How to utilise a narrow upstairs deck?

ekruger

Hi all,

Looking for some advice or inspo! I’ve got a narrow second-storey deck (about 90cm x ~9m) that runs outside two bedrooms, South Coast NSW. Full sun, and at the moment we never really use it. I’ve attached a couple of photos to show what I mean.

We’ve got a much bigger deck downstairs that we actually use — it’s got herbs, veggies, a table, BBQ, seating, and a small shed. So this upstairs one’s just… there. 

I’d love to do something with it that adds a bit of value to the house and makes it at least a little useful. Ideally not expensive or high maintenance, since we don’t go out there often and there’s no tap nearby.

A few ideas I’ve had:

• Hanging some plants over the rail

• Pull-out clothesline

• A couple of planter boxes with hardy, low-water plants

• Maybe even a mini greenhouse or storage boxes?

Keen to hear if anyone’s done something similar or has any clever DIY ideas. Open to anything that’s practical and won’t cost a fortune.

Thank you!

EricL

Hello @ekruger 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your small narrow deck.

Your narrow upstairs deck has great potential, even with limited space and sun exposure. A practical and low-maintenance upgrade could start with adding lightweight potted greenery. Use plastic or resin planters with proper drainage and quality potting mix to grow hardy, low-water plants. For a space-saving option, consider a vertical garden using a freestanding trellis or modular wall-mounted units. These allow you to grow herbs or trailing plants upward, making use of the vertical space without cluttering the floor.

Hanging baskets or rail-mounted planter boxes are another great choice. They bring greenery up to eye level and leave the floor area free, which is helpful given the width of the deck. Bunnings has a wide range of options in their plant pot and planter section, including trough-style boxes that fit neatly over balcony rails.

For added functionality, a pull-out clothesline like the Sunfresh White Medium Twin Line or the Hills 15 m Retractable is ideal. Both are designed for small spaces, fold away neatly when not in use, and handle a decent load of laundry. They’re weather-tolerant and easy to install yourself.

If you’re into DIY, you could build a recycled pallet planter box an affordable weekend project. You might also consider a version with a built-in bench and privacy screen, which adds structure and seating without overwhelming the area. 

To finish it off, layer in a narrow outdoor rug and a simple foldable chair or stool. Even with infrequent use, these elements can turn the deck into a tidy, green retreat that adds value without demanding upkeep.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric