Outdoor Decks Garden Design

Welcome to our backyard ideas page where we feature access hundreds of outdoor living spaces including decks, patios, balconies, porches, verandas, swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, gardens, plants, flowers, gazebos and other structures and more.

As the weather gets warmer, we all start spending more of our time outdoors. Our attention shifts from interior design projects to our outdoor spaces. Warmer months mean the chance to sit in the sunshine and enjoy cooking and eating meals with family and friends out in the fresh air. But, is your garden up to scratch for entertaining? If your backyard looks like it’s in need of a little tender loving care then you’re in the right place. This garden decks design collection presents gorgeous ideas on how to expertly present your al fresco dining and open air lounge areas.

To date we’ve nearly covered everything imaginable for backyards and landscaping, but we’ll likely come up with more so be sure to check back regularly.

Garden Decking Design Photos

A great backyard is a part of the lifestyle – it gives you space to enjoy nature, run around with the kids and hosts guests on a Sunny day. One way to spruce up your backyard and have a beautiful space for guests is to have a deck! Interested in creating a deck in your yard? Here you'll find several Garden Decking Design to help you gather ideas and some information.

Do you build your deck around your house or standalone in the yard? Do you add a pergola or an umbrella? What kind of lighting should you use And what sort of timber should you use – hardwood, pine, or something more sustainable?

We discovered a few neat things. First, the configurations and layouts of decks are nearly limitless. The size and shape are just as often entirely unmoored, metaphorically, from the house these decks are attached to, limited only by the designers’ imagination and the surrounding landscape.

Second, we learned that not all patio decks fit the general understanding of a natural wood plank construction; we’ve gathered a handful of examples with surprising builds and novel materials.

Finally, we learned that the very placement of patio decks can be found in novel spaces. Sandwiched between two parts of the home, sprawling linearly out into the yard, or overlooking a nearby lake, you’ll see these patios in refreshing places.

We hope you feel as inspired and awed by the lavish constructions on Garden Decking Design Ideas below!

Choosing The Right Material for Your Perfect Patio

Your patio provides the foundation for your outdoor living space. It will need to be durable, well-constructed and attractive. When installing a new patio or resurfacing an existing one, you will have many paving materials to choose from. The most popular patio materials include concrete, flagstone, pavers and brick.

Before selecting your patio material consider what qualities you are looking for. Do you want something eco-friendly? Are you looking for the most affordable option? Do you need a slip-resistant surface for safety around a pool? What look are you attracted to? Will freezing weather be a concern? Once you've answered these sort of questions you will be able to make an educated decision on what material is best for your patio. This will ensure that your investment will hold up for years to come.

Paving a patio is often the biggest expense when landscaping a yard. If you enjoy the high-end look of stone, but don't enjoy its price tag, there are other options. You can opt for decorative concrete that mimics stone or brick. Another idea is to use a more affordable material for the majority of your patio and use the stone as an accent border or design.

Common Patio Materials

1. Permeable Paving Ideas
2. Paving Comparison Chart
3. Concrete Patio
4. Flagstone Patio
5. Patio Pavers
6. Brick Patio
7. Patio Tiles

If you plan to landscape your yard in stages, paving your patio should be the first stage. Landscape designer Maureen Gilmer recommends paving first because it creates usable space and will keep your house clean.

The Benefits of a Flagstone Patio

Flagstone is one of the best materials for patios primarily due to its narrow packed joints that allow water to permeate instead of running off. Flagstone patios also have a very natural, organic look due to their shape and earthy shades of browns, reds, grays and blues. The most common types of flagstone used for paving patios are sandstone, slate and limestone. Flagstone provides a durable and naturally slip-resistant patio surface that will last for years.