Being Creative With Garden Decking

Being Creative With Garden Decking

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Decking can transform your garden with the minimum time and effort. Apart from the boards there is a wide range of balustrades, panels and other decking components available to create a totally individual look.

People normally associate decking with patios. However, you can use decking anywhere to add height and character to your garden landscape. A gazebo, for example, creates a wonderful focal point, drawing the eye to make a compact space appear longer or wider. If you have children, then a decking play area is the ideal alternative to rapidly trampled flowerbeds.

Many people lack inspiration for their first deck-building project, and end up building a rectangular patio with simple handrails. Given the British climate and need for privacy, this can feel a bit cold and exposed. With just a little thought and effort, you can create a warm and welcoming outdoor living area that will be shaded in summer and warm in winter, and provide a spectacular framework for your favourite climbing plants. We at Wickes have a large selection of decking components to choose from, presenting you with a dizzying array of creative ideas.

Its best to plan what you want to do on graph paper first, and if you can incorporate a theme, so much the better. A country garden, with sprawling flower beds and rambling shrubs, is perfect for a rustic arbour, for example. Theres no need for something expensively bespoke. Just use decking components to build a shady pergola over some wide timber deck boards and incorporate ornamental panels. Deck-laying isnt restricted to timber. The panels we sell at Wickes come in a range of styles, from traditional wrought iron to minimalist glass, meaning theres a look for every type of garden.

Timber decking can be used very effectively to create an oriental look ideal if you live by the sea, or in some other area where densely sown flower-beds arent an option. Dont keep everything on the level, though use steps, balustrades and Japanese pergolas to add variety and texture. A decking platform over an ornamental carp pond is particularly attractive, when teamed with contemporary balustrades and handrails.
It is almost impossible to go overboard with decking, which will suit any age or style of architecture. Many people avoid installing it, thinking they lack the necessary DIY skills. However, modern decking components fit together like clockwork, with innovative solutions like rail-to-post fitting kits which make the job easier still. If you can use an electric drill, you can install decking theres no sawing or tricky construction involved.
If youre worried about durability, theres no need to be. The timber we sell at Wickes has been pressure-treated and kiln-dried, minimising the risk of splitting or twisting. For longevity, stain and weather-proof the boards, and remember to lay them on joists. The easiest method of doing this is via deck-bearing beams, which are pre-notched for easy assembly. The uprights, cross-beams, balustrades etc are similarly interlocking, and easily secured using screws. This means a detailed decking project incorporating a pergola, steps, balcony handrails and panels can be finished in a weekend.

About the Author:
Emma writes articles on Home Improvement, including tips on decking and how to get the best out of your DIY.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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