With summer on the horizon, there's never been a better time to start brainstorming garden decking ideas.
Whether you're thinking about laying decking in your garden for the first time or hoping to give your existing deck a spruce, there are countless ways to design and customise this popular hard landscaping feature.
These are our favourite garden decking ideas right now.
1. Create a cosy retreat
Whether you're looking for courtyard garden ideas or ways to spruce up a tiny terrace, you can create a lush garden retreat by combining plants and garden decking. It's a brilliant option for small gardens.
'Having a small garden can actually work in your favour when creating a cosy retreat with decking,' says Simon from Armstrong Cheshire. 'Surrounding the space with a mix of plants in different shapes and sizes helps form a private, tranquil nook, almost like your own little holiday escape.'
Simon also recommends experimenting with garden trellis ideas and other garden screening ideas to tuck the space away.
'Even designing the decking to flow around flowerbeds and raised planters enhances the lush, secluded feel, making it the perfect spot to unwind,' he adds.
2. Carve out a corner for a floating deck
If you've got a free corner, consider building a floating deck to add height and interest to your garden. It's one of the best garden decking ideas if you're searching for ways to make a small garden feel bigger.
'A floating deck brings a sense of openness to your garden, making it feel more expansive whilst also creating a stylish, modern feature,' says Simon from Armstrong Cheshire.
If you're looking for small garden storage ideas, a floating deck is a brilliant way to make the most of your space, as it can double up as a storage feature.
3. Build in seating
We've already spoken about floating decking as one of the best small garden decking ideas, but you can integrate storage and seating within your decked area, too.
'Built-in benches provide comfortable seating without taking up additional space for furniture, keeping the area uncluttered,' says Richard King, owner and decking expert at Dino Decking.
'Add benches with integrated storage compartments to store garden tools, cushions or accessories and keep them protected during colder months. This solution is practical and keeps your decking tidy.'
For standalone storage furniture, the Keter Eden Bench 265L Outdoor Garden Storage Box is highly rated at Argos.
4. Go for composite decking
If you're trying to choose between wood decking and composite decking, you might find a wider choice of colours and styles in the latter. It's made from a mixture of wood and plastic fibres, and it's far more durable than timber.
'Composite decking comes in a variety of colours – from classic browns to contemporary greys – so you can mix shades and create patterns within the main field of the deck, or a border around the outside,' says Lee Heitzman, UK and Ireland market manager for composite decking brand Trex.
'This adds depth and dimension and can be used to complement your planting scheme or overall outdoor aesthetic.'
5. Bring the indoors out
The best garden decking ideas seamlessly integrate the inside and the outside of the home, and you can get really creative by matching patterns between the two.
''For example, one of our TrexPro installers recently created a deck with a herringbone design to replicate the herringbone flooring in the homeowner’s kitchen,' explains Lee. 'This enabled a beautiful flow out into the garden and connected the two spaces really well.'
6. Experiment with stains
Try staining your decking to change the colour of the wood while protecting it from the elements.
'Decking stains are more opaque than paint and are designed to colour and protect your deck while allowing the natural grain of the wood to still shine through', says Jimmy Englezos, woodcare expert at Ronseal. 'It gives a semi-transparent finish with a subtle sheen that helps to highlight the beauty of your wood.'
You'll find decking stains in an array of colours, and besides cleaning your decking, they're a brilliant way to give the decks a refresh (and weatherproof them at the same time!). Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain is available at Amazon.
7. Oil for a classic look
Another easy way to enhance the natural look of wood decking is by using decking oil.
'Decking oil nourishes and protects wooden decks from weather damage, fading UV rays, mildew, mould and excess moisture,' says Jimmy. 'It nourishes the wood to give it a natural finish that highlights its unique grain.
'Decking oil is ideal for those who want to show off the original beauty of their deck without masking it with an opaque colour. Natural tones like teak and dark oak can create a classic, clean and timeless look which won’t go out of fashion.'
You can buy Ronseal Ultimate Decking Oil from B&Q.
Decking must-haves
Give your wood decking a new lease of life with this protective decking oil.
Put safety first while adding colour to your decking with Cuprinol's Anti-Slip Decking Stain.
A top-rated wood and patio cleaner that removes algae, too.
8. Correct a sloped area
Having a sloped garden can make landscaping difficult, but decking can be a great tool for correcting uneven ground.
'Decking is one of the most cost-effective and useful ways to level out a slope in a garden and make it more usable,' says Simon from Armstrong Cheshire. 'Sloped gardens can reduce the amount of functional space, but a decking area can change that.'
Clever sloped garden ideas include elevated decking, which incorporates stairs to create a level space, or tiered decking for a more gentle slope.
