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Wooden decking is an affordable and versatile way to give your garden a fresh look. It’s also a great choice if you just want to add a finishing touch to your outdoor space. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to go for it, here are a few reasons that might convince you:
You Don’t Have to Spend a Fortune
Wooden boards are renowned for their affordability, so you can get the decking you want even on a tight budget. A natural wood deck kit is a great option if you’re looking to keep costs down, and it’s much cheaper than patio stones.
While they may be cheap to buy, wooden boards aren’t pushovers, especially if they’re pressure treated. This treatment protects against rot and insect damage, while keeping them looking good for longer. It also means you’re less likely to face costly maintenance or repairs down the line.
Shape and Size the Boards However You Need
Using wood gives you the added advantage of being able to easily adapt and cut the boards—something you just can’t do with plastic, metal, or composite materials. This gives you the benefit of being able to shape your deck to the perfect length, height, and size for your garden. Plus, there’s the satisfaction of completing your own decking project.
There’s no limit to what you can create, whether it’s a small patio deck in a city garden or a long, sweeping deck in the countryside.
Decks Level Out Your Sloped Plot
If your garden’s on a steep slope or feels a bit too flat, decking can help you make the space work better for you. Change things up by using decking and wooden steps to smooth out uneven ground or bring in a bit of height. You could even go for extra levels to create a more interesting look and make getting around easier.
A Wide Range of Uses
The true merit of wooden decking is how many different ways you can use it—so many that it is almost impossible to list them all at once! Let’s run through some of the best garden decking ideas:
Indoor room extension
If you have a room that overlooks your garden, extending it with decking is a great way to blend indoor and outdoor space. Lay wooden decking right up to the room, matching the height of the floor and doors, and extend it out into your garden as far as you want.
Outdoor dining area
Perfect for summer evenings with friends and family, wooden decks make a great base for outdoor dining. Whether you’re after a cosy table for two or something big enough for hosting, a deck can work for any setup—you just need to pick the right garden table!
BBQ zone
Fancy yourself a bit of a grill master but don’t have the perfect spot for your BBQ? A wooden decking kit could be the answer!
Timber decking gives you a stable, sturdy base for your BBQ, plus plenty of space for any extras you want around it. Just be careful to keep hot flames and embers away from the boards, as wood is flammable.
Firepit spot
A fire pit is a great spot to gather around when the sun goes down, and what better place to set one up than on your own wooden decking?
Whether you go for a fire pit table or an enclosed fire pit bowl, it’s a brilliant way to stay warm, even on chilly nights. Again, be sure there’s no direct contact between the fire, hot surfaces, and the decking, and you’re good to go!
Shed platform
Desperately need a shed but don’t have a level spot for it? Wooden decking is easy to put together and can be adapted to fit the size and shape of your shed. It makes a sturdy, low-cost base to keep everything secure overall.
Tip: Use strong, pressure-treated decking boards to handle the weight of your shed and all your gear inside.Shaded haven
If you’re after a bit of shade in a sunny garden, a parasol and a garden deck make the perfect setup for stretching out on a reclining chair or rattan sun lounger. Even better, it works for all kinds of gardens and budgets. You’ll have your own little spot to relax and soak up the sun!
Plant Garden
Deck boards are a great way to break up and organise plants, such as for succulents or big bursts of colourful flowers. They help you build a garden design that suits your ideas and space.
Place the beds alongside the decking, and make a deck path that’s surrounded on both sides by your selection of flowers and plants.
Summerhouse area
Wooden decking can extend your summer house from the front door, giving you the perfect spot for a bistro set or a comfy patio setup to sit and relax. Or use the extension section to make a play area for the kids so you can relax inside. Equip it with a decking balustrade, it’s a railing system, for added safety if you’re going for a raised decking.
Frame a water feature
If you’re considering getting a water feature in your garden, a garden deck can provide a smart-looking border for it. It has the added advantage of being flat, too, which is essential for many water features.
Either fit your deck around an existing feature or build and fit a completely new one—the choice is yours!
And many more!
Creating a level ground, adding a garden room like a log cabin, or transforming an awkward space? The possibilities don’t end there. Whatever you’ve got planned for your garden, decking can help make it happen. Go for a full decked-out garden or just cover a small section—whatever works for you. There are loads of ways to use wooden decking!
Don’t Worry About Slip Ups
Wooden decking can get a bad rap for being slippery when wet, but it’s an easy fix. Non-slip treatments like Otrawol add a grippy layer to the wood so you can walk across it safely, even when it’s soaked. Just apply one of these treatments, and you won’t have to worry about slipping when the rain comes down!
Round-up
Wooden decking has so many advantages, it’s hard to ignore if you’re looking to reinvent your garden or add that something extra to brighten it up. Let’s quickly run through those benefits again:
- Affordability: Wooden decking is much cheaper than other options but still offers great quality and durability.
- Adaptability: With a few simple tools, hardwood decking boards can be easily cut to any size you need. This makes them ideal if you’re working with a small space or have a unique design in mind!
- Level ground: If your garden’s uneven or you want to create a flat surface, decking is the perfect solution. Adding decking and stairs is a simple and stylish way to provide access to higher levels of your garden.
- Unlimited uses: Whether you need a base for a shed or summerhouse or just want a new space to relax, decking really can do it all. Water features, fire pits, shady spots—when it comes to outdoor living, a garden deck is the way to go!
- Hard to slip up: A simple non-slip treatment on your decking boards is an easy and effective way to remove the risk of slippery spots. This means you can enjoy your garden no matter the weather.
FAQs
Even if you’re now convinced decking is right for you, you might still have some questions. Below, we’ll try to answer some of your most-asked queries:
Are there additional costs to installing decking?
Unless you need to buy tools, or want somebody to install it for you, no. The best thing about wooden decking is that it's simple to install and requires very little experience. If you're not sure how, then a video guide is an easy way to learn!
How do I lay deck on uneven ground?
When laying a deck on uneven ground, you'll need to build a framework of supports so that the deck stands elevated. Build the frame first, and make sure the supports will hold the deck level. It also helps to secure the deck to a wall for that extra bit of stability.
Can you lay decking on soil?
You can, but it isn't recommended to build a deck directly on top of soil. When the ground gets wet, the posts could sink and the damp will get into the wood. If you want to lay a deck quickly without using concrete, you can lay 2 inches of gravel and a membrane over the soil. This will protect both the soil and the wood deck.Do you need planning permission for decking?
Do you need planning permission for decking?
Planning permission is rarely required when building a deck. The only times you'll need permission is if the decking takes over 50% of your property - or is higher than 30cm. If you have any doubts, it is always safest to check building regulations with your local council.
