November 2024 | Gripsure®

Your garden deck is more than just a convenient set of planks. It’s a place to gather, communicate, and enjoy the outdoors. And, it’s an attractive visual feature to achieve the garden you want. Choosing the right type of garden deck style to suit your needs is the key to getting the result that feels right.

At Gripsure, our array of quality timber and bamboo decking is the perfect fit for any decking style. In this article, we’ll offer some insight on popular decking styles in the UK and explain the benefits of various materials available.

To get top-quality non-slip decking for your UK project – contact us today.

Popular Decking Styles in the UK

Decking styles can vary greatly depending on the designer you use, the place you live, and the materials involved. However, they typically fall into a few overarching categories that provide their own distinct look to your garden.

With that said, here are the three most popular decking styles in the UK!

1. Multi-Level Decking

Multi-level decking incorporates depth into your design, adding layers that create a truly unique appearance. Multi-level decking can be a simple case of an extra ledge to your deck, or an expansive platform connecting multiple levels of your house. Due to their versatility and scale, multi-level decking is the perfect choice for gardens with varying levels, or for large architectural projects.

Learn how to maximise space with multi-level decking >

2. Wrap-Around Decking

Wrap around decking attaches to multiple sides of your home, effectively hugging the walls and creating a natural, flowing appearance. This can be useful if your house is an irregular shape, or if you have an extension or conservatory that protrudes from it. A wrap around decking usually looks larger than it is, improving perceptions of the garden space around your house.

3. Flush Ground Level Decking

For a modern, minimalist approach, decking that’s flush to the ground can be a great solution. This blends in perfectly with your garden, looking more like a type of flooring than standard decking – while still having all the same uses and aesthetic value.

The installation process for flush ground level decking will involve a fair bit more excavation than other options. Additionally, it may be harder to maintain due to the close proximity of dirt and the difficulty for run-off irrigation. However, the best installations will account for these factors and provide a solution that’s easy to look after.

Different Types of Decking Materials

There are many different materials that can be used for your decking. Even within these, they can often be broken down into further categories, but the main ones you have to choose from include:

Timber
Bamboo
PVC
Composite
Recycled plastics

While these are all common materials that can be used for your garden decking, that doesn’t mean they’re all made equally. At Gripsure, we’re exclusive suppliers of bamboo and timber decking – offering sustainable solutions with great quality.

There are also other factors to consider with your decking, such as hardness and grip. Our decking boards are all strong, durable, and available with world class non-slip grip built in, making them a great fit for any scenario.

Bamboo vs Timber

Bamboo and timber are both highly effective materials for decking. They offer a range of looks, from rustic greys to mature deep brown, while having extreme durability and a guarantee of between 15 and 25 years – with an expected lifespan of even longer. The main difference between the two is in their sustainability; while the timber we use is sourced sustainably, it’s hard to beat the metre-a-day growing rate of the MOSO bamboo we use in our boards.

Interested in finding out more? Check out our full blog comparing the two >

Should I Mix Materials?

Mixing materials can be a great way to add extra accenting features to your decking, but it’s important to handle this process carefully – get it wrong, and you can end up with a mismatched design that’s hard to look at.

The main place to consider adding in alternative materials is in the railing. Metal railing can add a sleek, modern finish, while glass panelling can be both attractive and functional – providing a clear view to the scenes on the other side. The latter option is a great addition to balcony decking with a view!

Get the Right Decking for Your Garden with Gripsure

The best way to find the right decking for you is to consult a specialist. An architect can help you to understand the unique benefits of your location and property, while also advising on the installation process. Meanwhile, the team at Gripsure can provide all the materials and resources you need to make an informed decision on the decking you want – and provide a quality solution at the same time.

Get the highest standards of decking boards for your garden project in the UK by getting in touch, or read on with some related articles below.

Find out how bamboo decking helps you achieve a net-zero design >

Learn methods of incorporating stair treads into your decking >

Decking is more than a practical choice for you – it is a modern design upgrade that transforms your space with style and function. Whether you’re designing a small home garden or a big commercial project, decking can change an ordinary space into something special.

Today’s decking trends are more creative, eco-friendly, and beautiful than ever before. As an architect or designer, staying up to date with these trends helps you build outdoor spaces that look great and meet your clients’ needs, and in this article from Gripsure, we’ll give all the insight you need to get the decking that’s right for you!

