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Struggling to Pick the Perfect Deck Size? Here’s How to Get It Right for Your Backyard
If you’ve ever stood in your backyard, picturing the perfect new deck, you’ve probably hit the same roadblock many homeowners do: How big should it be?
It might seem like a simple question, but it’s trickier than it looks. Go too small and you could end up wishing you had room for that big outdoor table, the grill, and a few extra chairs when friends come over. Go too big and you might overwhelm the yard, lose valuable green space, or watch your budget climb higher than expected.
In a place like Arvada, where outdoor living is part of daily life for much of the year, the size of your deck can completely change how you use and enjoy your backyard. It affects everything from how often you’ll spend time outside to whether the space feels inviting or cramped.
The good news is you don’t have to guess or hope for the best. There’s a straightforward way to figure out the right size for your home, your yard, and your lifestyle. And as we go through it, we’ll also look at how features like patio covers and pergolas can take that perfect deck and make it even more comfortable, versatile, and beautiful year-round.
Step 1: Think About How You’ll Use Your Deck
Before you even reach for a measuring tape, start by imagining your deck in action. Close your eyes and picture a typical day or evening out there. Who’s with you? What’s happening?
If you love hosting big summer cookouts, you’ll need space for more than just a grill and a few chairs. Think about a dedicated grill station, a large dining table with room to pull out chairs comfortably, and perhaps a separate seating area for relaxing after dinner. That type of setup will require more square footage and thoughtful layout planning.
If your style leans toward smaller gatherings or quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, your needs might be simpler — a couple of comfortable chairs, a small table, and space for a compact grill could be all it takes. In this case, a pergola can help define the area, giving a small deck the feel of a cozy outdoor “room” without expanding the footprint.
Here’s a bonus tip: if you already know you want shade or rain protection for your time outside, plan for a patio cover installation from the start. Designing with it in mind now will prevent the space from feeling cramped later when you add a large structure.
Step 2: Measure Your Space (and Be Realistic)
The yard in your head might be bigger than the yard you actually have, so accurate measurements are essential before you start daydreaming about that massive deck with room for 20 guests. Start by walking your yard and measuring its boundaries. Use a tape measure or even a laser measure for accuracy, and jot down every dimension. It can help to draw a rough sketch showing property lines, house placement, and any permanent landscaping or structures like sheds and trees.
Look beyond just the numbers. Think about how you currently use your yard and how you want to use it once the deck is there. Do you need space for a dog to run? A garden to expand? A small lawn for kids to play ball?
It is also smart to observe your yard at different times of the day. Where does the sun hit in the morning? Where does it set? If you know you will want shade in the afternoon, you can plan the deck’s placement accordingly.
And remember, bigger is not always better. A medium-sized deck with a well-placed pergola can feel just as inviting, while leaving room for grass, flowers, and open space. This not only makes your yard more versatile but also more visually balanced.
Step 3: Factor in Local Building Codes and HOA Rules
This step may not be as thrilling as picking deck furniture or choosing the perfect wood stain, but it is one of the most important parts of the process. In Arvada, city building codes outline specific setback requirements, which dictate how far your deck must be from your property lines, and height restrictions that limit how tall it can be. Some neighborhoods have stricter rules than others.
If you live in a homeowners’ association (HOA) community, you may have to follow additional guidelines about size, materials, railing styles, and even colors. Ignoring these rules can result in delays, fines, or in the worst case, being forced to take down or rebuild your deck.
Working with a professional deck builder can make this step painless. Experienced builders are already familiar with local regulations and HOA expectations, and they can design a deck that meets both your vision and the legal requirements. They can also handle the permitting process for you, which saves time and stress.
Step 4: Plan for Add-Ons and Future Upgrades
Your deck does not have to be a one-and-done project. Many homeowners choose to build the main structure now and add features later, either to spread out the costs or to make sure the design fits evolving needs.
For example, you might start with a simple deck that includes open seating space, then later add a patio cover for shade or weather protection. Or, you might plan the deck layout with a specific spot in mind for a pergola, hot tub, or built-in seating.
If you know you will want to add features in the future, tell your deck builder ahead of time. They can design the base structure with the proper supports, anchor points, and spacing so additions can be made without tearing up sections of the deck later.
This forward-thinking approach not only saves money but also ensures your outdoor space grows with your lifestyle.
Step 5: Match Your Deck Size to Your Home’s Scale
A great deck should feel like a natural extension of your home’s architecture. Too large, and it can overpower the house. Too small, and it can look like an afterthought.