9. Add balustrades
Decking balustrades are sold in a variety of styles and sizes. Decking railing can be used to section off areas of decking, for decorative purposes, or to frame the entire deck.
'Balustrades can be used to create different sections within your decking – for example, separating a dining area from a lounging area,' says Gary Jarman, building expert and director at Building Shop. 'Taller balustrades can be used alongside privacy screens to shield your decking area from neighbours.'
Plus, there are plenty of ways you can decorate balustrades to add ambience to your decking area. 'It's easy to attach lighting like festoons to balustrades,' Gary says. 'You could also incorporate planters or fast-growing climbing plants.'
This Core Deck Treated Decking Balustrade Basic Kit from B&Q is a great place to start.
10. Use spare deck boards as edging
Enhance your garden's coordination game by using spare deck boards as part of your garden edging ideas. The boards can be used to line borders or edge flower beds, all while matching your decking area.
'While some decking may be too thick to use for edging, thinner pieces will work well,' says Gary from Building Shop. 'Wood is a popular choice for edging as it's strong, sturdy and looks high quality.'
If you've already sorted your garden edging, there are plenty of other ways you can put spare deck boards to use.
'Decking boards can be used to build raised garden beds or as stylish planters to elevate your outdoor space,' says Glenn Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades.
11. Mix it up with paving
If you can't decide between a patio and decking, why not have both? The combination is a great modern garden idea, especially if you've got both materials to hand.
'This look is becoming increasingly popular as it creates an easy-to-maintain but unique space,' says Simon from Armstrong Cheshire. 'Each of the surfaces not only allows for different activities but also helps zone your garden and increase the visual size of your space.'
Going for light flagstones with dark decking can look particularly striking, but experiment with different colours to get the right look for your garden.
12. Choose lighting wisely
The best garden lighting ideas combine style with practicality, and it's important to keep this in mind when brainstorming ways to illuminate your decking ideas.
'Outdoor wall lights such as spotlights can transform your decking area through different periods of the day – transforming your space from a practical family space in the daytime to a romantic, ambient evening space after dark,' says Rob Chadwick, outdoor lighting expert at CGC Interiors. 'Spotlights can also draw attention to specific items such as plants or furniture.'
Decking lights have a practical purpose, too. 'Use spotlights to illuminate steps and railings to avoid trips and falls,' says Rob. 'Plus, motion sensor outdoor lighting can deter potential burglars.'
You can buy decking lights from B&Q.
13. Add a vertical feature
Adding a vertical feature like a pergola or trellis to your decking area can help enclose the space, creating a sanctuary from the day's heat and a cosy nook in the evening.
With countless trellis ideas and pergola ideas to choose from, there are various styles you can use to add height to your outdoor space. Try the MyGarden Arched Freestanding Wooden Trellis from Amazon to section off areas of your decking.
Once you know how to train wisteria and other plants along pergolas, trellises and similar structures, you can add even more interest to your garden (especially during spring when the blooms are on full display).
14. Make room for wildlife
There are so many wildlife garden ideas that can be applied to decking. You could border off a section for a pond to attract frogs and toads to your garden, or you could add a bird bath or feeding table to a raised section of decking.
'To attract wildlife, consider planting a variety of native species around the decking area,' says Murray Michel, gardening maintenance and decking expert at Clear Amber. 'These plants can include flowering species that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as shrubs that provide shelter for small birds.'
If you're planning on adding a garden pond to your decking area, try adding pebbles to the edges to create a graduated effect and blend the feature into your decking. Buying a pre-formed pond liner like the Pisces Naples Large Pre-Formed Pond Liner, which you can grab at Amazon, can make installation easier.
15. Surround your decking with plants
If you want to soften your garden decking ideas, plants and flowers will make your decking feel more connected to the rest of your garden. If your decking gets a lot of direct sun and you want to create some shade, small trees are a more natural covered deck idea.
If you don't have space for planting around your decking, you can use small container garden ideas like potted succulents and herbs for greenery. The Mexican sunflower provides a pop of bright orange, while the Philadelphus shrub provides a beautiful surround for your decking with pure white flowers and a heavy scent that's perfect for lazing about on your decking.
16. Mix things up with a curved edge
When considering how to plan a garden, curved decking allows you to work around awkward angles and corners. Semi-circle decking looks especially good in a garden with an L-shape, creating a special area to entertain and for alfresco dining.
A curved deck is also handy if you want to create a sociable seating area, allowing everyone to face each other during gatherings.
17. Keep it minimalist with light tones
Light-toned decking reflects light beautifully and creates the illusion of a larger space. It's perfect for creating a sophisticated scheme, providing the perfect backdrop to brightly coloured plants and flowers, and making the bolder furniture in your garden pop.
