If your house has a garden, you’ll want to do everything you can to maximise on not only its aesthetic appeal, but also its functionality. Adding a deck is a great way to do this. Alongside being a beloved staple of Australian garden design, adding decking to your garden also aids in creating a space for comfortable outdoor living. But as is the case with any design feature, you want to ensure that your deck is both designed (and installed) thoughtfully – just so your new deck can look its best and compliment your garden in all the right ways.

Before we begin with our suggestions on how best to handle your garden deck designs in 2024, let’s start off with this foundational tip: if you’re planning to revamp your garden substantially, then you’ll want to ensure that all your new decor and decking is covered by your home and contents insurance policy. So be sure to update your insurance alongside updating your home and garden spaces.

And on that same note, you’ll want to make sure that the tradie who’ll be handling your home renovation or decking construction project is also insured themselves, and boasts exceptional customer reviews. No matter how you’re searching, however, you’ll want to ensure that your screening process is just as thorough. Use this guide to help you find the right carpenter or construction person to handle your decking and garden landscaping project.

But now for why we’re really here! Stumped for ideas on how to spruce up your garden decking? Then look no further! Here are some creative design tips you can start implementing today. 

Add Lighting For Evening Hours

Whilst the sun is out, it’s easy to forget the effect that well-designed light fixtures can have on your garden decking when evening comes. When done right, lights can add an elegance to your deck that takes the aesthetic appeal of your home to the next level after dark.

It’s also worth mentioning that when it comes to lighting, there are loads of options to choose from. Lamp posts, hanging lanterns, fairy lights and floor lights are just a few examples that can help elevate your garden deck in a major way. Be sure to mix and match different modes of lighting to achieve the look you want. This also means that you’ll want to have an idea of how you want your garden deck to look before you go about adding fixtures. 

If you have fountains or a pool on your deck, you can also use waterproof lighting on them to add another layer to your garden design. 

Use Plants To Your Advantage

No garden is complete without plants, and there truly is nothing sadder than a deck that’s void of a little greenery itself. Adding some potted plants to your deck can actually help it blend seamlessly with the rest of your garden. Moreover, plants have practical uses, which include providing shade, regulating temperature and keeping insects away. 

So head to your local garden nursery and find some potted plants that you’d like to place in all the bare corners of your garden deck. Just make sure that your plant choices are consistent with the rest of your aesthetic. You’ll also want plants that are suited to your environment and can thrive in the level of sunlight your deck gets. 

No matter what the climate is like where you live, or what look you want to go for, you’ll be able to find the best combination of plants to make your vision a reality. Popular choices include roses, marigolds, bamboo and boxwood. Many types of succulents are also a fantastic choice for garden decks, as they are often used as potted plants. 

Add A Pool Alongside Your Decking

If you want to include both a pool and some decking in your garden, why not kill two birds with one stone and invest in a pool that’s edged with your new timber decking? When done right, this looks fantastic and creates a space around your pool where you can walk barefoot or dry off with comfort.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to add a pool to your garden decking. For instance, you’ll want to make sure that the ground below the decking, or the subgrade, is even and solid enough to handle a pool. You’ll also want to lay a solid foundation, using materials like concrete or stone to prevent long-term problems like moisture retention, which can then lead to wood rot. 

When building the decking itself, make sure to use water-resistant wood. One option is to go with composite decking boards, which are made of plastic-coated wood. Another is to use wood that naturally handles water better, like cedar or oak. 

Play With Different Types of Flooring

And speaking of experimenting with different wood materials, it goes without saying that the sort of flooring you choose will determine how your entire garden deck looks. So choose wisely here. 

If you want to play it safe, sturdy hardwood materials like Jarrah, Merbau, or Blackbutt are renowned for being some of the most durable and naturally moisture- and fire-resistant wood options, making them perfect for Aussie decking. Not only do these hardwood planks look incredibly natural and in their element, but their earthy tones will naturally also help your deck feel totally integrated with your wider garden greenery. 

As mentioned previously, however, there are many other different types of timber materials to choose from, including ash and pine. Different woods will give your deck a different look, and come with their own care requirements, so be sure to think about your maintenance preferences alongside your aesthetic preferences when selecting the right material for your decking.

Or you may not even go with timber at all, opting instead for materials like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), stone or concrete. These alternatives to traditional timber decking are sure to make your garden deck stand out in a major way. Just remember to engage with the pros and cons of all these materials, just as you would when selecting the right timber for a traditional Australian timber deck.

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If you have a garden, a deck should be near the top of your list for features to add, if you haven’t done so already. And if you already have a deck and are looking to spruce it up over 2024, then hopefully we’ve provided plenty of inspiration for your upcoming garden improvement projects.

Just remember to have fun throughout the process, and let yourself act on any ideas or designs that bring you the most joy. Who knows? Your efforts may even lead to you getting a shout-out in our list of Mildura’s best gardens!