Garden Decking Ideas

Discover how to build a deck that perfectly suits you with so many options to suit outdoor spaces of any size and shape.

Imagine a relaxing summer’s day in your garden with friends and family, why not add some decking to extend your living space into the outdoors. There are many ways that you can utilise your garden space, from al-fresco dining areas with cooking facilities to a raised garden patio area with luxurious sofas and blankets. Whatever your budget or taste, having a decking area offers an all year round option to enjoy the outdoors.

Decking can be installed at ground level or at varying heights depending on the landscape of your garden set up. A decked area adds an eye-catching aspect to your outdoor living space, even small gardens can benefit from the addition of a stylish decked terrace. A decking project can use an array of softwood and hardwood in a range of sizes which can be thermally treated depending on your project, this is usually a low maintenance option. Check out ‘How to build a deck’ for more information.

Read on to find some fantastic garden decking ideas.

1. A Family Entertaining Garden

For the ultimate garden to entertain friends and family in, make use of multiple seating areas, including a large dining area and an area that offers a secluded space to escape to for more intimate gatherings. The use of timber decking not only provides an easy surface to clean and place furniture, but it also gives the feel of an indoor entertaining area outside. Incorporating an outdoor kitchen allows you to cook for your guests while joining in on the festivities.

A fantastic composite decking for an outdoor entertaining area is the Trex Lava Rock as it is an eye-catching colour creating a luxury feeling to the garden, strong and durable for those summer parties.

Product recommendation: Trex Composite Decking | Composite Lava Rock | Howarth Timber

Garden decking landscaping image. Stairs made from decking boards with rail available from Howarth.

image credit: https://brownjordanoutdoorkitchens.com/blog/outdoor-kitchens-on-decks/

2. Building a Bar

The BAR is open welcome! Relax and have a cocktail! During the summer, lighter nights and warmer weather allows you to spend more time in the garden, which can mean one thing - BBQ and drinks with your friends and family! By adding an outdoor bar to your garden, it can allow you to make the most of your summer evenings by serving refreshing cocktails or cool iced teas. A raised deck is a good option if you have a smaller area to work with as it is a great use of space and creates the illusion of a larger garden. This high-quality timber provides a longer life for those decking boards perfect hosting cocktail nights!

Product recommendation: Arbordeck Treated Timber Decking Smooth & Grooved Reversible 32mm x 125mm | Howarth Timber

(Customer photo)

3. Creating a beachy boardwalk

A wooden walkway makes an attractive outdoor living space for practical movement around your garden alongside an aesthetically pleasing view. If you spread white aggregates around each of the boards it will create a seaside feeling in the comfort of your own back garden. Using timber to create this style of path will save time in comparison with laying a concrete path, and works better in wet or sloping areas of a garden. The timber and aggregates will also keep weeds at bay. Alternatively, why not use Porcelain paving for a more durable and resilient option against the British weather.

Product recommendation: Patio Deck Board 2.4m Pack of 5 | Howarth Timber

Garden decking idea using boardwalk effect with aggregate stones. Creating a cosy feeling with plants and raised beds.

image credit: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/garden/garden-ideas/garden-decking-ideas-48539

4. Using Multi-Level Decking

Utilise decking to create different levels in your garden, this will naturally improve the overall flow of your outdoor space by offering different zones, whether it is a dining area or simply placed sun loungers to relax in a summer’s eve. A multi-level deck is ideal for gardens that are heavily sloped as it transforms those spaces into a part of the garden that can be used. Using a high-quality timber allows your decking to add a sense of class and warmth to your garden levels compared to stone pavements.

Product recommendation: Arbordeck Smooth & Grooved Decking UC3u Treated 5.4m | Howarth Timber

Trex decking landscaping image with stairs and a seating area. Brown composite decking available from Howarth.

image credit: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2f/ed/41/2fed410e75310a079ec17e55c2a758d4.jpg

5. Children’s Play Areas

Inspire your children to explore the outdoors this summer by creating them an adventure play area, from sandpits to climbing frames and slides, all in your own back garden. Encouraging children to play outdoors will aid the development of their social and emotional skills while getting exercise and fresh air in the security of your garden. Timber or composite decking is the safest option for child-friendly gardens, with anti-slip and splinter free features.

Product recommendation: Trex Grey Composite Decking | Howarth Timber

Childrens play area made from garden decking. Outdoor wooden play area with stairs and monkey bars all made from Timber.