Small backyard ideas, with real dimensions
In a small backyard, choose one main use and give it real space: a patio of at least 3 × 3 m (10 × 10 ft), a 90 cm (3 ft) path, narrow planting along the fences, and one small tree. Everything else should fold away, climb a wall or double as seating.
1. One generous patio, not two small ones
Two little seating areas both end up too cramped to use. One patio sized for the table you really own works better. A table for four needs about 3 × 3 m (10 × 10 ft); see the patio size guide for other sizes.
2. Plant the edges, keep the middle open
Borders 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) deep along the fences soften the boundary without eating the middle of the yard. Climbers on the fence add green with almost no footprint: a clematis or a climbing rose needs a planting pocket of only 40 × 40 cm.
3. One tree, chosen for its size
A single small tree gives height, shade and privacy. Pick one that stays under 5–6 m (16–20 ft), such as a multi-stem serviceberry, a crab apple or a Japanese maple, and keep it at least 3 m (10 ft) from the house. More in how far to plant a tree from a house.
4. Decide whether lawn is worth it
A lawn smaller than about 3 × 4 m (10 × 13 ft) is mostly edges and mowing. Below that size, gravel with planting, a deck or a larger bed is usually easier and looks better all year.
5. Hide the practical stuff
- A bin store for two bins takes about 1.5 × 0.8 m (5 × 2.5 ft). Put it near the gate, not next to the table.
- A bench with storage inside replaces a small shed for cushions and tools.
- A wall-mounted tap and hose reel free up floor space.
6. Use diagonals and layers to look bigger
Setting a patio or a path at an angle makes the longest line in the yard longer. Repeating one paving material and two or three plants keeps a small space calm. Lighting the far end at night makes the yard look deeper.
A layout that fits 6 × 8 m (20 × 26 ft)
| Part | Size |
|---|---|
| Patio by the house | 3 × 3.5 m (10 × 11 ft) |
| Path to the back | 90 cm (3 ft) |
| Borders on both long sides | 75 cm (2.5 ft) deep |
| Small tree in a back corner | canopy about 3 m (10 ft) |
| Bench and planters at the back | 1.5 × 0.5 m bench |
Type your own yard size into Yardplanner and try this layout against your real measurements.