If you're looking to extend your living area into the garden, decking is a creative way to do it. Endless garden decking ideas mean you can shape your garden into the perfect space for socialisation and relaxation.
Not only is decking a versatile landscaping idea, it can also be used to section your garden off into areas for different purposes – be it a wildlife corner, an alfresco dining area, or a space for entertaining guests.
Even if your decking is a little old and worn, there are countless ways you can spruce it up. 'Most tired-looking decks can easily be transformed with a little bit of work and some dedicated treatment,' says Jimmy Englezos, senior brand manager for Ronseal.
Garden decking ideas
No matter what type of decking you have, there are various garden decking ideas to take inspiration from.
The two most popular decking materials are timber and composite. Check that your timber is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, so you know it’s come from a sustainably managed forest. Composite decking is a combination of resin and reclaimed wood fibres and, being UV-stable, it won't fade like natural wood.
We've asked the experts for their best garden decking ideas to give you plenty of inspiration this summer.
1. 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, senior brand manager from Ronseal. 'It gives a semi-transparent finish with a subtle sheen that helps to highlight the beauty of your wood.
'Decking stains come in a variety of colours and tones so you can create a personalised look for your outdoor space. Dark colours like charcoal grey help give decking a modern look whilst making your furniture items and accessories pop and stand out more.'
2. 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.'
Decking must-haves
Give your wood decking a new lease of life with this protective decking oil.
Add sophisticated railings to your decking area with this basic kit.
Put safety first while adding colour to your decking with Cuprinol's Anti-Slip Decking Stain.
3. Make room for wildlife
The nature of decking is that it can be shaped and styled strategically to accommodate different areas, so why not allocate some space for wildlife?
There are so many wildlife garden ideas that can be applied to decking to transform your outdoor space into a haven – 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 pond to your decking area, try adding pebbles to the edges to create a graduating effect — it'll help blend the feature in with 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.
4. Surround your decking with plants
If you want to soften your decking and break it up with something more natural, plants and flowers are eye-catching options which make great decking decoration ideas. Adding planting 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 clever alternative to a garden parasol.
Those with a small garden idea who may not have space for planting around any decking can use potted succulents and herbs for greenery and the Mexican sunflower is a great flower to give a pop of bright orange. The Philadelphus shrub provides a beautiful surround for your decking with pure white flowers and a heavy scent perfect for breathing in while lazing about on your decking.
If you already have established plants in the area you want to place your garden decking ideas, make a feature of it and build the deck around it.
5. Go vertical
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 to choose from, you can tailor the feature to the style of your outdoor space. Try the MyGarden Arched Freestanding Wooden Trellis 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.
6. Embrace the moon garden trend
The moon garden trend is all about tailoring your garden so it can be enjoyed when the sun goes down. It involves adding white to your garden in various ways, from painting your decking white to introducing plants with white blooms.
Try painting your decking white and coordinating your planting to match — think fragrant jasmine and the aptly named moonflower. These elements will catch the moonlight and illuminate your garden after dark.
There are benefits to adding a splash of white to your decking in the daytime, too — especially while the weather is hot.
'Whitewash stains and paints give decking, walls and fences a welcomed cooling effect whilst providing plenty of protection from the weather,' says Owen Wright from Ronseal. Try the Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain in White Wash from Homebase to get the look.
7. Keep things cosy with a fire pit
Decking is often used as a space to gather and socialise so why not make it even more enticing with one of the best fire pits to keep everyone warm and cosy? A fire pit can be used all year round, providing a captivating feature during summer parties. Plus. there are plenty of affordable yet expensive-looking options, like the Hoole Cast Iron Lightweight Fire Pit from Gardenesque.
Decking is often the spot in the garden for alfresco dining, so make use of the fire pit to create an outdoor grill. This will turn your garden decking ideas into the new go-to dining spot, perhaps even rivalling the summer barbeque.
Just remember to keep safety in mind. 'Use a protective layer between the deck and the firepit itself,' advises DIY safety experts from Saxton Blades. 'Putting your firepit or fire bowl directly on your decking can cause scorch marks – or worse, a fire. Make sure this is large enough to protect from any flames or ash that fly out.'