Get in touch today to learn how we can help with your decking project!

1. Eco-Friendly Decking: Using Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is now important in every industry, including architecture and decking. More clients want eco-friendly choices, and architects are using materials that are better for the environment.

Bamboo and timber decking are becoming more popular because they last a long time and have a smaller environmental impact. Timber decking, made from sustainably sourced wood, is easy to maintain, durable, and eco-friendly. Meanwhile, bamboo grows much faster than hardwood trees, making it an even more renewable choice for a tough timber-like result.

2. Simple Decking Designs: Clean Lines and Open Spaces

Minimalism is a popular trend in modern decking design. Homeowners and business developers want smooth, simple spaces without clutter. This trend focuses on clean lines and making the most of the space available.

Minimalist decking often hides the fasteners to create a flat, uninterrupted surface. Architects are also using larger deck boards for a seamless, wide look. This style is great for small gardens or city spaces where using every bit of space is important.

3. Lighting and Ambience: Decks That Shine

Lighting in decking can turn a space into a warm and welcoming area. The trend of adding LED lights to decks has become popular because it adds both style and safety. Popular choices include under-deck lights, post lights, and floor lights that are built in. These lights create a gentle glow, perfect for evening events, or can be used to show off the design of the deck.

As an architect, think about how lighting can improve both the look and use of your deck. Modern lighting systems often save energy, and many can be controlled with smartphones or set on timers for automatic adjustments.

4. Railing Choices: Frameless Glass and Modern Rails

Deck railings are no longer just for safety – they are now a key part of the design. A popular trend is frameless glass balustrades, which provide a clear view, perfect for clients with beautiful landscapes or water views. These glass railings are often combined with stainless steel parts for a sleek, modern style. This not only looks great but also gives a feeling of openness, making small decks feel bigger and more connected to the outdoors.

For a more classic look, modern metal or wood railings can be designed with detailed patterns, allowing architects to add a personal touch. Railings, often seen as only practical, actually play a big role in the overall design and can be customised to fit the client’s taste.

5. Multi-Level Decking: Maximising Space and Creating Zones

As outdoor spaces become more like parts of the home, multi-level decking is becoming more popular. This design is especially helpful for properties with sloped gardens or for those wanting different zones for various activities.

A multi-level deck lets architects create separate areas for dining, relaxing, or even adding features like a hot tub. Each level can serve a different purpose, making the space more flexible and useful. These decks also give the garden more depth, turning a simple space into one with multiple functions.

When designing a multi-level deck, it’s important to plan how the levels connect. Steps, ramps, or slides can link the areas, and different materials can be used to highlight each zone.

6. Hot Tub Decks: Luxury at Home

Adding hot tubs to decking is a popular option, especially for homeowners wanting a spa-like experience at home. Designing hot tub decks needs careful planning to ensure the deck can handle the weight and the hot tub is easy to use but not too noticeable. Architects are creating decks with built-in hot tubs, often adding seating or privacy screens around them. The goal is to make the hot tub feel like a natural part of the design, so it fits in smoothly rather than looking like it was added later.

7. Deck Skirting: The Final Touch

The latest trend is using skirting to both hide the space under the deck and make it look more attractive. Materials like lattice, wood panels, or composite boards can give the deck a clean, finished look.

Skirting also has its practical uses. It can allow air to flow under the deck and help keep pests out, or create hidden storage areas – perfect for keeping outdoor items out of sight. For architects, choosing the right skirting can greatly affect how the deck looks, so it’s important to pick materials and designs that fit the style of the outdoor space.

Make Your Deck Stand out with Gripsure’s Innovative Designs

Decking is constantly changing, with new techniques and materials cropping up all the time. By learning about the latest materials, designs, and building methods, architects can create outdoor spaces that go beyond their clients’ expectations and stay on top of the trends.

At Gripsure, we’re here to help you bring your decking ideas to life. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly materials, modern designs, or just strong, safe, non-slip decking, we have everything you need to create the perfect outdoor space. Our team is ready to work with you on projects big or small. Contact us today to see how we can help with your next decking project!

Find out how to build a deck on a sloped garden >

Learn which type of wood is best for timber decking >

Discover how decking can help you make the most of a small garden >