Garden Decking Ideas: Make the Most of the Outside This Summer

A decking area would be a fantastic addition to any garden, offering a stylish, comfortable space for socialising and entertaining guests. Whether you’re relaxing after a long day at work, spending time with the kids, or laughing around a barbecue, decking truly brings so much to the table.

Down on the Ground or up on the Roof?

Although a less common option, a roof deck can be a fantastic alternative to a decking area in the garden. Especially if you have an unused flat roof area or if you lack the space for a large enough deck in your back garden. A roof deck provides many of the same benefits as a garden deck, but with added privacy and more options for that personal touch. Perfect as a private area that could form a glamorous extension to a master bedroom.

If you’re going to invest in a roof deck, we’d recommend using aluminium decking. This hyper modern alternative to timber or composite materials is ideal for roof areas due to its light weight and specialised design. The only caveat with a roof deck is that it will require a little more forethought than a garden deck, as the structure must be able to handle the weight of the decking boards as well as any footfall.

No matter which sort of decking area you add to your property, you can stay safe in the knowledge that it will add tremendous value to your home.

What’s the Best Decking Material?

The two primary choices are timber decking, and composite decking. Real timber has long been favoured as a garden decking material for its premium factor, and gorgeous natural aesthetic. Robust, and treated to resist moisture, these decking boards will look fantastic in any garden. However, over time, a decking area made from real wood will require maintenance to keep it looking its best, and to avoid rot or other issues. This is where composite decking comes in. Made from a mixture of recycled plastic and wood, composite decking boards boast a near-identical appearance with a fraction of the need for upkeep. They will also require no sanding or treating before installation.

Learn more: Composite Decking vs Timber Decking

Tips for A Better-Looking Deck

Choosing your location and material is just the first step to an elegant deck. Below we’ve listed out a few ideas to get your creative gears turning.

Shape and Height

No one ever said your deck had to be level and square. Making use of varying heights and shapes can help not only in creating a bespoke personal design but can also be a way to make the most efficient use of the space available to you.

A raised deck is particularly ideal when dealing with a sloped garden and can aid in achieving a flat surface. Raise it high enough and you can even create enough space underneath for some additional garden storage.

You should also think about whether you want a straight edge of curved finish. Straight edges are more traditional and typically easier to construct, likely a better choice for new DIYers. Whereas as curved or semi-circles designs provide a smarter look and feel and are great when the decking abuts grass or gravel, when you want to your deck to be part of a the wider garden design.

Lighting

The best way to add a bit of atmosphere to a calm evening in, fitting lighting with a specific visual purpose can really take your decking to the next level. The simplest way to achieve this is by installing Shepard hook poles at either side of the decking and winding outdoor fairy lights between them.

Alternatively, if you have steps or raised decking you could make use of recessed lights. These can fit directly into your decking boards and can really allow decking to stand out from the rest of the garden. For the eco-savvy out there, these lights can also be solar powered, eliminating the needs for a mains connection.

 

Add some Colour

Without a personal touch, decking can often leave a lot to be desired. Dull coloured boards will often blend into the background of your garden, making your decking seem like more of an afterthought rather than the warm and welcoming space it could be. A cheap and easy way to remedy this is to add a bit of colour and what could be better than some beautiful plants.

There is something to be said for evergreens here. As the name suggests these are plants that can maintain their bright and colourful appearance all year round. Incorporating a few of these will not only seriously boost your decks aesthetic but will also allow you to leave a unique mark that can really make the decking your own.

Furnishing

The final touch to any new living space, a good set of furniture can transform a simple wooden platform into a space to celebrate. For those looking to really impress, we would suggest furnishing your deck in a similar style to your house. This works a treat if you plan to have a set of French or bi-folding doors leading out as the decking will be able to act as an extension to a living room or kitchen. Purchasing accessories that match the key colours of your home, such as pillows or waterproof rugs, is another great tip to make this extension even more seamless. Not to mention more comfortable.

That being said, with the decking boards, lighting and plants we are all to aware that the price tag can start to get pretty hefty at this point. Not to worry though, for an economical and laid-back vibe Marketplace and Freecycle both offer fantastically affordable tables and chairs that can help you create a fresh and distinctive layout.

Next Steps

With your next decking project fresh in your mind, now is the perfect time to start planning. Mark out the space in your garden of roof, order some lovely potted plants and take the time to browse some decking boards so that you can find what’s right for you and your home. With the above in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a deck that will make all your neighbours green with envy.