Keep everyone safe by keeping the fire pit away from overhanging structures or trees.
8. Adjust the laying pattern
You can make a bold statement with your garden decking ideas purely by experimenting with the laying pattern to create a unique design. A chevron pattern creates a sense of movement and length, ideal for making a small garden look bigger.
‘You can lay your decking boards in several different configurations to create an interesting type of effect,' says Fiona Jenkins, gardening expert at MyJobQuote.
'For example, you may choose to lay your boards in a horizontal design, a diagonal design, a zig-zig style, or a picture frame design. If you want to create an interesting and eye-catching appearance, consider going for something a little bit different.’
‘Alternatively, you may consider opting for deck tiles rather than decking boards for a completely different and unique design. Line up your decking tiles if you want to achieve a horizontal design, or go for an eye-catching checkerboard-style effect by aligning vertical and horizontal deck tiles.’
Deck inlays are another great way to add patterns to your decking. “Deck inlays – a pattern within the deck field itself – add focus, depth and dimension, says Lee Heitzman, UK and Ireland market manager for Trex. 'They enable you to put your unique stamp on your garden and you can create almost anything you want – from complex geometric shapes to simple, curved lines.'
9. Mix things up with a curved edge
‘Decks with straight edges are easier to construct than decking areas with curved edges. However, decks with curved edges can help to create a much softer finish to the overall garden design. Curved decks look great when combined with grass, gravel, or bark against the curved edge,’ says Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote.
When considering how to plan a garden, curved decking allows you to work around awkward angles and will fit snugly in corners or the centre of the garden. A semi-circle decking looks especially good in a garden with an L shape, creating a special area to entertain and for alfresco dining.
However, there is still room for a grassy area, ideal if you have children who want to run up and down. A curved deck is also handy if you want to make it a sociable seating area, allowing everyone to face each other so no one feels left out.
10. Keep it minimalist with light tones
If you want your decking to reflect your modern garden ideas, using light-coloured tones is perfect for creating a sophisticated scheme. Using a light colour for your garden decking ideas will keep light bouncing around the garden and create the illusion of a larger space. Going for a neutral colour scheme will provide the perfect backdrop to brightly coloured plants and flowers, making the other colours in your garden pop.
Light-toned decking reflects light beautifully so works well with candles and soft lighting to create an elegant area in your garden. Be aware if you go for light-toned decking it will show dirt and grime more so will need to be cleaned more regularly. However, considering how chic it looks, we think it is worth the extra cleaning.
11. Use low-maintenance decking for a low-maintenance garden
For an effortless outdoor space that doesn’t require endless hours of mowing the grass, decking is perfect for those who aren’t the most green-fingered. To make sure your decking is actually low maintenance for your easy garden ideas consider the material you use. Composite decking is a great long-lasting option that is especially suited to high-traffic areas because it remains free of cracks and splinters.
You can take it one step further with an all-plastic deck which will protect you from the rot and decay that can plague timber decking if not maintained properly.
Composite and plastic decking have the advantage of not needing to keep up with painting, staining or re-sealing which contributes to its low-maintenance features.
Covering an area of your garden with decking will ensure that your garden is always summer-ready and requires little work to make it fit for family and guests.
12. Use it within a sloped garden
Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote says, ‘A raised decking area is a great option for gardens with slopes or uneven areas as the decking can create a flat surface where you can place a seating or dining area. If you build a tall enough frame, you may even be able to use the space underneath the decking for garden storage.’
If your garden has a particularly steep slope don’t see it as a problem, instead using decking to turn it into a focal point. The decking can be cantilevered extending the amount of usable space you have past the support posts, plus the decking will have the beautiful illusion that it’s floating.
Other garden decking ideas for sloped garden ideas are elevated decking which incorporates stairs to create a level space or tiered decking for a more gentle slope.
13. Opt for decking around a pool
If you are lucky enough to have a pool or hot tub decking idea in your garden with the UK weather, you need a sturdy and practical surround that also looks nice. If you want to channel a naturalistic feel to your pool ideas, timber is a beautiful material for a rich colour with depth.
