Optimising Small Gardens: Garden Decking

Reading time: 4 minutes

1. Blend a house interior with a garden decking setup

Let’s begin by looking at where to place decking in a small garden.

When outdoor space is limited, it is a clever idea to blend the decking area in a way that it will flow seamlessly with a property’s interior.

Choosing decking boards of the same colour palette for an outdoor area and an indoor living room, and only dividing the two spaces with some bifold doors, will give the appearance of one large living space.

2. Use decking to better connect a garden

As well as connecting an interior living room with a garden using decking, also look to connect various parts of a property’s outdoor area with decking boards.

Places like a garden gate, a shed and a wheelie bin storage area can all be navigated around with ease using either an uninterrupted walkway or decks that are spread out with decorative stones or gravel.

3. Think smart with colours, curves and board designs

The design of a garden decking area can really create the illusion that there is more space available.

A bright colour scheme helps to make even small decks appear larger – these bold tones have the added benefit of making decking the centrepiece of a garden.

It is not just with the choice of decking and paint schemes which can introduce more colour into this area too. Another idea is to install a raised flower bed next to a deck that can bloom with vibrant tones.

Another clever design technique is to add curves to decking, as this can create a new dimension to a small deck. 

Decking with irregular shapes can also showcase someone’s flair for creativity, with diagonal or zig-zag arrays bound to catch the eye.

4. Go for a multi-level design

Keeping with design elements, consider building upwards when space is at a premium in a garden.

Multi-level decking is great for taking advantage of exterior views while property owners are relaxing in their gardens, with the raised decking acting as a focal point within an outdoor space.

Areas for additional storage and individual garden zones could also be established on each level.

Raised decking is handy from a logistical standpoint too, as it allows people to reclaim space when their property’s garden is sloped. Uneven ground will give way to a decked seating area that is more accessible by being flat.

Whatever the size that a raised garden decking area ends up being, each level can be improved further with some decking balustrades.

These railing systems help to give a deck more prominence, as well as being practical by providing property owners with something to hold onto when they are using the space.

Ready to begin your small garden decking project? Be sure to shop our selections of high-quality timber decking and composite decking boards, while our garden and landscaping ideas and advice hub makes for a great browse when looking for more tips to turn any property’s outdoor space into a haven.