Garden decking is an excellent way to create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space that can improve the look of your garden while also providing practical benefits. Whether you’re looking to create a chic al fresco seating area or a cosy snug to relax with a good book, decking is a perfect for homeowners wanting to add a unique and sophisticated flair to their garden space.
Our comprehensive garden decking buying guide will take you through the essentials of garden decking, including things to consider, choosing the right material, and managing your budget. Read on to become a garden decking expert.
What Can Garden Decking Bring to Your Outdoor Space?
Garden decking offers a variety of benefits that can help you create the perfect outdoor sanctuary for relaxing, entertaining, or just enjoying the outdoors. Offering an instant transformation of your outdoor space, garden decking is available in a range of materials, styles, and sizes to suit any preference and budget. Whether you’re looking for classic wood, aluminium, or low-maintenance composite options, there’s something for everyone.
Garden decks add usable space to any home, making them an ideal choice if you’re looking for additional room in which to entertain guests or spend time with family. Not only do they provide extra seating and dining areas, but they also offer the opportunity to install planters and other accessories as well as additional storage solutions.
Things to Consider:
When deciding on the perfect garden decking for your outdoor space, there are several things to consider in order to get the best possible outcome.
Firstly, it is important to decide on the size of the decking area you want, taking into account the amount of space available in your garden and how much use you want out of it. This is because some materials may be better suited for larger or smaller spaces than others.
Next, evaluate what type of material will suit your needs. Wooden decking is a popular choice due to its aesthetics and durability, but it can require regular maintenance such as oiling and staining every year or two in order to keep it looking its best. Alternatively, composite decking is becoming increasingly popular as it offers a low-maintenance solution that still looks attractive yet requires less work. Each material has its own pros and cons – we'll get into that later.
It's also worth thinking about any safety features you might want for your new garden decking. It’s important to have easy access for older family members or guests, and potentially anti-slip profiles if necessary.
It is essential to consider how these features may impact your budget. Such additions may increase costs, but these additions could be invaluable if they cater specifically to you and your guests’ needs.
Choosing the Right Material:
Let’s explore some of the most popular materials for garden decking. It is well worth weighing up the pros and cons of each material to ensure you have all of the information to make an informed decision.
Composite:
Composite decking is becoming an increasingly popular choice when it comes to creating a garden deck. Composite materials are made from a combination of wood and plastic, usually recycled, and have some attractive advantages over traditional wood.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Resistant to rot and insect damage
- Low maintenance
- Available in a variety of colours, designs and textures
- Reduced glare from the sun
Cons:
- More expensive option
- Not completely waterproof
Wood:
Wood is another popular choice of material for garden decking due to its affordability, durability and beauty. When buying wood for decking, it is important to note that there are several types available, such as softwood or hardwood, treated or untreated, and a variety of species.
Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Easy to work with
- Natural beauty
- Can be stained or painted
Cons:
- Regular maintenance needed
- Pressure treated woods can contain chemicals
- Moisture can cause warping or splintering
Plastic:
Generally more affordable than traditional wood options, plastic decking comes in a wide range of colours and styles, making it easy to find the perfect match for your outdoor space.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Waterproof
- Minimal maintenance
- Cost-effective
- Resistant to rot and decay
Cons:
- May contain harmful chemicals
- Can expand and contract in extreme weather
- Slippery when wet
Aluminium:
Strong and durable aluminium is an extremely beneficial material for garden decking. In some cases, they can last up to 50 years longer than wooden decking.
Pros:
- Superior strength
- Very long-lasting
- Does not require staining or painting
- Resists fading, cracking and warping
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Can get quite hot on sunny days
- Can be more expensive than other options
Managing your Budget:
When it comes to managing your budget for garden decking, it's important to be prepared. You need to make sure that you understand the costs of materials and labour and services associated with the project so that you can plan accordingly. Here are some tips on how to manage your budget effectively when planning a garden decking project:
Know Your Limits:
It’s important to know what kind of budget you have before shopping around for materials. Once you know your limit, you won’t be tempted to overspend.
Consider all costs:
Ensure you consider all of the costs involved in a garden decking project, including materials, labour, transport costs for materials etc. You should also factor in a little extra for potential unforeseen expenses.
Shop around:
Don't just go with the first place that offers a quote. Make sure you shop around for prices from different suppliers/contractors so that you can get the best deal possible for your budget.
DIY options:
If allowed by local regulations, consider opting for a DIY approach rather than paying someone else to do it - this could save significant amounts of money you can spend on other essentials. Swat up on our guide on How to Deck Your Garden and learn how to DIY like a pro.
Think long-term:
When choosing materials think about how long they should last - certain types may require more frequent upkeep than others meaning additional costs down the line so factor this in when selecting what type is the most suitable for your needs and budget.
Conclusion:
Garden decking is a great addition to any outdoor space and can really take your garden to the next level. Knowing what kind of needs you have and what materials will best suit them are major factors, as well as ensuring that you're keeping in budget. Ultimately, it's important to think carefully about what you can get out of decking and how much of an investment you want to make. There are many beautiful options that can perfectly fit your garden, so don't be afraid to find the right one.
If you need advice on which options are best for your particular project, get in touch with us – our team are happy to answer any questions you may have.