If you have a garage — particularly one that’s near the edge of your property — there is a good chance that you have an awkward gap between it and the property line. Since most regulations require about a 5 to 10-foot setback between the edge of your garage and property line, many homeowners end up with a decent amount of square footage that is seemingly unusable. But it turns out that this wasted gap may be just give you enough space for creating a cozy, gorgeous backyard oasis. 

Now, before you get too advanced in your landscaping daydreams, note that this setback is usually left empty for a reason. Most jurisdictions restrict what can be built in this gap. And if you belong to a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), there is also a good chance that you will have additional rules to follow regarding the use of the gap between the garage and the property line. Though local bylaws vary, some allow for short platforms to be built, while others require that the space remain completely unobstructed. So, before you get started, make sure that your project will not violate local zoning bylaws, as doing so could waste your time, effort, and materials, and also leave you with a fine. Start by asking local planning officials what can be legally built within your side setback. 

How you choose to move forward with this space is going to rely heavily on what regulations you have to comply with and the space you’re working with. TikTok content creator styledby.rhonda started off with a rundown but relatively renovation-friendly wood patio. She reinforced it with just a few additional supporting pieces to create a solid floor. 

But there are simpler ways to create a patio surface in the gap. One of your cheapest and easiest solutions is to transform free wooden pallets into a wooden deck. This is a great option if you’re looking to DIY the space and don’t want to spend a fortune on materials and labor. Other patio surfaces range from concrete to bricks to gravel, but before you install these, you will want to research how much of your lot can have an impervious surface (material that could cause runoff), and whether the new patio or deck would put you over the limit prescribed in local regulations. 

Also consider privacy. Ideally, you would have a fence that encloses the space, creating something almost like an outdoor room. If you do not have a fence, you could add some outdoor-safe privacy screens or even use more pallets to create a more sturdy wooden fence (if such a fence complies with local zoning bylaws and HOA regulations). A pallet fence also leaves some open horizontal spaces between planks, which is great for creating a hanging plant wall. However, since this area is often in the shade of your and your neighbor’s dwellings, make sure you choose plants suited to those conditions. 

When it comes to decorating a small space, sometimes less is more. Working with a small area can be tricky, so opting for dual-function pieces, collapsible furniture, and not over-decorating can make the space feel usable, spacious, and inviting. Typically, gaps between the garage and the property line are longer than they are wide, so take this into account when selecting your furniture pieces. If you want a place to eat alfresco, purchase a dining set that’s just big enough for your entertainment needs — you still want enough room to walk around the space freely. If you’re going for a more relaxed seating, a sectional that will sit flush with the perimeter of the small patio is a great way to maximize your outdoor space and seating. Taking this route may also leave you with enough room for a coffee table or a central ottoman. 

As for the details of decor, one easy way to make your outdoors feel instantly inviting is with the addition of ambient lighting. String lights are a favorite as they are affordable, easy to install, and have a whimsical feel. If you plan to be barefoot, you may also want to consider an outdoor rug as this will protect your feet from wood splinters while also giving the opportunity to add color, pattern and personality.