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Great Decking Ideas for Small Gardens and Spaces

Great Decking Ideas for Small Gardens and Spaces

Decking isn’t just for those with large outdoor spaces to play with. As a low maintenance area that can be used for socialising, al fresco dining and growing plants in pots and planters, not to mention simply lazing about on a warm summer’s evening, you don’t have to think big to make the most of all that decking has to offer. 

Here are a few simple and practical tips on how to get the most out of decking in smaller gardens.

Focus on what you want to use it for

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We’ve already mentioned some of the things people like to do on their decking, but if you’re working with a small area you may not be able to fit in everything you want to. In other words, you may have to decide whether it’s more important for you to have an area where you can have a good display of planters and pots or whether you want to have a barbecue, a fire pit or room for half a dozen or so of you sit around a table for a sociable dinner. 

Keep it simple

Yes, you can have a great decking area in a small garden, but don’t go overboard when planning it out. Be sensible about the space you have to work with – it’s all about getting the right balance between your decking area and the rest of the garden. It’s also advisable to keep it simple in terms of colours – too much going on in a small space can look confused and messy.

A straightforward rectangular shape will provide maximum usable area and it’s also a good idea to keep your decking close to the ground to avoid unnecessary space fillers (and expenses) like steps and railings.

Use it to extend your home into your garden

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If your decking is going straight outside your back door, try to design it so the transition from indoors to outdoors (and vice versa) flows as smoothly as possible. One way to  achieve this is to use colours that complement your internal decor. 

If you can fit an awning over your decking, or make it into an enclosed area, that will also help make it feel as much an extension of your home as a part of your garden.

Bring out the best with cleverly placed lighting

Wherever you put your decking, some smart lighting can make it feel like a magical oasis. Modern outdoor lighting methods means that the only thing holding you back is  your imagination and will allow you to enjoy the space well after the sun has set.

If your decking is at the bottom of your garden, use uplights to create a path and highlight your plants. You could also build a simple pergola over your decking that could be decorated with LED lights wrapped around the frame.

At Home View Landscapes, we can create a beautiful and practical decking area to suit any outdoor space. We have a wealth of experience designing and building decking in and around Berkshire, Hampshire and South West London. For a free on-site consultation and estimate – to which we will bring our extensive portfolio of previous work to help you with inspiration – get in touch with us today.

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