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If you’re planning an outdoor renovation at the moment, chances are you’ve been considering options for a patio area. This post looks at composite decking, and why it could be an ideal solution for small gardens.
Decking board is a highly functional landscaping material, and you can use it in lots of creative ways. Decking can serve many functions in your garden, from creating a multipurpose zone, to providing an outdoor kitchen. You can even use decking board to create a garden path, or a spectacular outdoor living area.
Another big benefit of decking board is how user-friendly it is. Composite decking is a particularly low-maintenance solution which is attractive and available in a range of finishes, making it well-suited to family gardens and small spaces.
Using composite decking in small gardens
If your garden is on the small side, here are some clever ways to incorporate composite decking into the design and achieve a sense of space.
Vertical gardening
Vertical gardening is becoming an increasingly popular garden trend in the UK. Our gardens are getting smaller, and it’s a great way to maximise the space you have. Vertical gardening involves arranging containers, hanging pots and plants vertically, usually on a separate structure or wall.
For those with limited garden space, vertical gardening is a great alternative to the classic method of growing plants horizontally. It’s also an ideal option for your composite decking, as you can easily add containers and plant displays to your decked area without a major renovation project.
You can also use your composite decking board to frame a living wall, creating more hanging space for containers. This helps to create the illusion of a larger garden.
Garden furniture
The size of your garden furniture is particularly important in small gardens. For example, you don’t want a reclining seat that consumes all the space when it’s extended. Filling a lovely deck area with furniture will make the space feel cramped, and also make it much harder to navigate.
Small foldable chairs that don’t completely recline are ideal for small space gardens, because they take up less room while still providing you with a seating area. Choose the right chairs, and you might be able to add in extra items such as a small table or a firepit.
Multi-functional furniture is also a good choice if you have a limited amount of garden space. Tables that double as storage, chairs that convert into recliners, and tables that can be raised up for dining are all clever space-saving options.
Raised Deck
A raised deck is a fantastic way of making use of space that might have been otherwise wasted. With this deck design, you can transform uneven ground into a level area for outdoor dining, relaxing and entertaining.
A raised composite deck will also make your outdoor space look smarter, and can be an easy way to create a focal point which enhances your garden design, while also being very useful.
Generally, the two construction options for a raised decking include waterproof and an open deck. Waterproof decks have additional covered areas, such as a patio or porch. This deck design is more expensive because it requires waterproof finishing.
To create a raised deck, it’s a good idea to get the professionals involved. This is particularly relevant if your deck is raised significantly off the ground, as it’s crucial that the structure is solid and built on the appropriate foundations.
You can also speak with professionals about the appropriate decking accessories and materials, such as flooring options suitable for constructing a raised deck or any other deck design you prefer.
For a waterproof deck, the best flooring option includes a sheet substrate and ceramic tiles. On the other hand, an open deck can be made of timber or composite boards with small gaps to drain water away.
Use white
White is a great colour choice to make your garden appear larger. Bright colours can create a feeling of space, because the reflection of sunlight on bright surfaces tricks the eyes into perceiving more depth.
Regardless of your garden style, adding in white will work wonders. You could paint your decking board with white paint, or go for a white composite deck which requires very little maintenance. Adding in plants and trees with white flowers will also help to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space.
Use decking to divide your outdoor space into different zones
Using lots of materials in a garden with limited space may sound like a bad idea. But the key to creating a feeling of space and enhancing functionality in a small garden is to divide the area into distinct zones. Composite decking can be used very effectively to do this. You can even use different colours of decking boards to further delineate each zone.
By dividing your outdoor space using decking, you can set a space for children’s activities and another space for yoga, meditation, or reading. Moreover, you can also set a secure area where your pets can play together without disturbing you while gardening or painting.
Outdoor lighting
With the right lighting, you can enhance your small garden and make it feel bigger, while also improving it’s practicality.
Fairy lights are a simple option that work well to create a lovely ambience in a small space. Use them to perk up your decking area, draw the eye to a particular zone, or showcase a specific tree or planter.
Wall lights are another good option, because they don’t take up any floor space. And if you want to light up your entire garden, string lighting is ideal; this type of lighting can also double as a security light.
Install a hot tub
Composite decking and a hot tub are a perfect match. Hence, you can upgrade the look of your decking by installing a jacuzzi style hot tub. You can create a relaxing haven in your deck with a hot tub that you can enjoy with your loved ones during your days off or weekends.
Hopefully these tips and tricks for using composite decking in small gardens have given you lots of ideas on how to get the best from your outdoor space. What’s your top tip for making a small garden feel bigger?
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