The only thing to watch out for if you go for light-toned decking is dirt and grime, which show up more easily and will need to be cleaned more regularly. However, considering how chic it looks, we think it's worth the extra TLC.
18. Take it up a level
For those with a raised garden, a good way to connect the lawn area with the patio is to continue decking boards onto a low wall that separates the space. It creates a sense of cohesion, too.
This will give a more coherent look and is especially good in small spaces. You might need deck railings for safety, depending on the height.
19. Continue the decking onto steps
Likewise, you could also extend your decking onto your steps. Simply build your outdoor steps in the same timber or composite as the decking you're using on the terraced area. This works especially well for gardens that sit lower than your house or other parts of the property.
Steps are notoriously slippery in wet weather, so make sure you choose an anti-slip material and clean the area regularly to keep natural woods free from algae or moss.
20. Add a brick border
Clearly zone your decking area by adding a brick border. Just like patio edging ideas, it's wise to think practically and use paving or bricks as they can typically be cleaned using similar products to the decking.
Flowerbeds make pretty borders, too, but make sure you leave enough gaps for people to move easily between zones without trampling any of your blooms.
21. Zone dedicated garden areas
Zoning our outdoor spaces is a way of making our gardens reflect how we live indoors, an outdoor living room idea of sorts. Using different outdoor flooring helps give each area of the garden a sense of purpose.
A dedicated dining area will benefit from easy-clean decking, for example, while a children's area is best suited to the lawn to cushion play.
22. Add a decking area to a garden room
Frame a garden room with garden decking ideas by laying decks around the perimeter. The area provides a space to sit outside, an extension of the living space.
Line this compact decking area with simple yet thoughtful planted borders, like the lavender in the image above, that separate the decking and the garden room from the rest of the garden. Don't forget to complete the look with dramatic outdoor lighting for a decked space that stays stylish after dusk.
23. Build-in an easy care succulent garden
Keep your decking looking fresh and modern by swapping a cluster of plant pots on the decking for a built-in succulent patch.
Not only will it make a striking centrepiece for your garden decking ideas, but they are also incredibly easy to look after.
As long as they are planted into a lightweight succulent soil mix like Miracle Gro's Premium Cactus Succulent Compost from Amazon, all they will need is a little watering during the hotter months.
24. Cover your decking with a glazed pergola
A glazed pergola on the deck provides an alfresco entertaining area that can be used whatever the weather. We find spaces like this especially inviting during the rain with the soothing sound of raindrops hitting the glass.
A well-designed covered decking area or roof terrace can offer year-round use of the space. Statement garden furniture, coupled with cushions and throws, will make the outside as comfortable as your interior rooms.
25. Make your decking weatherproof with an anti-slip treatment
Decking plus rain can equal danger, so it's wise to treat your decking with an anti-slip stain. A sail canopy will also keep some of the rain off, but Cuprinol's Anti-Slip Decking Stain, available at Amazon, will do a better job of slip-proofing your surface while giving your decking a fresh new colour.
'Using grooved timber decking boards also offers slip resistance, which is essential if using decking in the colder, wetter months,' says Leigh Barnes from Jacksons Fencing.
26. Lay a boardwalk
Use decking to create a walkway through your garden for a solid garden path idea.
The boardwalk style will offer even more of a seaside feel when nestled into a bed of white pebbles, which also helps to keep weeds at bay. The white creates a striking contrast with wooden decks, too, as you can see in the image above.
27. Build a decked bar area
Level up your garden bar ideas with this stylish decking solution. Let your bar take pride of place in the garden by situating it on a raised decked platform.
Including outdoor lighting as part of the decking setup will add ambience to an outdoor bar area. It's also a good idea to lay a rug under the bar stools so there's a grippy surface to step onto after a couple of cocktails!
28. Paint raised beds white in contrast
Raised flower beds will add interest to the centre of decking, but they'll look even more striking painted white against the colour of the boards.
It creates a monochromatic garden scheme, which is one of our favourite garden paint ideas.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to create decking?
Adding decking to your garden may seem daunting, but there are ways to make the process cheaper.
'Don't over-buy materials,' says Simon Wardle from Armstrong Cheshire. 'Measure your space and use an online calculator to order the perfect number of boards.
'Also, try to use pressure-treated timber. Although this requires more regular care (often every summer), it can be the most cost-effective way to install a deck this summer. If you're going to work with a tradesperson rather than self-install, scheduling work in early spring or later in the summer can afford significant labour savings, which is often the bulk of home improvement costs.'
What is a cheap alternative to decking?
If you'd rather skip decking in favour of something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of paving slab alternatives you can try to hard landscape a space without breaking the bank, like gravel and reclaimed railway sleepers.
Which garden decking ideas will you be trying out this year?
