Unearth Top 5 Decking Ideas For The Garden
Decking isn’t just for those blessed with abundant outdoor space, and it’s an opportunity to transform any garden into an inviting area you, your family, and your friends can enjoy. Whether a huge lawn, a tight backyard, or a difficult slope, this guide will explore some of the best decking ideas for the garden to help you make the most of your outdoor living area.
From uniquely utilising smaller space to designs that take advantage of natural slopes, and more, we’ll inspire you to maximise your garden decking, no matter the space you’re working with.
1. Bring the inside out
More than ever, homeowners are looking to extend the insides of their homes. One of the most novel ways to do this is by turning gardens into open-air living rooms, and garden decking gives you an excellent platform to define spaces effectively, without compromising on style.
You aren’t just limited to living room areas, either, and you can create various room styles in your garden with the right decking, such as:
- Add a dining room outside with a pergola and, if space permits, a large table for alfresco dining.
- Bring the comfort of the lounge outside with waterproof sofas and other soft furnishings. You might even add a fire pit if the space allows for it.
- You don’t need an expensive studio to enjoy some yoga, and garden decking can help you create a space to unwind in with some meditation. You might even squeeze a hot tub in there, depending on the size available.
Top tip: Decking that extends from the indoor flooring can help to make the transition smoother, as can matching your interior design colour choices.
In terms of materials, composite and untreated timber decking both work well for this purpose, and you can choose colours based on your interior style and maintenance preferences.
2. Create a low-maintenance entertainment zone
Entertaining in your garden is a great way to bring people together, but let’s be honest, nobody likes maintaining decking against the British elements. Unfortunately, weather can be problematic if you have a garden space designed for socialising, so low-maintenance, high-impact decking materials are a must-have.
Composite decking could be just the ticket, giving your garden decking a stylish visual appeal without the arduous upkeep. Built to resist warping, fading, and even splintering, it’s made up of recycled wood, fibres, and plastic, which makes it much stronger than traditional timber. This means it’s not only top-notch quality, but it doesn’t need staining or sealing every five minutes.
This makes it a dream for entertainers and families with parties on the mind, and barbecue area or outdoor kitchen equipment can add another element to the space.
3. Embrace the natural world with rustic decking
Not everybody wants to host a party in their garden, and many prefer a more tranquil, softer space to relax in. If this sounds like you, design your decking to blend into garden borders or wild planting zones. This creates a softer, natural look, which is perfect for curling up with a book and relaxing.
Untreated or slightly stained woods are great for these kinds of designs, and they can bring rustic charm to your outdoor space. This is excellent for traditional homes or those looking to achieve a cottage-like ambience. You can also use timber tones across fences and raised beds for added cohesion that fully delivers on the relaxing atmosphere you’re aiming for.
4. Built-in seating: one of the top decking ideas for small gardens
When space is limited, functionality is crucial. Because of this, one of the best decking ideas for small gardens is built-in, integrated seating, which can also include benches.
By establishing a clear perimeter, space can be maximised, and big furniture becomes obsolete and unnecessary. It also keeps things cohesive, creating a cleaner look for narrower and smaller areas. The space-saving doesn’t end there, either, and storage can also be incorporated underneath seats to give your small garden that extra functionality.
Top tip: Light colours are great for small garden decking and help you balance style and practicality, giving the illusion of space.
5. Tackle sloping gardens with raised decks
Not every garden is perfectly flat, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful outdoor space.
Raised decks are an excellent option for gardens that hate the spirit level, and allow you to create flat, usable spaces without expensive landscaping. They’re also growing in popularity and are fast becoming one of the most effective decking ideas for a sloped garden.
Multi-level decking can also be used to establish different zones within your decking space, from dining to outdoor working spaces, and relaxing. Steps, railings, and under-deck storage are great, too, and help you make the most of the space your slope has created, but it’s important to choose strong, pressure-treated timber for safer construction.
Key considerations before building your decking
Before you break ground, or should we say lay boards, there are some important factors to consider:
Safety
Safety is incredibly important for any decking area, so consider non-slip decking options for raised or multi-level decking. You should also consider railings and always have proper lighting to reduce the risk of falls for you, your family, or guests.
Durability
Durability is a key concern for any British garden, because of, well, the weather. So, choosing the right materials for any garden decking should be a priority. As a rule of thumb, composite decking is great for weather resistance and requires less maintenance, while timber materials can work effectively if your decking is adequately covered.
Planning permission
Most decking installations don’t need planning permission in the UK, but raised or larger decks might. Always check your local guidelines before kicking off work to be on the safe (and legal) side.
Drainage
As you’ll already know if you have a sloped garden, drainage is a massive consideration for UK homeowners. It’s also important for multi-level decks, so it’s crucial to make sure water flows away from your home to prevent water damage.
Final thoughts
Every garden deserves to fulfil its potential, and every homeowner deserves an outdoor space they can enjoy, regardless of its shape or size.
The right decking ideas for the garden will transform your space into something special, whether you want a relaxing space to unwind in or a place to entertain. All it takes is the right planning, the right materials, and a bit of creativity.
