5 great decking ideas to inspire your next garden project
Whatever your budget and style, there’s a decking option for you, so check out our top ideas that will suit any sized garden

Decking is so versatile as a landscaping material for your garden and there are plenty of brilliant decking ideas to choose from. You could create a fabulous extra outdoor space complete with pergola to use all year round, design a decked pathway to the bottom of the garden, or even use decking to zone an outdoor kitchen area.
If your garden is set out on different levels with sloping sections, decking can also be a great way to create more practical and useable areas for dining or outdoor living. And for small gardens, opting for a decked terrace can be a stylish and low-maintenance option.
We've rounded up five of our favourite looks to give you some inspiration for your garden makeover, plus you'll find plenty more landscaping ideas in our dedicated feature.
- Handy at DIY and want to learn how to build decking? Our step-by-step guide has everything you need to know
1. Use paint for a budget-friendly decking revamp
Bella blackout vertical blind in Vine Green from Swift Direct Blinds
If you're on a tight budget but want to give your existing decking a revamp, then consider giving it a lick of paint or treating it with a woodstain. Not only will it give your decking a refresh, but it will protect it over the winter months too. After a few years decking can suffer from wear and tear and show signs of green algae and mould. So rather than investing in new decking, spend a few hours one weekend giving yours some TLC and following our top tips on how to clean decking. Apply a couple of coats of anti-slip decking stain, and look for one that gives a touch of colour too. Grey is a versatile shade that will go with any colour scheme, but we think it works particularly well with modern garden furniture.
2. Add some shelter for year-round entertaining
Composite decking by Dura Composites
Rain or shine, you can still use your decking if you incorporate some sort of shelter or cover above it. This could be a fixed structure such as a pergola with a roof, or something as simple as patio shade sail or awning that attaches to the wall. In the summer months it will give you plenty of shade from the sun, then when the weather turns in autumn and winter you can add a patio heater and still enjoy being outside on the decking as the awning will help to contain the heat and keep you cosy and snug.
3. Use your decking as a design feature
Millboard composite decking by Garden House Design
We love how this decking is used to contrast beautifully with various grey shades in the rest of the scheme. Crafted from durable polyurethane it has a higher non-slip safety rating than conventional composite decking. If you want to create a cohesive look you can choose accessories that also feature similar tones, such as the light grey seat cushions used here.
Want something bolder? Choosing contrasting colours for your accessories always makes for a more dramatic and eye-catching look and it’s a design trick that’s not simply reserved for interiors – use it to your advantage in your garden too!
4. Match your decking to your home's architecture
Aborcoat exterior stain in Leather Saddle Brown by Benjamin Moore
If you're planning a new extension, why not consider extending the roof structure to create a sheltered spot for your decking? Match the decking colour to the timber used on the underside of the roof for a smart and cohesive look. This fabulous patio area shows you how to make it work successfully – the timber-clad walls are painted a dark grey shade that ties in with the dining table and chairs, and creates a striking contrast to the warm wood tones of the decking and ceiling.
5. Incorporate a water feature (or two)
Vulcan wood grain decking from Havwoods
For a super sleek garden makeover, consider incorporating a water feature idea into your new decked terrace. We love how this contemporary take on a garden pond blends seamlessly with its surroundings, helping to break up the expanse of decking and prevent it from dominating the space.
Decking can be good option to have near a water feature as it's durable and the latest composite decking designs are non slip too. For a thoroughly modern scheme combine the decking with smart stone paving for added interest.
More landscaping advice:
- The best decking for every budget
- Garden path ideas to add interest to your space
- Paving ideas for stylish patios and pathways
-
-
Best lawn mower: 5 best buys to keep your lawn looking its best
Buying Guide Spring into style with the best lawn mower — with options for every size lawn and budget
By Brittany Romano •
-
Colourful garden furniture ideas: 14 vibrant ways to brighten up your space
Furniture Try these colourful garden furniture ideas and instantly revive a lacklustre plot – from show-stopping sofas to bold bistro sets and more
By Holly Crossley •
-
Here's why you need a rain garden this winter
Gardens Rain gardens look great and are exactly what you need this wet winter. Here's why...
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How to make a garden feel modern: 11 on-trend tips to refresh your plot's planting, layout and style
How To If you're wondering how to make a garden feel modern, we've got all the tips you need to know – from outdoor fireplaces and minimalistic features to creative canopies
By Holly Crossley •
-
These are the biggest pruning mistakes you're making, according to a gardening expert
How To Are you pruning your plants correctly? Improve your technique by avoiding these errors, says a gardening expert
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How much does decking cost? What to budget for when elevating your seating area
Landscaping How much does decking cost? If you're ready to take your garden up a notch, you'll definitely want to know. Read on to find out
By Holly Crossley •
-
The most poisonous plants for dogs: the flowers and shrubs to watch out for in your garden
Plants Are you wondering what the most poisonous plants for dogs are? We've got the info you need to help keep your four-legged friend safe
By Holly Crossley •
-
5 stunning plants for spring scent: add them to your planting list
Plants Treat your garden (and yourself) to some heavenly scented blooms this spring. Here are our top picks
By Sophie Warren-Smith •
-
5 easy jobs to do in your greenhouse this month
Garden Buildings Although this is a quieter time of year in the garden, there’s still some prep work that can be done to get you ready for spring
By Sophie Warren-Smith •
-
How to design a child friendly garden: make your plot a safe space ready for action-packed fun
Kids Are you wondering how to design a child friendly garden? Look no further! From planting advice to what materials to use, we've got all the expert tips you'll need
By Holly Crossley •