The Complete Guide to Different Types of Garden Deck Styles

Different Types of Garden Deck Styles

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 >