Raised Garden decking overlooking lawnDecking is fantastic for garden design – with a bit of creativity you can make a striking decking feature in your garden. Here are some ideas for turning your decking into a focal point in your garden.

Connect it to your house

Decking at the same level as your interior can create an outdoor extension of your living area. Adding a covered area makes it suitable for the changeable British weather, too.

Create an area for dining

Turn your decking feature into an al-fresco eating area by adding an outdoor table or bench and a BBQ shelter.

Add railing to your decking

Balustrade can instantly elevate decking from a nondescript area of your garden to a eye-catching feature.

Light it up

There’s plenty of ways to add pizazz to decking with lights – try adding solar lights around the edge, recess spotlights into the deck itself, or drape festoon lights onto balustrade.

Create an outdoor living area

Add outdoor lounge furniture and perhaps a fire pit to create a cosy decked area for outdoor living.  

Paint your decking

Adding stain or paint can give a whole new feel to your decking. Why not try dark grey for a contemporary garden?

Plants

Plants are great for softening the hard lines of deck boards. You could grow climbing plants around an arch or balustrade, add plants in separate planters or even build planters into your decking design.

Add water

This could be a water feature, pond or even a hot tub – all work great recessed into decking!

Get creative with your deck boards

Although most deck boards are arranged horizontally, there’s nothing stopping you getting creative and creating a decking work of art with triangles, squares or wacky angles.

Somerlap decking features Robust timber furniture (left), soft comfort pallet furniture (centre) and elegant arches all add interest to any decking feature
Decking