Decking Designs

Decking Design guide combining form designs and function

Posted: 14/03/2016 in Garden Design

Decking is functional, often corrective (merges areas and levels, conceals), and adds warmth and interest to outdoors spaces. Good decking successfully integrated into the design of the house and landscape increases the value of the property.

A well-designed decking area not only creates more living and entertainment space, it can engage eye movement in a pleasing direction or away from problem spots. Lively patterning, with angled boards or contoured edges, can sharpen a contemporary look while elegant tonal and surface contrasts can be achieved by combining hardwood with stone. Often, the choice of woo d for decking influences the garden's character - deep golden brown ipe hardwood has a dramatic and luxurious effect while smooth iroko looks smart and clean.

The choice of deck design follows functional and lifestyle needs. Platform decks are simple, low-sitting structures attached to ground-level properties. They are the easiest to build, afford open views of the garden and can be creatively dressed up with benches, planters or an arbour.

Raised decks for properties with first floors require railings and stairs for safety and access and have exposed foundation posts. Two-storey decks are stunning outdoors features but can be complicated to build. They involve a great deal of carpentry and construction know-how.

Multi-level decks, on the other hand, are best for creating easy access through sloping environments. They also handily create separate functional areas, maximising outdoor living extensions. The different heights and greater surface area demand closer design and financial planning.

Free-standing decks are not attached to the property, and are often built when it is not practicable to attach the deck to the house. Self-supporting decks mean all structural considerations must be closely studied. Free-standing decking, however, can be aesthetically pleasing additions to the outdoors space, lending charm and an interesting focal point.

Well-planned decking considers how the deck will be used and integrated aesthetically and environmentally with the property. This process requires careful balancing of design, function and budgetary factors, with a willingness to compromise and remain flexible.

Most owners understandably prefer to leave decking design and construction to professionals, who can come up with cost-effective solutions and technically-sound structures while creating beautiful and enjoyable outdoors extensions. A designer or contractor makes both the design and build processes efficient and minimises (or, avoids) costly mistakes. Professionals take out the guesswork to deck building and take care to involve owners in every step of the design and construction phases.

Garden decking is functional and often corrective --decking merges areas and levels and also conceals what can be unsightly. It also adds warmth and interest to outdoors spaces. A good decking design successfully integrated into the design of the house and landscape increases the value of the property.

Homeowners add decking to their property mainly to extend living spaces at a fraction of the cost of constructing an enclosed annex. Decking areas are often used for entertainment, cooking and private relaxation and can also provide continuity to a property, connecting one area, or level, to another. Decking is perfect for levelling uneven, sloping terrain to provide easy, safe access. Decking designs should be built around the intended function to create the most suitable structure.

Good garden decking designs not only provide more living and entertainment space, they can engage eye movement in a pleasing direction or away from problem spots. Deck boards at right angles to the property direct the eye outward, while boards that are parallel to the house give an illusion of width.

Lively patterning with angled boards or contoured edges can sharpen a contemporary look. Alternating between horizontal and vertical planks, for example, creates a striking floor layout. Diagonal or herringbone patterns are also attractive.

The same principle applies when combining hardwood with stone. Elegant surface and tonal contrasts can be achieved and the lightening effect of stone paving eases the heaviness of wood. Raised beds painted white against dark hardwood decking also provides beautiful colour composition.

Often, the choice of wood for decking influences the garden's character - deep, golden brown ipe hardwood has a dramatic and luxurious effect while smooth iroko is smart and clean. Red cedar has a rich, natural colour that adds warmth and lightness while tigerwood lends an exotic element to the scheme and adds further interest with its dark striping. Another attractive option is to stain the decking wood with a dark varnish, for a handsome finish.

Hardwoods are beautiful, dense and durable but they can also be expensive. They are also susceptible to denting. Composite decking, which is made from recycle materials, are low-maintenance and can withstand environmental pressures, but also tend to be slippery.

Decking is a wonderful way to take advantage of gorgeous views and enjoy amazing surroundings to the fullest. Situating the deck where it can capture the most sunlight is much appreciated during summer when people want to stay outdoors longer. Where to locate the decking area also should be a matter of careful decking design. Privacy is often an important consideration for decking location, and, if lacking, a screening solution may be helpful. If used as an outdoor dining area, the deck should be conveniently near the kitchen. The general rule is to locate the deck with easy access to the main living space, otherwise it may fall out of use. It is also practical to build the deck in an area that is not windy.

Building a deck higher than ground level entails more thoughtful design and structural oversight and is usually best left to professionals. Building codes and regulations will need to be strictly adhered to and safety concerns are paramount.

Raised decks for properties with first floors require railings and stairs for safety and access and have exposed foundation posts. These usually can be screened by planting or concealed by skirting. Railings can be livened up with ornamental touches, such as bespoke post caps.

Two-storey decks are stunning outdoors features but can be complicated to build. They involve a great deal of carpentry and construction know-how. Disguising structural supports becomes a significant challenge for double-storey decking designs. These can be achieved by angling support timbers or decorative covering.

Multi-level decks, on the other hand, are best for creating easy access through sloping environments and usually feature short runs of stairs connecting each level. They also handily create separate functional areas, maximising outdoor living extensions and allowing the homeowner to take advantage of environmental considerations, such as sunlight or shade. They are also great as entertainment zones, especially for large gatherings and frequent parties. However, the different heights and greater surface area demand thoughtful decking design and financial planning. A multi-level deck can be considered a big project and also best taken on by professionals.

Free-standing decks are not attached to the property and are often built when it is not practicable to attach the deck to the house. Self-supporting decks mean all structural considerations must be closely studied. Free-standing decks, however, can be aesthetically pleasing additions to the outdoors space, lending charm and an interesting focal point. Often, they are built in the best location within the garden, highlighting its attractions. It's important that the location is highly appealing to the garden users, as a special place of refuge, as considerable distance from the house can deter people from making much use of the deck.

Decking areas not only extend living spaces, they can also double as storage. Make your deck work harder by incorporating built-in storage spaces.

Finally, lighting can add even more appeal to the deck area. Strategically placed deck lighting, whether LED lighting, inset or uplighting, can transform the deck area at night and can be a highly atmospheric touch to any gathering, for those who frequently entertain. Choose lighting fixtures that are durable and of good quality for the outdoors.

To repeat, a well-planned decking design considers how the deck will be used and integrated aesthetically and environmentally with the property. The process requires careful balancing of design, function and budgetary factors, with a willingness to compromise and remain flexible. Most owners understandably prefer to leave decking design and construction to professionals who can come up with cost-effective solutions and technically-sound structures while creating beautiful and enjoyable outdoors extensions. Professionals take out the guesswork to deck-building and take care to involve owners in every step of the design and construction phases. A well-designed decking area that homeowners and their families can enjoy for many years is well worth the effort.

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