How Big Is the Average Backyard? (EXPLAINED FOR BEGINNERS)

A backyard is ideal for celebrating parties and gathering your family. But how big is the average backyard? Is it enough for those activities?

This article will discuss the backyard size in different states and some factors affecting the figures. Let’s join us to discover right now! 

How Big Is The Average Backyard?

The average backyard size in the country is around 10,871 square feet. Yet, this figure varies significantly depending on whether the property is. 

According to the data available today, Vermont households have the biggest backyards, about 73,979 square feet.

With an average size of 71,576 square feet, homeowners in Montana state have the second-largest yards.

Nevada and California have the smallest yards. The average backyard size in Nevada is 4,386 square feet, while that figure in California is 5,575. 

You can check this chart for details:

What Factors Affect The Backyard Size? 

Your demands will determine the size of your new residence. Let’s check the most crucial elements that will affect the minimum backyard sizes.

Family size

The first factor to check is your family size. How many people are there in your family? Do you want to use the yard to entertain a large group and throw parties? 

Families with kids frequently want to make a big playground. Then, their children can have more outdoor activities. 

Pets

Pet keepers always look for large spaces where their pets can exercise and play freely. It’s a pity to keep your active pets in a little playground. 

The large space also helps avoid your pets from outside animals, cars, and other dangers. You can set a barrier to keep them safe. 

The question is: How big is enough for pets? It depends on the animal you raise. If you have a kitten, the yard may be smaller. Yet, like a German Shepherd, a sizable dog requires a larger space to run and explore. 

If you are a busy owner, a big yard can benefit significantly. Imagine how terrible it is to leave your dog at home alone all day in a small room. They don’t have any freedom to play or even urinate.

Pools

Make sure your yard is large enough to handle a swimming pool if you wish to build one. Depending on the pool size, you may need a different yard area. 

You will need more space for an underground swimming pool than for an above-ground one. Above-ground pools are considerably smaller and typically have a circular form.

In the United States, a swimming pool should be about 18 x 36 feet in size (650 square feet). Such a pool can accommodate eight people at once with sufficient space for workouts and pool activities.

Patio 

Your family gathering won’t be complete without a patio or deck. If you want to install one, make sure that your yard can handle it. 

As a rule, you need at least 25 square feet available for each person. Then, the patio should be around 150 square feet to fit your small family of six people. 

You should also consider other factors, such as your purpose of using the patio or whether you add furniture. Picture your dream patio in mind to plan the size. 

Some people mistake installing a patio that takes up the whole yard space. Instead, limit its size to half of the backyard. 

Then, you can use the extra space for kids, pets, and decorations.

Maintenance

It’s fantastic to buy a home with an enormous backyard since it will give you more space to spend time outside.

However, please note that a more spacious backyard would need more money and effort to maintain. 

The most frequent maintenance task you have to do is lawn mowing. You will need to spend between $60 and $100 per week to mow a lawn that is 1,000 square feet in size.

You’ll also have to pay for other costs, such as weeding, pest management, lawn fertilization, leaf removal, tree trimming, and grass weeding.

Depending on your lawn’s size, you’ll need to spend more money, effort, and labor on these chores. The last thing to bear in mind: Bigger yards require more responsibilities.

How To Make Your Backyard Look Spacious?

A small backyard may get claustrophobic or look overly crowded. Luckily, there are tricks to make it feel much bigger. 

Use bright colors

Dark hues create a sense of enclosure, eventually making your tiny garden look even smaller. Thus, avoid using black, deep browns, and other powerful hues like red while decorating your backyard. 

If you want the space to appear open and airy, go for the complementary, bright hues. For example, light wood tones are the best choices for building your deck, and white can also work in this case. 

How about the furniture? It depends on your decoration styles. Some popular choices are light blue, cream, yellow, green, and white. 

You don’t have to limit your color coordination to any degree. Feel free to go for your favorite items and use the plants to connect everything.

Do not put too many objects.

A yard stuffed with big toys and plenty of furniture will feel cramped. 

If you have kids, ensure that their toys have a tidy place to be put away and not block the view. A box for storage on the patio is an excellent solution.

Also, be careful not to overdo it with your furniture. So, only try to meet your family’s basic needs while setting up permanent outdoor stuff. 

We suggest using foldable tables and chairs for sizable family gatherings. This tip could imply one outside couch, a small table, and some chairs.

Make a focal point

A lounge area can grab people’s attention if there is a sizable focal point, like a patio. To make the surrounding area appear broader and more open, keep the rest of the property tidy and clutter-free.

Clear foliage and trees

If the plants in your little backyard are too close together or the vegetation is overgrown, you might want to eliminate some of them. This tip will provide for more potent visual effects and more playgrounds.

Also, take care of your garden frequently, and some tasks for this purpose include trimming big bushes and weeds. Keeping your lawn grass short can help the space look bigger too. 

You should strategically place your gardens. We recommend growing gardens around your house or around the edge of your yard to catch the eye.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why do new homes have small yards?

There are several reasons for this trend:

• Homeowners can increase their home size by cutting down the yard area. 
• Houses in major states like California or Washington have smaller backyards, and they can’t break the rule if you want to settle down there. 
• Busy people don’t want big yards as they don’t have time for maintenance. 

2. How important is a big backyard?

This part of your house is valuable in terms of functionality, entertainment, and aesthetics. To be more specific: 

• An expansive backyard equipped with a swing, a treehouse, a sandbox, and other choices should make it simpler for shy kids to go outside.
• You have a place for patios and decks, outdoor furnishings, storage facilities, and outbuildings like gazebos or pergolas.
• Your home’s worth may increase if you have a backyard.
• Your pets have more room to play and exercise. 

3. What is a good size backyard for a basketball court?

There are three standards for a basketball court:

• Small: 18 x 18 feet
• Medium: 37 x 42 feet
• Large: 47 x 50 feet

The most popular choice is, however, 30 x 50. Please note that the court should only take up no more than 25 to 30% of the total yard area. 

Conclusion 

The average size for backyards is around 10,871 square feet. This figure varies depending on where you live. If you feel your yard is too small, make it look more spacious with the recommended tips.