At the time of writing, temperatures were set to climb to 30C in some parts of the UK. Additionally, the Met Office recently predicted that warm conditions are more than usually likely for the nation as a whole this summer.
So it’s hardly surprising that many of us are looking forward to spending more time in the garden over long, sunny evenings and weekends, and either entertaining family and friends or just relaxing in the fresh air.
A decking area can extend the amount of room you have to enjoy al fresco living and creates a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Plus it’s a feature that can enhance any size and type of garden or patio and add versatility and elegance, while also increasing your property’s potential value.
What’s more, as long as the deck is no more than 30cm about ground level, covers less than half of your garden and doesn’t sit forward of the principal elevation, it’ll probably come under what’s known as ‘permitted development’, meaning you won’t need planning permission.
With the right design and materials, you effectively create an open-air living room.
Advantages of decking for your outdoor space:
- An even flow
Decking is usually at the same level as your interior flooring, making the transition to the outside world seamless. It draws you outdoors effortlessly, plus you won’t tread muddy footprints back inside.
And if your garden is sloped or otherwise awkward, multi-level or raised decking makes the ground safe, flat and accessible.
- Making the most of available space
With good design, decking makes gardens feel bigger by helping to create clearly defined zones – e.g. for relaxing, dining or creating a play area for kids. Equally, with a higher frame, you have concealed, covered space under the decking for storing garden tools or outdoor furniture when not in use.
Some decking even incorporates built-in seating so that you don’t have loose chairs and so on taking up space.
- Taking the indoors outside
If you select materials and decking layouts which complement your indoor flooring, you create a cohesive flow between your interior and exterior spaces. You could also tie in with your indoor floor’s colour scheme for a seamless flow. Alternatively, go for a contrast in colour for your deck so that it ties in with the natural world.
You also create a natural extension of life indoors if you furnish the decking with, for example, outdoor sofas, a coffee table and a rug.
- Positioning
Where you locate your decking is key to creating that seamless transition with the outside world. And if you can site your decking directly against the back of your home, you’ll be on to a good thing. Ideally, extend the feature from an open-plan kitchen, dining room or conservatory.
You’ll get the best transition if you make sure your deck lies level with your interior flooring and incorporate bifolding or sliding glass doors at the same time.
Delightful decking in Surrey from AS Landscapes
At award-winning AS Landscapes, we have more than two decades’ experience in our industry. We’re based in Surrey, plus we cover Windsor and Ascot.
And we’re very aware of decking’s power to completely transform an outdoor space. After all, it’s easily installed, versatile and low-maintenance, as well as cost-effective.
Get in touch today and learn more about how we could fit decking tailored to suit your garden, either with traditional timber or composite boards.