Things to Consider When Designing a Deck

Adding a deck to your back garden is a great investment for various reasons. For one thing, a deck can increase the value of your property, but it will also give you a wonderful new outdoor living space that can be used for dining, entertaining, sunbathing, and generally relaxing and making the very most of your precious leisure time.

Installing a deck also gives you the opportunity to get creative. Garden decks come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, and whether you’re planning to build a sprawling multi-level deck or just a small outdoor seating area, there are many ways to express your originality and make your deck unique.

Here are a few things to think about when you’re designing your dream deck:

Board Patterns

Consider how you will lay your decking boards. It needn’t be a binary choice between vertical and horizontal—you could arrange the boards diagonally, or in a herringbone pattern. Some people create a kind of patchwork effect by alternating between vertical and horizontal layouts.

You could even purchase two different decking colours and use one to contrast the other. For example, darker decking boards make a great border for an otherwise light-coloured deck.

Handrails and Balustrades

Adding a rail to your deck makes for a fantastic finishing touch, plus it reduces your risk of falling off the edge of the deck and injuring yourself. Combine safety and style with a sleek metal handrail, or go traditional with a timber rail that matches your deck boards.

Alternatively, glass balustrades can be used to give your deck a very modern look—and they won’t obscure your view of the garden beyond!

Deck Lighting

Lights, like handrails, are both practical and attractive. Adding lights to your garden deck will improve the overall ambience while also making it easier to see after dark.

Many decking suppliers offer deck lights that are built into the boards themselves, but if that’s not your style, you’ll find countless contemporary outdoor lighting products online.

Steps, Benches and Planters

Your deck can incorporate all kinds of different features. If the deck spreads across multiple levels, its design will need to incorporate steps; you can also add a built-in plant box or banquette seat. The sky’s the limit, and because these items can be constructed using the same boards as the deck itself, the whole space will look wonderfully seamless.

Furnishing Your Deck

Once your new deck is complete, you can have even more fun by accessorising it with some stylish pieces of outdoor furniture. Don’t think for a second that you’re limited to crummy plastic patio chairs—you can get all sorts of high-quality items these days, from comfortable weatherproof sofas to hanging egg chairs, dining sets, swing seats and more.

While you’re searching for furniture to suit your stunning deck design, it’s likely that you’ll also come across a plethora of sculptures, water features and other products that can be used to add an extra bit of aesthetic value to your outdoor living space.

Choose wisely and you’ll have a deck design that you’re truly proud to show off!

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