Good quality wood needs to be used such as teak or exotic hardwood which would raise the price of your decking. However, if you want a decking option that won’t need to be treated for extra water protection, composite decking is the way forward.
‘Composite decking’s high slip-resistant and water-resistant nature make it the perfect flooring to have by hot tubs and around outdoor pools.’ says Aidan Bell, co-founder of EnviroBuild.
The plastic polymers coat the wood fibres to make the decking resistant to rotting and warping. If you like the look of real wood grain, worry not because many composite decking now can look just as real as traditional wood.
14. Team natural timber with a painted seating area
Natural timber always looks lovely in a garden and pressure-treated softwood is available as smooth or grooved board options. Smooth decking resembles floorboards so it's a good choice if that's what you have in your home and you'd like a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Be sure of the correct way to lay decking boards before you get started.
If you have a wooden fence and timber furniture as well as decking it can tend to look a bit 'woody'. To prevent this from happening paint your fence and outdoor furniture in a fresh palette such as white and green to complement the decking and blend easily with your planting. A dash of Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint in Willow will give your seating area an eye-catching boost while providing a layer of protection.
To ensure your paint finish looks as good as it possibly can, make sure to do your homework when it comes to how to paint decking.
15. Get creative with a stencil
Not mad about the colour of the decking you've had laid now it's down or want to enhance existing boards? Give it a luxurious look with rich dark oil to offset colourful furniture choices. Even better if the dark finish contrasts with your home's exterior, as both will stand out more.
Dark, muted decking also allows the vibrant surroundings to steal the show – so if you want people to focus on the lushness of your garden, it's the way to go.
16. Create a cabin style
An enclosed and covered deck idea is a great spot to relax and unwind. There's some protection from the sun's harsh rays yet you still get to enjoy the outdoors. So give it a private hideaway cabin feel by mixing warm-toned timber decking on the floor with cooler toned grey painted shiplap cladding on the exterior walls.
Furnish with monochrome pieces and rustic accessories to complement the natural tones and add lighting, so you can stay out after dusk.
17. Take it onto the walls
For those with a raised garden, a good way to connect the lawn area with the patio is to continue decking boards onto the low wall that separates the space, as well as for a garden path. This will give a more coherent look and is especially good in small spaces. Consider whether you might want a deck railing idea for safety, depending on the height.
'To aid drainage for rainwater, both timber and composite deck boards should be fitted with a (slight) positive fall and if grooved, the grooves should be fitted in the direction of the fall to avoid the potential for standing water,' says Janet Sycamore director of operations at Timber Decking Cladding Association. 'Always check the fitting instructions from the manufacturer and install accordingly.'
18. Have fun with folk style
White walls and floors give you the freedom to decorate a space in whatever way you like. Have fun with folk style to bring a summer festival feel to your deck with colourful clashing cushions, patterned rugs and an abundance of floral decorations.
Of course, to keep it looking fresh, white painted decking will need regular cleaning and touch-ups.
'Spills on any decking should be cleaned up quickly and if there is potential for staining to occur, use the recommended cleaning product,' says Janet Sycamore from TDCA. 'If a protective finish has been applied to the deck, then this should be reapplied in line with the supplier’s or manufacturer’s guidance.'
19. Go for a country garden theme
For a natural look, UK-grown hardwoods such as Oak or Sweet Chestnut will offer traditional quality, durability and authentic country style. Then all you need to add is plenty of planters filled with meadow flowers and a couple of sun chairs.
'Oak and Sweet Chestnut will weather naturally into silver and greys,' says Russell Bowlby, founder of UK Hardwood Decking. ‘These UK-grown hardwoods are durable timbers that will withstand the elements in excess of 30 years without negatively impacting the environment, assuming they're appropriately installed and maintained with periodic cleaning.
‘They're locally grown which reduces the harmful effects of transport, and treatment-free, so won’t leach harmful chemicals. Unlike treated softwood, they do not become slippery and green, as the timber cellular structure does not absorb excess water, thereby limiting algae growth.'
20. Add floor lights
When the sun goes down, the party starts, so make sure you can see where you're going, especially if any part of your decking is raised.