A good rule of thumb is to make the deck size proportional to your home’s footprint. For smaller homes, keeping the deck closer to one-third of the home’s width often creates balance. For larger homes, a bigger deck with multiple sections may be more fitting.
Adding features like pergolas or covered sections can help with proportion. For example, a long, wide deck might benefit from a pergola on one side to visually “break” the space into zones, creating a cozy dining area separate from an open lounging section.
Your deck should look intentional, not like it was just placed wherever there was room.
Step 6: Consider Your Budget Without Compromising Quality
It is tempting to think that shrinking your deck size will dramatically lower costs, but sometimes a deck that is too small ends up costing more in the long run when you have to expand it later.
Rather than cutting corners on size or quality, work with a deck builder to design a layout that meets your budget while still providing lasting value. This might mean choosing alternative materials, adjusting the shape, or starting with a slightly smaller deck but including foundational elements for future expansions.
When budgeting, remember that the deck surface is not the only cost. Railings, stairs, pergolas, and patio covers all affect the total price. Investing in durable materials and professional installation ensures your deck will stand up to Colorado’s climate and heavy use for many years.
Step 7: Think About Year-Round Use
A deck is more than just a summer hangout. In Colorado’s unpredictable weather, planning for year-round use makes your investment more worthwhile.
Adding a patio cover can keep the deck cooler in summer, protect it from UV damage, and allow you to enjoy it during light rain or snow. A pergola can offer shade without completely blocking sunlight, making it comfortable in both warm and cooler months.
You can also consider built-in features like wind screens, heating elements, or weather-resistant furniture that make the space inviting no matter the season. When you size your deck with these possibilities in mind, you create a truly functional outdoor living area.
Step 8: Keep Flow and Accessibility in Mind
Your deck should feel connected to the rest of your home and yard. This means thinking about how people will move between spaces and how furniture placement will affect pathways.
For example, if your grill will be near the kitchen door, make sure there is enough space for someone to cook without blocking the main walkway. If you are adding a pergola or covered section, ensure it does not block a natural traffic route from one part of the yard to another.
Accessibility also matters for safety and comfort. Wide stairs, well-placed railings, and level transitions can make the space easier to use for people of all ages and abilities.
Step 9: Local Expertise Matters in Arvada, CO
Building in Colorado isn’t like building in a mild coastal or southern climate—it’s a whole different challenge. The high altitude, intense UV exposure, heavy snowfall, and dramatic temperature swings all put unique demands on your deck, pergola, or patio cover. If you want your outdoor space to last, it has to be built with these conditions in mind from day one.
That’s where local expertise makes all the difference. Builders who work in Arvada every day understand exactly how our climate affects different materials and designs. They know which woods are less prone to warping or rotting in damp conditions, which composite boards resist fading under strong sunlight, and how to design support structures that can safely handle the weight of a winter snowpack.
This insider knowledge doesn’t stop at decks. It’s equally valuable for pergolas and patio covers. An experienced local team can recommend layouts that provide shade in the summer without trapping snow in the winter, or designs that promote better airflow on scorching days while still offering protection when the weather turns.
By working with professionals who understand the local environment, you’re not just getting a beautiful addition—you’re getting one built to stand strong year after year, no matter what Colorado throws at it.
Step 10: Visualize Before You Build
It can be difficult to imagine how a deck will feel until you are standing on it, which is why visualization is such a powerful tool.
One simple method is to use tape, ropes, or even cardboard to mark out the size of your future deck on your lawn. Arrange outdoor furniture inside that outline to see how much space remains for movement.
For a more advanced preview, work with a builder who offers 3D design renderings. These show how the deck, pergola, or patio cover will look with your home and landscaping, helping you make design decisions with confidence before any construction begins.
SRI Decks Can Help You Get It Right the First Time
Choosing the right deck size is about more than picking a number — it’s about designing a space that fits your life, your home, and your yard. It means thinking about how you’ll use it, how it works with your landscaping, and how it holds up to Colorado’s weather. And when you add in features like patio covers or pergolas, the possibilities for making it comfortable and beautiful year-round only get better.
That’s where SRI Decks comes in. With over 27 years of experience serving homeowners in Arvada and across the Denver metro area, we specialize in deck building, patio cover installations, and pergola installation that are designed to last and to fit your vision. We’ll guide you through the process, from planning and measuring to choosing materials and finishing details, so you can feel confident your deck will be the perfect size for your needs.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building a backyard you’ll love for years to come, our reliable team is here to help. Let’s talk about your ideas, look at your space, and create a design that works beautifully for your home.
Call SRI Decks today and let’s start planning the perfect deck for your backyard.
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