Small Backyard, Patio, and Porch Ideas





High-density living often means going without a great deal of outdoor space. With some creativity, however, it is possible to carve out an exterior niche without major home remodeling. Adding to existing structures or making the most out of small outdoor spots you do have creates a way to connect with fresh air and sunshine.

Small Backyard Ideas to Expand Your Living Space

Small Porch Ideas

Screened or open, porches are the quintessential indoor/outdoor space. For buggy areas, a screened porch allows you to feel the breeze without getting bit by mosquitoes. Open porches invite neighborliness. A comfortable porch size that allows plenty of furniture and free circulation is 8 feet wide and 10 feet long, but any porch that allows you to tuck in some seating will provide a spot to sit and watch the world go by.

Small Balconies and Galleries Ideas

For rooms or apartments on upper floors, balconies and galleries are a great bonus. Expand and retrofit an existing window with a French door to access the extension. Balconies are narrow – about two to three feet wide – and supported by brackets. Galleries are wider than balconies and supported by columns. Three feet make a comfortable width for walking, while 4 feet allows room for some furnishings. Two feet should suffice to be serenaded.

Small Rooftop Garden Ideas

This special spot makes room for dining al fresco, accommodates spillover for a party, and offers premium star-gazing. If your home has a flat roof, consider taking over this unused space. It will provide the perfect perch for bookending your days with a cup of coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening.

Small Interior Courtyard Ideas

When designing a new home on a tight lot, consider the shape of the structure. A horseshoe shape will create a natural courtyard that could become a patio at the front of the house, or accommodate a small pool at the rear. A completely enclosed interior courtyard – something seen more often in Europe – will give you a yard, but in the center of your home.

Safety first — make sure your structure is sound

Before moving furniture or any heavy objects onto a balcony or rooftop for the first time, it’s very important to ensure it can handle the weight. A general contractor can verify the load-bearing capacity and soundness of the structure and reinforce it if needed.

If you’d like to get in touch with a contractor in your local area, Contractor Connection make its easy. Simply enter your ZIP code above and you’ll hear from a contractor who has already been vetted to make sure he or she has the licensing, insurance and experience you need for peace of mind. Get started today!

Categories: General Contractors, Home Remodeling Renovation

FIND CONTRACTORS
NEAR ME

Find the right general contractor for your renovation or remodeling project. Select your project type and enter your ZIP code below to get started. Or scroll down to read more about Contractor Connection.

Project Type
* REQUIRED
Please select a project type and enter a zip code