If that's the case have garden solar lighting ideas fitted into the vertical part of the step. There's no wiring involved, so they're easy to fit. They will simply be charged by the energy of the sun during the day. Then after sunset, a sensor in the the lamp will register the lack of sunlight and the LED light will switch on.
21. Continue the decking onto steps
Not every home is built level with the outdoor space, so consider integrating the steps with your scheme. Simply build you outdoor steps in the same timber or composite as the decking you're using on the terrace area.
Steps are notoriously slippy in inclement weather, so make sure to choose an anti-slip material and clean the area regularly to keep natural woods free from algae or moss.
22. Colour match to your house exterior
Make a statement by painting your decking to match the colour of your home.
'When repainting a decking area, preparing your surface is really important to enable you to get the best finish,' advises Will Thompson, head of product marketing at Valspar Paint. 'First, clear away all items such as plant pots. Then remove any loose or flaking with paint stripper or by sanding. Then clean your decking with a stiff bristled brush or broom.'
'Holes or cracks in the wood can be easily repaired with a wood filler. Once the filler is dry, use sandpaper to sand down the whole surface. To remove the leftover dust and give the whole deck a final clean, wipe it with a decking cleaner and let it dry. If you notice spots of bare wood after removing flaking paint, or if you’re drastically changing the colour (for example, going from a dark shade to a lighter one), you will need to apply a primer and undercoat first.'
'Once this is dry, it’s time to give your decking a new colourful life. For painting choose the application method that better suits your need among a paint roller or a decking pad. They will both deliver a uniform yet vivid coat of paint. On the other hand, keep brushes for painting in restricted spots.'
23. Add a brick border
Make your decking area into even more of a visibly zoned space by adding a 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 substances 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.
24. Zone dedicated garden areas
Zoning our outdoor spaces is a popular way to make a garden reflect how we live indoors, an outdoor living room idea of sorts. Using two different flooring choices helps the give the garden a sense of purpose, a clear indication of a different zones.
A dedicated dining area benefits from an easy clean decking, a play area lends itself to be on a lawn to cushion play and a relaxation zone complete with fire pit is most suitably finished with paving slabs.
25. Add a decking area to a garden room
Create a dedicated outdoor area for a garden room by laying a decking area beyond the retracting doors. The frontage provides a space to sit outside, making it an extensive of the extra living space.
Frame the compact decking area with simple yet thoughtful planted borders, that separate the decking and the structure from the remaining garden. Don't forget to complete the effect with dramatic garden lighting ideas for the perfect decked garden that will work well into the evening.
26. Carve out a cooking area with raised decking
Give an outdoor cooking area it's own raised decking, to add a signify a dedicated outdoor kitchen zone. The use of wooden flooring helps add an indoor style element to an outdoor kitchen idea.
Also from a practical point of view a wooden decking can be easily washed down and is less likely to be damaged as a result of kitchen accidents with dropped plates and more.
27. Echo the aesthetics of a modern extension
More than purely practical, decking can decoratively echo designs that feature throughout the decor. If your home features large glazed panels or windows at the back, link the decking with interior choices.
Think matching wood colour or style to kitchen cabinetry, your flooring or even your furniture.
28. Keep small spaces co-ordinated
When planning grassless garden ideas, like a small courtyard or balcony garden idea, it's best to keep the look uniform to avoid overwhelming the space with different colours and textures.
Choose a matching decking stain and fencing. While the planks don't have to be the same in terms of finish, the uniformed colour alone will be enough to create a seamless flow in the design.
29. Stage an area dedicated to entertaining
Choose a hearty composite decking to provide a protective area on top of a patio, perfect for entertaining and garden party ideas. The Ecodek Heritage composite deck kit provides an instant, stylish area that is quick and easy to build.
'Made of a wood & plastic composite, it's designed to have the look and feel of natural timber with the additional benefits of a material that will not stain, warp, split or flake, has minimal fade and is easy to maintain,' say the experts at Forest Garden.
Practical and pretty, the grey finish is ideal for styling your outdoor area to perfection – matching the colour with bistro dining tables, soft furnishings and accessories.
30. 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 centre-piece to your garden decking ideas, but they are also incredibly easy to look after.
