Looking for inexpensive yet impactful ways to upgrade your outdoor space? Decking is a versatile material that can totally transform a basic patio or yard area. This article shares 12 creative decking ideas like mixing materials, adding planters and lighting, and incorporating decorative railings to maximize enjoyment of your outdoor space all season long.
Surround your decking with plants
Plants and flowers are beautiful additions that can soften the appearance of decking and connect it to the rest of the garden. Choosing shrubs, trees or potted plants gives privacy and shade. Succulents, herbs and flowers like Mexican sunflower add lovely colors.
Adjust the layering pattern
Creating interesting decking patterns like chevron, zigzag or picture frame styles makes a design statement. These patterns affect the look and perception of space. A chevron pattern makes a small space appear longer while zigzag adds visual movement.
Mix things up with a curved edge
A curved deck edge gives a softer look compared to straight lines. Building the deck around existing plants utilizes the space beautifully. Semi circular decks fit well in gardens with an L-shape for socializing or dining. Curved edges connect well to other surfaces like grass or gravel.
Keep it minimalist with light tones
Decking in light colors like white, grey or pale wood enhances the sense of space. They also help ambient lighting and candlelight glow nicely at night. When furnishing, opt for natural textures in rattan, wicker or ceramics with dress cushions in summery hues.
Use low-maintenance decking for easier garden care
Composite materials don't require sealing or painting like wood. Being water-resistant, algae or green growth is limited with composites. They come in varied grain finishes resembling natural wood. Maintenance only involves periodic sweeping for a long-lasting, hassle-free deck.
Use it within a sloped garden
Decking is ideal for sloping gardens to give a level play or dining area. It can be built in tiers with staircases for gentle slopes or extra tall with cantilevered ends on steep drops. Choose anti-slip materials like composite for safety. Under-deck space can be utilized for garden storage.
Opt for decking around a pool
Decking the pool area allows comfortable lounging and easy access to the water. Composite is the best choice as it won't crack, rot or splinter from pool chemicals and water. Teak and high-quality exotic hardwood suits those with higher budgets. Stainless steel screws are required for durability in the wet environment.
Keep things cozy with a fire pit
A central fire pit allows extending use of the deck into cooler evenings. It's a delight for roasting marshmallows or warming up with a glass of wine. Choose a fire pit design recessed into the decking surface or raised for maximum safety. Specify the location away from overhead structures.
Team natural timber with a painted seating area
Pair naturally aged timber decking with freshly painted furniture for a balanced look. Opting for a pale blue or sage green adds brightness. Consider staining the wood in complementary dark hues. Look for all-weather paint suitable for outdoor use on metal chaise loungers or a swinging egg chair.
Add floor lights
Outdoor solar lights that require no wiring are a smart choice. They charge during the day through a motion sensor to switch on at dusk. Linear led lights fitted onto the deck frame creates paths and illuminates steps for nighttime use. Colored Fairy lights wound along pergollas enhances ambience after dark.
Make your decking weatherproof with an anti-slip treatment
Stain decking boards periodically to protect from weathering and algae growth that causes slippery surfaces. Anti-slip wood stains with grip enhancers extending the life of natural wood. Consider covering part of the decking with a hardwearing outdoor rug as a safety measure.
Section off your decking with railings
Railings define different zones on large decking areas like seating, dining or bar section. Opt for sleek metal railings painted black or natural tones like wood. Glass panels give an open aesthetic. Add pots, hanging planters or hanging chairs along railings for a charming touch.
