There are lots of things to consider when creating or upgrading a decked area. Wood or composite panels, light or dark colour, open-ended or a decking balustrade to finish it off?
Good decking is the perfect way to bring the outside in. Wide patio doors opening on to a flush decking area extends your living space and brings fresh air into your home. Equally, a separate decked area within your garden can create a little oasis away from it all.
The possibilities are endless, so here’s some inspiration to help you make your choice.
Which Material?
Wood
First up is standard deck board which is available from lots of different hardware stores. The one pictured to the left is standard deck board and the one to the right is patio deck tile
Profiled deck board has a ridged surface finish and is pressure treated to prevent rot. It can be very affordable and looks very natural and in keeping with the garden surroundings. However, this type of board is prone to splitting and rot and requires maintenance on a regular basis.
Patio deck tiles are designed for small decked areas and are very easy to install as they snap into place. These tiles are not as long-lasting as other types of wooden decking and can be 'gappy'.
Both of the pictured products and can be purchased HERE and HERE.
Composite
The other very popular alternative to wood is composite decking. This is made from a mix of wood flour and PVC which creates an extremely strong material. This durable material is ecological and very low maintenance. It is also available in lots of different colours. You can choose a traditional wood colour or a modern shade of grey. It also comes in various different finishes, thicknesses and widths. It is strong and both weather and stain-resistant, however, it does tend to come with a higher price tag. There are a number of really good brands out there including the products pictured above by DuoFuse.
Colour
Colour is a really good way to personalise your decking. If you are using wood there are lots of different wood stains out there which also give your deck a non-slip finish. There are also some fantastic paints which will really give your deck the wow factor. Owatrol has some amazing colours available, including the blue pictured above.
Decking Balustrade & Edging
The right decking balustrade will give your decking a facelift making sure that it looks great AND it’s safe.
There are lots of options to choose from for the edges of your decking. It can be built up and incorporate seating or raised flower beds. If low level it can simply be finished with some edging and left open. However, if your decking is raised it is sensible to have some form of fencing or a decking balustrade in place. This can be achieved with wood or a composite material both of which can look really good. The only down-side to wooden or composite fencing is that it can spoil the view into your garden.
Glass Decking Balustrades
Another option is toughened safety glass which can be installed using hardware which matches your decking and general outside area. Toughened glass is a really low maintenance option to use as a decking balustrade. It is very strong, weather-proof and won't rust or rot. This type of safety glass is designed to be heat and impact resistant and is completely safe for use in and out of the home. It can really provide the finishing touch to your decking area. Additionally, a glass balustrade doesn't interrupt your view of the garden, but it does provide a level of safety especially if you have small children.
Finishing Touches
The finishing touches are where you can really inject your personality into your decking area. Which furniture, lighting and accessories you choose will make all the difference.
Lighting
There are some beautiful lighting options out there. From sleek hard-wired lighting such as the Gaspard Outdoor Sconce (left) to the more whimsical battery-powered Howser 10-Light Festoon Light (bottom right) which are both available from Wayfair. Low-level and flush solar options are also available. A really good example is the Lincoln Solar Decking Light (top right) which is available from The Solar Centre. These lights which use soar power are both stylish and affordable.
Home Comforts
The best thing about relaxing outdoors on your decking is the home comforts which are readily available. You can get cosy and read a book or enjoy a drink in complete comfort.
There are some really stylish options out there to keep you warm once the sun has gone down in the evening. Here are a few of our favourites.
There's nothing more comforting than a soft blanket to cosy up with. The beautiful Herringbone Blankets from Weaver Green are hand-woven using recycled plastic bottles each. Soft and cosy like wool, they are stain-resistant and easy to clean so they are perfect for outdoors.
Patio heaters are also a great way to keep you warm and we love this Salvador Lamp Style Electric Heater from Homebase. An alternative heat source is a fire pit. They come in lots of different shapes and sizes and give a rustic touch to your decking. The Ivy Line Square Firepit from John Lewis is contemporary and lightweight and really looks the part.
***If you are going to use a fire pit on your decking you must use a ceramic base to sit it on, you can get more advice from wherever you decide to purchase your fire pit from***
Summer Ready
We hope we've given you some inspiration to update your outdoor area! If you have any questions about decking or decking balustrades don't hesitate to get in touch.
All of our glass balustrades are made from safety glass and can be cut to size and made to fit your deck perfectly. We also offer frosted and coloured glass and we have lots of ideas to make your outdoor area really special.
You can call us on 01253 893355 or email enquiries@abelglass.co.uk