Choosing the right decking size can make all the difference when creating an outdoor space that suits your family’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a cosy corner for morning coffees or a sprawling space for family barbecues, decking can transform your garden into a functional and enjoyable area. Here’s how to choose a decking size that aligns with your family’s lifestyle so that everyone, from kids to pets, can enjoy it.
Assessing Your Family’s Lifestyle Needs
Consider Daily Activities and Special Occasions
Think about how your family uses outdoor space on a daily basis. Do you enjoy outdoor meals together or host weekend barbecues? Perhaps your children need an area to play, or you simply want a place to unwind after a long day. These daily habits will play a big role in determining the right decking size. If you enjoy entertaining, consider a larger deck with room for extra seating and a dining area. On the other hand, if your family uses the garden mostly for relaxing or gardening, a smaller deck might be perfect. Explore the colours and styles available from DINO DECKING for the dream garden.
Think About Future Needs
Your family’s needs may change in the future, and planning ahead can help make your decking a long-term investment. If you have young children, they’ll eventually grow, and you may want a space that can adapt to those changes—like adding room for a lounge set or extra seating. For families with pets, ensure there’s enough space for them to roam. If you’re planning a phased design, consider starting with a smaller deck that can be expanded later, providing flexibility without overcrowding the garden initially.
Sizing Recommendations for Different Decking Needs
Small Decking Areas
For those with limited garden space or minimal outdoor needs, a small deck can create a lovely, low-maintenance area without taking over the entire garden. Small decks are ideal for creating a cosy seating area with a couple of chairs and a small table—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. To maximise the space, consider built-in benches or foldable furniture that can be tucked away when not in use.
Medium Decking Areas
If you need a balance between personal relaxation and family gatherings, a medium-sized deck is often a good choice. Medium decks can comfortably fit a dining table, a few lounge chairs, and maybe a BBQ grill, offering flexibility for different uses. Add dividers or planters to create defined zones, making the deck feel more spacious while also giving each area a unique purpose.
Large Decking Areas
For families who love outdoor living and entertaining, a large deck offers the flexibility to create multiple zones, such as a dining area, lounge section, and even a small bar.
This size is perfect for hosting friends and family, as there’s ample space to accommodate everyone without feeling crowded. Large decks also allow for creative touches like built-in seating or even a pergola, adding an extra layer of functionality and style.
Balancing Deck Size with Garden Space
Leaving Room for Greenery and Pathways
A well-designed deck should complement the garden, not take over it. Leaving space for greenery and pathways keeps the garden feeling open and fresh. Adding planters or surrounding the deck with flower beds helps soften the transition between decking and the garden, creating a more natural flow. Think about what areas you’d like to keep open for plants, pathways, or play, and ensure the deck is sized to leave room for these other elements.
Maximising Small Garden Space
For small gardens, you can still make the most of limited space with clever design. Consider a corner deck or a wrap-around style that uses less of the garden’s main area. Built-in benches and storage can save space, and vertical features like trellises or wall-mounted planters can add greenery without taking up floor space. With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy a practical deck without overwhelming your garden.
What You Should Do with a Decking Sample Pack
Are you convinced that composite decking is exactly what your outdoor space needs? While you can feel sure that this is the investment you want, you always want to be 100 per cent. One of the best ways to do this is by ordering a decking sample pack. This is going to allow you to get a taste of the product before you spend a lot of money. Most people who have done this before admit it’s helped them make the best decisions. Let’s take a look at what you should analyse when you order one.
Test the Quality
Of course, durability is important when it comes to decking. This is going to be a space in your garden that’s subjected to the elements of British weather. So, when your sample pack arrives, you need to ensure that you’re getting quality materials that are going to last for many years.
You can try bending and moving the decking, as well as placing it out in the rain and checking its thickness. Getting to see it in person allows you to understand how it’s going to work for your project.
Analyse the Colour
Quality is important, but you’re also going to be excited to see the different colours available for decking. This is more extensive than ever, with all sorts of grey, black and brown shades available. Ordering a sample allows you to analyse the colour in person and make sure it’s going to be suitable for your outdoor space and the vibe you’re trying to create.
Consider the Service
The great thing about ordering samples from a company is that you get to test their service. How will they treat you when they’re giving something away for free? For example, if they take weeks to send you the products and don’t care about how they’re presenting it to you, this might be a company you want to avoid. But, if you notice that they’re fast and efficient, as well as offering cool samples to look at, this greats a good impression.
Conclusion
Choosing the right decking size is all about matching it to your family’s lifestyle and needs. By considering how your family will use the space, planning key zones, and balancing the deck with the garden, you can create a deck that everyone will enjoy. Remember to visualise your ideal setup, keep future needs in mind, and choose a size that works now and in years to come.