​Easy ideas for your new garden deck

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Walthamstow Project, Tom Massey Landscape & Garden Design Tom Massey Landscape & Garden Design Jardines de estilo moderno
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Spring is on its way, and what better way to welcome it back with a fabulous new outdoor space? We are, of course, talking about a sublime patio, porch or terrace that enhances not only your home’s available legroom (even though it’s on the outside), but also your lifestyle – after all, we all know how practical a well-designed terrace can be in terms of socialising and relaxing. 

But forget about laying down some boring concrete slabs in your garden. Instead, we urge you to think bigger and better, like perhaps opting for some wooden surfaces? Since wooden floors are known to bring a certain homey feeling and charming look to a home’s indoor spaces, why not repeat it in your yard/garden with a classic wooden deck? 

Taking living areas outdoors is quite trendy at the moment (as any interior designer and landscape architect will tell you), which means a few garden furniture pieces and the accompanying decorative elements need to complement that new garden deck.

But let’s start at the beginning…

1. Decking at different levels

Faced with a sloping garden or yard? Fortunately, there exists such a thing as raised decking! Even though this can be a trickier option for us die-hard DIYers, a professional landscape designer or builder will have no trouble laying out an appropriate flat surface for your outdoor dining- and/or seating area. 

homify hint: If you build a tall enough frame on those uneven grounds, the space underneath might even be used for additional garden storage, effectively cancelling out the need for a tool shed.

2. Choosing the best shape for your garden deck

Consider all possible options for your wooden deck before settling on a final design. Just because you’ve seen hundreds of rectangular- or square-shaped decks doesn’t mean they are your only options.

While a straight-edged deck is easier to design (and can give your garden a clean, neat look), a deck with curved edges can ensure a softer finish – plus, it will complement any garden that tends to have a rougher, more natural appearance.

3. Creative combinations

Who says you’re only restricted to timber? Mixing and matching stone paving into a wooden deck can result in an interesting design, not to mention contrast between different tones and textures. 

The added lightening colours of the stone also ‘soften’ the wood, making it look not quite as heavy, especially in large gardens.

4. Your wooden deck and paint

Painting is one of the easiest (and most fun) things you can do, inside and outside your house. And just like any interior room, colour makes a huge impact in exterior gardens as well.

If you have any old wooden furniture you’re thinking of tossing, put a pause on that thought for now. How about giving them a new coat of paint instead, repurposing them for the garden? Just be sure to opt for a weather-resistant finish!

But what about painting your wooden deck itself? That’s also an option, but just remember that your deck is sure to receive heavy footfall, so be careful about the colour you choose for that flooring surface. And be sure to apply a few coats of paint so that your deck stays fresh. 

homify hint: The type of wood can affect the look of the paint. So, first do a patch test on a small piece of the same wood as your deck before painting the entire surface. And if you’re looking for colour inspiration, consider the hues already present in your garden.  

Always use paint appropriate for exterior surfaces, which can withstand moisture, and offer some protection for the wood.

5. Give your wooden deck some character

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Of course colour is just one of various ways in which your wooden deck can come to life. How about adding railings or balustrades, which will also enhance its safety factor? Even though railings can be added to ground-floor decks as well, these are more of a decorative add-on than for safety, yet are no less attractive. 

Choose from various railing kits that fit with your deck’s style, or flex those DIY muscles and design your own. 

Decking steps, depending on the height of your terrace or patio, is another great way of adding character to a deck, not to mention connect different levels of decking.

6. The comfort factor

An exterior relaxation space calls for the appropriate furnishings, and that’s where we turn to rattan furniture and water-resistant seat pads, which are just some of the options you can consider. 

Whether you opt for slim metal chairs or chunky wooden pieces, you’ll want to invest in some fluffy cushions as well, not only for a more comfortable seating space, but also as an excuse to add more colour to your deck. 

Just keep in mind how these new tones and patterns will influence the colours already present on your wooden deck, as well as your garden.

7. Lighting up your wooden deck

Even though the UK is known for its abundance of rainfall, there are times when one can spend time outdoors, even after nightfall. And these are the occasions when some garden lighting fixtures are required for your wooden deck.

Fairy lights draped over railings and/or trees; cosy lanterns placed on the deck itself; built-in decking lights… the options are quite endless! Just ensure to opt for LED lighting to ensure your new outdoor socialising space doesn’t eat too much into your electricity bill.

8. Add some plants

Want to help your new wooden deck blend in with your yard/garden? Adding plants and foliage around its perimeter is an easy way to accomplish this, which will make your decking look softer and more natural. 

Potted plants also help to break up large sections of decking. And remember that you can also add paving and gravel to keep those plants in place, which introduces some new colour and texture to your timber deck. 

Want more outdoor ideas? Then see: How to get amazing garden results with little effort.

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