Garden Decking Ideas London

Before you make choices about the style and design of your decked area, it is important to consider what you will use this space for. These uses will help determine which decking design is right for your requirements.

Dining Area: If you want to entertain friends over the weekend and dine alfresco with your family during the week, you should consider placing the decking near the house or patio doors. This will make it easier when you are bringing food from the kitchen. Please allow ample room for a garden table and enough chairs for your guests. An overhead canopy structure is recommended for hot days and an outside heater to enjoy this space all year round.

Kid’s Play Area: If you want somewhere clean and safe for the children to play, consider non-slip materials and safety railings. Place the decking where you have a good view from the house. An overhead canopy is advisable for hot days.

Sun Bathing Area: Position the deck to maximise the best sunshine.  Consider a temporary canopy cover, which you can remove if needed.

Plant Growing Area: If you would like an area for growing container plants, please determine if these like shade or sun and position the deck accordingly. Ensure the hose pipe will reach your decked area if you want to water the plants easily.

Entertainment Deck with Overhead Sun Shade

Decking sizes and shapes vary depending on your budget and design requirements.

Small Gardens: If you have a small garden, you may wish to deck the entire area, which could include a built-in barbecue and seating.

Large Gardens: A large garden would be costly and unattractive to fill with a deck, so an entertainment area situated close to the house is ideal. If your budget allows, you could add a second spot where you can enjoy the evening sun.

Shapes: The shape of your decking depends on the style of your house and garden. If you like contemporary design, go for sharp angles. If your garden requires softening, you could use a wavy or curvy shape instead.

Contemporary Decking Design

Decking materials range from softwood to hardwood and composite materials. Wood can be stained or painted and needs maintenance, whereas composite materials require little maintenance. However, some may think they look less appealing than natural wood.

Softwood: This wood is from gymnosperm trees that grow fast, like pine or spruce. These are more environmentally friendly and often cheaper.

Hardwood: From angiosperm trees, which are slow-growing like oak. These are slower to grow, making them more expensive and less environmentally friendly. However, you can ask for responsibly sourced timber.

Composite: Made from recycled wood fibres and plastic, composite is hard-wearing and cost-effective. It comes in a range of colours.

Planks and Tiles: Decking comes in either plank or tile format. These can be smooth or grooved, and anti-slip formats are also available, which is excellent when children, pets, and seniors are in the garden.

Decking Tiles

There are many additional decking fittings, including railings, steps, overhead structures and lighting.

Balustrades: If you have a raised deck, you should consider railings and handrails for safety. This is especially advisable if you have children.

Steps: Raised decked areas may require steps which can also be made out of the same material for a cohesive look.

Shade: You can incorporate an overhead pergola cover on which you can grow vines. Or perhaps you could incorporate a temporary cover like a sun shade or sun sail that can be removed if necessary.

Lights: If you intend to use your garden and decked area at night, you may wish to add lights to the surrounding or step areas.

Slightly Raised Decking with Two Levels and Overhead Structure

It is important to consider landscaping which complements the decking.

Planting: If you want to soften the decking, you can introduce planting close by, such as flowers or shrubs. Alternatively, you could have your lawn side by side with the deck. Decking can often look bare so that you might consider container or potted plants.

Hard Materials: If you prefer a low-maintenance garden, you might combine your decking with additional hard materials like paving or gravel. This can be interesting if you introduce shapes like curves to soften the appearance. You can incorporate a few hardy shrubs and plants for colour.

Hard Landscaping Materials Combined with Decking