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Garden Starter Deck

Ten by eight feet of cedar, neatly skirted and planted for a compact yard.

A first deck does not need to take over the garden. At 10×8 feet and only 18 inches high, this cedar platform adds a useful place to step out, sit, and tend a pair of planters while leaving most of a small yard intact. Matching skirting finishes the base, and the landing-entry stairs make the transition feel intentional.

The spec

Footprint10×8 ft (80 sq ft)
Height1.5 ft
DeckingCedar (traditional)
RailingYes
StairsYes
SkirtingFull
LightingRisers — daytime scene
Installed cost (est.)$2,000 – $3,200

Best for

  • Small urban yards where every square foot of garden matters
  • First-time deck owners who want a manageable starting point
  • Side and back entries that need more than a step but less than a patio

Similar templates

  • Ground-level lounge — Low cedar platform that hugs the yard — no railing, no stairs, just deck.
  • Skirted porch deck — Charcoal diagonal boards with full skirting, access door, and an entry landing.
  • Floating island — Freestanding platform set at an angle in the yard — diagonal coastal boards.

Deck planning guides