installation project.

From smaller, porch-like wooden decks with rocking chairs to multi-level options for sloped lots, there’s a lot you can do, even with limited funds!

Here are some awesome budget-friendly ideas to get you started!

Small Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget

From condos in the city to tiny-homes and backyard ADUs, small is in! People are choosing to live in smaller homes and on smaller lots to save money and create a more sustainable future.

But a small backyard doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style and comfort when it comes to creating a beautiful deck space. Building a deck in a smaller backyard just means getting creative with the space you have!

• Try to incorporate the vertical lines in your small backyard deck space as much as you can.

• Add a pergola, some string lights, and some sun-sails to draw the eye upward and add interest.

• You might also think about incorporating some hanging flower baskets, planters, or a trellis. 

Sticking to smaller seating options – such as a bistro-style table and chairs or a couple of garden benches – can finish off the look with style!

Backyard Swim Spa Deck Ideas

A swim spa is the happy medium between a spa or hot tub (with heated and hydro-massage features) and a pool (generally accommodating more people and facilitating swimming or low-impact exercise).

It’s an ideal solution for families, folks with chronic pain or specific exercise requirements, and anyone looking for a way to relax in their outdoor space.

You can build a backyard deck around a swim spa, which makes getting in and out of the spa a lot easier and instantly adds a luxury, leisurely feel.

A deck with a built-in swim spa creates a vibrant outdoor-living atmosphere that’s ideal for entertaining, exercising, or relaxing.

Add a couple of lounge chairs or an outdoor bar for extra amenities.

Simple Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget

Creating a stunning backyard deck doesn’t mean having to spend weeks on design and construction.

If you have a simple sitting area, consider buying an outdoor rug. This can make your deck feel even more inviting while also covering up any superficial imperfections in the wood.

You could also add an awning or umbrella table to your deck, which is perfect for a barbecue on a sunny day.

If you want to keep things even simpler, don't be afraid to add a few smaller decorations such as plants, pictures, and knickknacks.

This is a great way to elevate your space without having to undergo expensive construction.

Low Budget Backyard Deck Ideas

A super-tight budget doesn’t have to get in the way of your backyard deck dreams!

A lot of the traditional costs associated with building a deck are the result of the extra materials and labor required to build railings, stairs, and a deck cover.

You can save a lot of money simply by building a flat, floating deck, rather than an elevated one with stairs. 

Floating decks have lots of advantages. They generally don’t require a building permit, are easier to build (you may even be able to DIY it, if you’re handy), and don’t require building handrails or stairs. You can also build it off your sliding door or in a separate area of your backyard.

Once you’ve built your low-budget deck, you can make it your own with affordable features like sun sails, outdoor lighting, trellises, planters, outdoor furniture, a nearby DIY fire pit, and more!

Backyard Above Ground Pool Deck Ideas

Building an above ground pool into your deck is a great way to add charm and summer fun to your backyard. 

Many people love the idea of adding a pool to their yard, but building one in ground is a huge undertaking, and above ground pools can be hard to maintain and negatively impact the look of your space.

You can surround the pool with traditional wood or alternative materials, which offer a classic appearance.

You can even add a stone barrier around the edge of your pool for a more sophisticated effect.

With an above ground pool deck, the options are limitless!

Sloped Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget

Many homeowners struggle to make their sloped backyards work both visually and functionally.

Luckily, with a few accommodations, you can incorporate a deck into your sloped yard beautifully.

Hillside Sloped Backyard Deck Ideas

If your yard has a significant slope, it’s a good idea to choose design options that actively play into the shape of your yard.

For example, if you have the budget for it, a multi-level deck is one of the best ways to maximize your usable space and make your yard look even more interesting.

Adding railings is also a great way to make your deck safer and give you more surfaces for decorating.

You can make them out of any material such as natural wood or metal with unique designs.

You can also add fairy lights or a garland during the holiday season.

Small Sloped Backyard Deck Ideas

If your backyard is only slightly sloped or has some flatter areas, you may be able to get away with a regular flat deck with a railing and a small set of stairs.

This also gives you the opportunity to store out-of-season gear or yard-work tools under your deck rather than in a separate shed.

Alternatively, if your yard is sloped right at the back door but flat further down, you may choose to build a small porch with stairs leading down to a larger flat deck at the bottom.

This gives you lots of landscaping options for the hilly part of your yard next to your stairs; you might incorporate a rocky waterfall or tiered flower garden, for example.