Garden Decking Ideas

Looking to elevate your outdoor space? From decking ideas for the garden to clever small garden decking ideas, there are stylish and practical solutions for gardens of every shape and size.

Whether you’re working with a tight budget or want to create a show-stopping space, there’s no shortage of budget garden decking ideas and inspiration for transforming patios, lawns, and yards into extensions of your home. Even small gardens can have cosy spots for al fresco dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing.

With low-maintenance options like softwood and composite decking, and adaptable designs for ground-level or raised layouts, explore the best back garden decking ideas to suit your lifestyle and make the most of every inch of your outdoor space!

Trex

1. A family entertaining garden

Create a sociable space perfect for hosting guests with a multi-functional decking layout. Think large dining tables, cosy seating zones, and perhaps even an outdoor kitchen. Timber decking is ideal for this kind of setup, as it’s easy to clean, durable, and helps your garden feel like a natural extension of your home.

Perfect for: Larger gardens or families who love entertaining

Product pick:
Trex Composite Decking – Luxurious in appearance and durable for summer BBQs and parties.

K&D Landscaping

2. Add an outdoor bar

One of the most fun budget garden decking ideas is to install a raised platform with an outdoor bar setup. Ideal for small gardens, a decked bar area creates the illusion of space while offering a sociable spot for summer cocktails. It’s also a great talking point for your next garden party. The bar is open!

Perfect for: Compact gardens and casual entertainers

Product pick:
Arbordeck Treated Timber Decking Smooth & Grooved Reversible – Long-lasting and great for raised bar decking. 

RTA Outdoor Living

3. Create a beach-inspired boardwalk

Recreate coastal charm at home with a boardwalk-style path. Line timber decking with white gravel or pebbles to achieve a relaxed, beachy vibe. Not only does it look great, but it also keeps weeds at bay and works well in gardens with sloped or damp areas!

Perfect for: Nature-inspired and informal garden designs

Product pick:
Patio Deck Board 2.4m Pack of 5 – Simple, practical boards for boardwalk-style decking.

 Ideal Home

4. Play with multi-level decking

Got an uneven or sloped garden? Embrace it with multi-level decking to create zoned spaces for dining, lounging, or planting. This is one of the best decking ideas for small gardens, as it allows you to make the most of vertical space and adds a better visual appearance.

Perfect for: Sloped or awkward-shaped gardens

Product pick:
Arbordeck Smooth & Grooved Decking UC3u Treated 5.4m – Durable and great for creating levels with style.

Legacy Decks

5. Design a child-friendly play area

Let your little ones explore, climb, and play in the safety of your own back garden! A softwood or composite deck is ideal for a children's play zone, offering anti-slip and splinter-free surfaces. It’s a clever way to make the most of space while keeping things safe and stylish.

Perfect for: Family gardens and safe play zones

Product pick:
Trex Grey Composite Decking – Soft underfoot and splinter-free, perfect for kids.

Unifloor WPC Co Ltd

6. Built-in bench seating

Maximise space with built-in seating along the edge of your deck, which is great for saving room while adding functionality and style. They can can serve as seating, railing, storage, and even decorative elements, all while blending seamlessly with the deck structure!

Perfect for: Small gardens with compact outdoor areas

Product pick: Talasey Composite Decking Boards - Allows a neat and professional finish to decked areas. 

Houzz

7. Decking with integrated planters

Combine timber or composite decking with raised beds or built-in planters for a natural look and efficient use of space. They can add color, texture, and privacy, while also creating a visually appealing design element! Also, integrated planters can be low-maintenance, meaning no long-term considerations.

Perfect for: Small gardens with lots of greenery to add to minimalist designs

Product pick: European Untreated Oak Garden Sleeper 100 x 200 x 2400mm - Incredibly versatile and is naturally dense. 

Interlink 

8. Painted or stained decking

Brighten up your outdoor space with painted or stained decking - an easy and cost-effective way to add personality and refresh tired timber. Opt for pastels for a coastal vibe, bold hues for a modern statement, or classic tones to blend seamlessly with your garden surroundings.

Perfect for: Families on a budget and DIY'ers

Product pick: Ronseal Ultimate Decking Oil Natural 5 Litres - Keeps your deck protected and protected from the weather.

Capital Painter

9. Spa or hot tub area

Create a luxury retreat by installing a hot tub on a private deck with surrounding screens or planting. Surround the space with decorative privacy screens, tall planters, or climbing greenery to create a secluded, intimate atmosphere that blends beautifully with nature. 

Perfect for: Adding an investment piece to your home

Product pick: Piranha Terrafuzion Reversible Composite Decking Board - Due to its durable, water-resistant and slip-resistant properties, and does not swell or rot like wooden decking.

NeoTimber

10. Pergola-covered deck

Adding a pergola to your decking is a stylish way to define your outdoor space, providing both shade and architectural interest. Whether you choose a sleek, modern metal frame or a traditional timber design, a pergola helps zone your garden and makes the area feel like a natural extension of your home.

Perfect for: Sheltered areas of the garden, such as in small homes

Product pick: Pergolas & Garden Structures - Allows you to enjoy the great outdoors in new ways all year round.

Elbec Garden Buildings 

Discover decking to suit every garden

Whether you're working with a compact courtyard or a sprawling lawn, there’s no shortage of decking ideas for the garden. Explore the full range of decking boards, composite decking boards, and porcelain paving at Howarth Timber to start building your dream outdoor space today. See the below links for our product ranges!

Overall, we hope this article has helped you understand more about garden decking ideas, however, if you have any more questions about garden decking, or would just like to know more about the products we sell at Howarth, we offer helpful advice from our Customer Service team who may be able to advise you further, and you can contact them on the number 01472 907051.

Or if you’re interested in checking out our wide range of garden landscaping products, you can access the category here, and you can visit us in branch for more information.