Timber Decking Ideas

Decking Ideas

Once upon a time, you weren’t anybody if you didn’t have a patio attached to the back of your house. Now it’s timber decking. Either way, it’s all about making the most of the space and resources available to you.

If you do decide to go down the route of timber decking, there are some things you need to consider before you decide on what, where and how.

How big is your house and garden?

Your timber deck needs to look like it’s meant to be there, and not resemble an ocean going liner dropped in the car park. It all needs to be in proportion. A little square of wood on the back of a wide house will look odd, but equally, if you go for a huge deck that only leaves 2 feet of walking room round the edge of your garden, will look a bit strange also.

If your garden is very small, you can still have decking, but it may be best to deck the whole area; this would visually make it seem larger too.

When will you use your timber decking?

This is quite important. If your days turn out to only allow you to spend time on your deck in the evenings, will it matter that it’s shady all the time? Equally, will the scorching afternoon sun spoil your time on your deck? This can be worked around with the use of canopies or parasols etc.

Are there overhanging trees? Will you have a problem with huge leaf fall in the autumn, and with birds roosting and the inevitable mess that goes with them? Will your decking area be sufficiently sheltered from the wind that you don’t have to wear a coat or sit wrapped in fleece blankets the whole time, even when it is sunny?

What will you use you timber deck for?

Obviously, it makes sense to have your timber decking as adaptable as possible. You will surely want to use it for entertaining friends and family, relaxing in the sun, a romantic evening, or failing that, letting the children use it as a spot for their friends and play-days. With a little forethought, all these occasions can be catered for, but you will need to consider everything it’s likely to be used for in order for your timber deck to be suitable

For example, if you do have young children, or children of any age really, it’s going to be vital that there are sufficient railings all round and up and down any steps you may have, even if it’s not very high off the ground. You may also be able to incorporate some under-deck storage for children’s outdoor toys and games if your deck is high enough off the ground.

If you plan to do lots of entertaining, it may be worth incorporating built in lighting and electricity supply for music perhaps, or a drinks cooler. If you’re planning a romantic hideaway, you may want to have your side rails closer together, with perhaps some kind of pergola roof to provide some privacy.

How can your timber deck improve the garden you already have?

If space allows, it may be that you have certain areas of your garden that are currently un-useable due to them being too hilly or uneven. With some expert advice on what and what isn’t possible in a particular area, you may be able to  actually make that un-useable area usable again by putting the decking over the top. Of course, there will be extra work involved in the supporting of the whole structure, but the benefits may well be worth the extra effort.

Who will be building your timber deck?

It is true that most competent DIYers can build a garden deck. However, there are benefits to using a team of professionals. Providing you shop around and only use firms that come recommended, you can have the peace of mind of whatever guarantees they offer, as well as what should be a comprehensive portfolio of designs, information, advice and aftercare services. Sometimes, this option can turn out to be money well spent if you have any doubts about your abilities to build a timber deck yourself.

The magic bullet – budget!

Of course, all of the above points are irrelevant if the budget isn’t there to complete the project, so really, this point should have been at the top! If budget is an issue, lots of firms offer finance, although I don’t recommend that at all. I’m a big believer in the cash is king philosophy, subject to emergencies, of course!

If you are DIYing it, the project can always be done in stages, or timbers bought as and when, although they will need storing until you have enough. Just make sure you have safety rails as part of the deck. You don’t want any accidents waiting for the next phases. As sure as eggs is eggs, as soon as that last plank goes on, steps or no steps, the sun loungers will be up there!

Bring on the sun!

If you would like to read more about gardening and timber decking ideas, please feel free to have a look at my website located at www.garden-pots.com