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  1. Garden & Outdoor
  2. Terrace
  3. Size: Compact

Small Terrace Ideas and Designs

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Size: CompactRooftopBack GardenFire PitMediterranean
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Contemporary back garden, Wimbledon, 4
Contemporary back garden, Wimbledon, 4
Kate Eyre Garden Design
Photo of a small contemporary back terrace in London with a fire feature.
Hampstead modernist house
Hampstead modernist house
Samantha Watkins McRae
Small contemporary courtyard first floor glass railing terrace in London with a living wall and no cover.
Sophisticated Mid-City Residence
Sophisticated Mid-City Residence
Urban Oasis Landscape Design
A Trex deck was on the top of their list for the backyard with a decorative screen on the sides of the pergola for privacy. Asymmetrical steps up to the deck add a little playfulness to the deck which despite its generous size, doesn’t overwhelm the small yard. A constrained color palette of black, white and gray in the hardscape give the landscape a crisp and sophisticated appearance but the colorful drought-tolerant plant palette softens the look
Sommertrend Gartenküche
Sommertrend Gartenküche
wildigarten, Garten- und Landschaftsbau
wildigarten
This is an example of a small contemporary back terrace in Other with an outdoor kitchen and no cover.
South West
South West
Compagnie D
Catherine Matthys
This is an example of a small romantic courtyard terrace in Perth.
The Courtyard
The Courtyard
OneAbode Landscape Design
Small contemporary back terrace in San Francisco with fencing.
Chicago Roof Decks & Garden - Project Examples
Chicago Roof Decks & Garden - Project Examples
Chicago Roof Deck & Garden
Photo of a small contemporary roof terrace in Chicago with a fire feature and a pergola.
Irvington Deck + Patio
Irvington Deck + Patio
Howells Architecture + Design
We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. A cedar soaking tub exists for year-round use, and a fire pit, outdoor shower, and dining area with fountain complete the functions. A bright tiled planter anchors an otherwise neutral space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.
Cottage by the Lake - Charlotte, VT - Adirondack Seating on Back Deck
Cottage by the Lake - Charlotte, VT - Adirondack Seating on Back Deck
Distinctive Landscaping
Susan Teare
Photo of a small rustic back terrace in Burlington with no cover.
DC Roof Deck & Overhead Shades
DC Roof Deck & Overhead Shades
ARCHI-TEXTUAL, PLLC
http://www.architextual.com/built-work#/2013-11/ A view of the retractable shades. Photography: michael k. wilkinson
Townhome Remodel - Aspen Leaf
Townhome Remodel - Aspen Leaf
Steamboat Interiors, Corp.
Even the coldest days, you can sit here and enjoy the outdoors.
This is an example of a small rustic side terrace in Denver with a fire feature and a roof extension.
Completed Projects
Completed Projects
Oronoque Home Improvement LLC
This is an example of a small traditional back terrace in New York with no cover.
Modernity on University (sneak peek)
Modernity on University (sneak peek)
Masa Studio Architects
Inspiration for a small modern back terrace in Houston with a water feature.
Trellis & Firepit Area - Northeast View
Trellis & Firepit Area - Northeast View
Kurt Krueger Architects
Unlimited Style Photography
Photo of a small contemporary back terrace in Los Angeles with a fire feature and a pergola.
Entry Stairway on a Slope
Entry Stairway on a Slope
Freeman Construction Ltd
Freeman Construction Ltd
Inspiration for a small rustic back terrace in Denver with a potted garden and no cover.
Fabric Awnings
Fabric Awnings
LA Custom Awnings and Shutters
This is an example of a small traditional side terrace in New Orleans with an awning.
Cedar decks by Hickory Dickory Decks.
Cedar decks by Hickory Dickory Decks.
Hickory Dickory Decks
Tom Jacques and Drew Cunningham
Design ideas for a small modern back terrace in Toronto with a roof extension.
Horizontal Deck Railing In Bloomfield Hills
Horizontal Deck Railing In Bloomfield Hills
Great Lakes Metal Fabrication
The home’s modest proportions call for appropriate deck treatment. But discreet pops of color hint at an exciting interior. In the same way, the horizontal metal rail fades at distances but up close makes a statement.

To read more about this project, click here or start at the Great Lakes Metal Fabrication metal railing page.
Before & After
Before & After
Candella's Superior Painting, LLC
Design ideas for a small traditional back terrace with no cover.
Additional Projects
Additional Projects
Affordable Views By RJB Construction INC.
Inspiration for a small classic back terrace in Denver with no cover.

Small Terrace Ideas and Designs

There’s nothing quite like an outdoor space with a view and if you’re elevated up high then there’s more chance of getting that view. Even if you’re not blessed with a natural view from your home, an elevated space outdoors will at least give you the chance to survey the land in front of you; whether that’s a few square metres or whole acres! A terrace is one way of achieving this as it gives you the flat surface of a patio but elevated; either on a flat roof, as decking in your garden, or extending out from your house at ground level or higher. Whether a terrace is your only outside space and you want it to function as a garden or you’ll be using it as a dining or seating area, there are all sorts of design ideas, furniture, plants and accessory options to think about.

How do I decorate or design a roof garden?

UK homeowners are resourceful when it comes to outside space and will make the most of anything they can get their hands on, so it’s no wonder that in urban areas and cities we look to the roof for a place to get some rays. A roof terrace can work in just the same way as a decking area, but you just may need a few extra elements to make it more comfortable – a way of shading an area from the sun, perhaps a parasol or sun shade, a touch of green to break up the stark nature of a roof, and a drainage system that will stop rain water collecting in colder months. If you want to create a whole garden on your roof you’ll be a little more restricted than when on ground level. Plants may have to remain potted, but you can find companies that design and install green roofs – systems that allow plants to be planted into the roof surface. However, green roofs can be costly and tricky to install, so stick to pots and raised flower beds if you want to stay on the safe side. Loungers, deck chairs and rattan chairs are great pieces of roof garden furniture as they’re portable and can be moved around your rooftop garden easily; perfect for sun chasers. However, if you want to create a larger sense of space for your roof terrace design, think about built-in benches or seating around the sides or a corner of your roof garden.

What to consider when designing garden decking

A decked garden area may look simple once finished, but there are so many factors to consider when it comes to putting together decking ideas. You’ll need to think about the materials you want to use, the balustrades or railings you might choose, whether you will have a raised deck and decking steps, and whether you want decking lights.

Which decking material is best?

Composite decking is a popular choice for outdoor deck material because it offers a combination of practicality and style. The boards are made of wood and plastic fibres so that the classic wooden look is kept but the plastic fibres mean they will be much more durable and easier to maintain than traditional hardwood. If you can’t resist the natural look and feel of hardwood decking boards, then yellow balau, iroko and ipe decking are suitable outdoor boards that will give you the classic feel of a traditional wooden deck. Remember, with hardwood decking you will regularly need to treat the wood to keep it clean, waterproofed and to maintain the colour. As wood is usually more of an investment than composite or plastic decking, it’s a good idea to speak to decking specialists or timber merchants because they will be able to advise you on the best wood for your design and how best to treat it. You may find that different decking materials are better to suited to different types of terraces; whether that’s on a roof, in the garden or on a balcony. Whether you are designing a terrace, balcony or decked garden area from scratch, or just looking to decorate what you already have, take a look through the photos on Houzz to find terrace and balcony ideas and inspiration.
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