OUTDOOR LIVING


Decking as a design tool


Guy Douglass of Millboard takes a look at the versatility of decking and the many different ways it can be used to enhance your home’s exterior


Decking is incredibly useful when designing landscaping because one material can be used for a number of purposes


T


here have been many different gardening trends over the years – the ‘70s rockery, Japanese gardens, Mediterranean gardens – but decking has always had an enduring appeal within these trends. It is practical, popular and often the most frequented part of a garden. Decking allows us to extend the months of the year that we can spend outdoors, it enables us to create ‘another room’ – either to welcome and entertain friends and family, or to just spend quiet time relaxing in a tranquil outdoor space. Decking is also an incredibly eible design tool.


may/jun 2023


CREATE DISTINCTIVE VISUAL EFFECTS The lines of decking can be used to create different visual effects in a garden. Boards oriented vertically will lead the eye down the garden and towards an intended focal point. Horizontal boards give the impression of width and space – ideal for a seating area. Boards placed diagonally add interest and a new dynamic within an overall design. Different width decking boards can also be combined in an alternating or random pattern to create a distinctive design. A slim board can also be used as edging to define a specific area of


the deck in a ‘picture-framing’ effect, in the same colour as the main deck or in a contrasting colour.


ONE MATERIAL, MANY USES Decking is incredibly useful when designing landscaping because one material can be used for a number of purposes, helping the designer to achiee a unified look without haing to switch materials. Built-in seating using the same material can create a pared back aesthetic giving the illusion of more space – very useful for smaller urban gardens. Decking can be used to


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