As long as they are planted into a light weight succulent soil mix like Miracle Gro's from Amazon, all they will need is a little watering during the hotter months.
31. Cover your decking with a glazed pergola
A glazed pergola idea on the deck provides an alfresco entertaining area that can be used whatever the weather – we find spaces like this especially inviting in the rain, when you can hear the soothing sound of raindrops hitting the glass. Train pot-friendly easy climbing plant ideas like honeysuckle and magnolia to cover the uprights for a heady fragrance.
A well-designed decking space or roof terrace can offer an all-year-round option. Taking your living space into the outdoors is a hot trend right now, so statement garden furniture coupled with cushions and throws will make the outside as comfortable and personalised as indoors.
32. 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 the rain off, to further limit the slipping potential of the surface.
'Using grooved timber decking boards, offers slip resistance which is essential if using decking in colder wetter months,' says Leigh Barnes from Jacksons Fencing.
33. Lay a boardwalk
Use decking to create a pathway through your garden – perhaps to a more solid decked area. This boardwalk-style garden path idea is given even more of a seaside feel with white pebbles, which help to keep weeds at bay.
The wooden decks create a striking contrast to the white pebbles and makes stepping across them much easier; a must if you like walking around barefoot.
34. Build a decked bar area
Enhance your garden bar idea with a stylish decking solution. Make your bar take pride of place by situating it on a raised decked platform.
Adding lighting as part of the decking set-up feels to add ambience to an outdoor bar area. It's also a good idea to lay a rug under bar stools so there's a grippy surface to step onto after a couple of cocktails!
35. Be bold with colour
Give a small decking area some special treatment. Block-coloured brights in various complementary hues are sure to make an impact. If you have wooden furniture you're thinking of getting rid of, a coat of paint will give it a new look and repurpose it for the garden. Do make sure to choose a weather-resistant finish, though.
A hit of bold colour is a great way to enhance small garden ideas, to make more of a statement with a tiny space.
36. Mix decking among flagstones
Get an ultra-modern look for your garden by mixing wooden decking with stone paving. The combination of materials provides interest and a contrast between the light and dark colours.
Without the lightening effect of the stone, the wood decking would look quite heavy in such a large garden. Architectural beds in the middle inject some greenery.
37. Section off your decking with railings
If you're using decking to section off a corner of the garden, adding railings will help. For a truly indoor-meets-outdoor approach, include a water-resistant rattan sofa and plenty of comfy outdoor cushions in a patchwork of bright patterns.
There is a lot of vivid colour to be found in nature, so they won't look out of place against the vibrant greens of surrounding trees.
38. Paint raised beds white in contrast
Plant raised flower beds to add interest to the centre of your decking. It avoids having a large area of open decking and also elevates the plants so that everything isn't at ground level.
Create a striking look by choosing contrasting, monochromatic colours for the beds and the decking.
39. Build matching floating stairs
Soften the hard edges of your decking with an abundance of pretty flowers and herbs that creep right up to the door.
Floating steps made out of the same material as the decking create continuity between the two levels and add a note of fun by bridging the water feature below.
40. Create a rustic look with weathered decking
Dark, weathered decking can to the rustic appeal of a garden. Choose a material that will weather well and surround the raised decking with perennials.
If you have the space, consider building in a shallow pond or other water feature idea below the decking for a truly striking garden.
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, timber decking expert, at 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 summer can afford significant labour savings, which is often the bulk of home improvement costs.'
Is it cheaper to lay a patio or decking?
If you want to revamp your outdoor space on a budget, you might be wondering what the cheapest options are. While decking is a popular option, patios are also a go-to choice for many. But which is cheaper?
'I would usually advise that a deck is cheaper than a patio, because a deck can be installed over uneven surfaces, and a composite deck can be a much easier thing to install compared to a patio,' advises Glenn Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades.
'However, it is worth considering that decking will likely need replacing sooner than a patio, despite the initial upfront cost. Even with minor repairs such as re-painting, you could enjoy up to 25 years out of a patio compared to 10-15 years out of a deck.
'However, as many people change their homes, or tastes, I would advise for the smaller upfront cost to go for the decking, and to care for it through regular cleaning and oiling (if it's wood).'
