How to Create an Interesting Outdoor Space Using Decking

If your yard is starting to feel a little dated, you might be planning to upgrade your space and go for something more creative. One of the best ways to create an interesting, unique outdoor space is by using decking. But finding the best information around this topic isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve created this guide, which will outline the variety of materials you can go for, as well as how you can make the best choices for your outdoor space. 

1. What Is decking?

“Decking” describes the wooden material that is used to create a deck — a flat surface that acts as a floor in an outdoor area. Usually, these floor spaces are raised from the ground. They can be used for entertainment or relaxation purposes, so they are a great option to add to your yard if you enjoy hosting barbecues in the summer or like soaking up the sun outside.

2. Different Types of Decking

There are a variety of different types of decking. Each comes with its own benefits and disadvantages, so it’s important that you understand the options available to make a creative space that will suit your lifestyle. Here are the main types of decking.

a. Softwood Decking

Softwood is most commonly used by those on a strict budget. It is the cheapest option compared to other types of decking. This material comes from softwood trees like pine.

Although softwood decking can look pleasant, there are some drawbacks with this option. The biggest one is the limited durability of softwood — this type of decking won’t last nearly as long as a sturdier option like hardwood or composite decking, and it will need regular wood treatments to prolong its life.

For this reason, many people decide to pay a little extra in the short term when choosing their decking material and go for something that will last longer, like hardwood.

b. Hardwood Decking 

This decking choice is popular for a reason: Hardwood is not only visually appealing, but it comes with a host of benefits compared to other options. Coming from rarer hardwood trees like oak, it can be a little pricier in the short term, but this investment pays dividends in the future because this decking lasts longer and requires far less maintenance than its softwood alternative.

Another great thing about hardwood is that you’ll have the ability to stain the wood to your desired color if you ever want to switch things up.

c. Composite Decking

Composite decking is an alternative that you could consider when planning your deck project. This material is a blend of wood and plastic, so it is easy to maintain. It can be bought in board or tile form, so it might give more flexibility around the space.

However, while this material is fairly durable, it does reduce your ability to make changes down the line, as you can’t stain composite decking a different color if one day your plans change.

3. How to Make Your Outdoor Space Interesting with Decking

Although decking is a great addition to any outdoor space, making the area unique and interesting takes some thought. When using decking in your yard, it’s important that you plan the project in advance and make the best choices to ensure it runs smoothly. This will make the fitting process easier and allow you to focus on letting your creativity flow. Here are some tips to consider.

a) Choose the right material.

Once you know the different types of decking, it’s important that you choose the right one to suit your space. For example, for long-lasting, reliable decking, you might want to go for IPE hardwood, which is durable and requires much less maintenance than a softwood alternative. The right decking will mean you can enjoy the space for years to come.

b) Use different levels.

One of the biggest elements of creating an interesting decking space is to use different levels to add dimension. Steps to your decking can be framed with accessories to add substance, and you can even add a pergola above to create a more enclosed, room-like space if you prefer more privacy or have overlooking neighbors.

c) Choose the right color.

Next on the list is to make sure you’ve chosen a color for your decking that works with the other parts of your space. If you’re going for a natural look, then browns will work well with the wood and emphasize the plants in your garden. For a more interesting, creative approach, you can use grey or blue decking to stand out from the crowd.

d) Incorporate furniture pieces.

Once you’ve decided on your color palette and you’ve had your decking installed, you can start to incorporate and make your outdoor space interesting pieces that can work well in the space. You can go for timeless options like corner sofas and table sets, or you can mix things up and go for something out of the box, like a swing chair. Having the right furniture will ensure that your vision for the space can come to life and elevate the overall look of your decking.

e) Use decorative plants and foliage.

Finally, to really make your outdoor space interesting, you can start shopping for a range of decorative plants and foliage that will bring a serene and relaxing feel to your yard. You can use different plants across the seasons and incorporate a color that suits that of your decking. This can bring a unique twist to your garden and work wonderfully alongside the right furniture for an overall look.

Having the right decking can really make your yard unique, and it’s a fantastic way to stand out from the crowd with an outdoor space that’s a bit different. As long as you’ve chosen the right material, color and design for your decking, you can be certain that you’ll have an interesting and unique outdoor space that you’ll be proud to call your own.

Get ready to wow guests to your home — the opportunities for fun social events and relaxing days in the sun are endless!