How to ensure your deck thrives, not just survives

Many gardens are neglected for months at a time over autumn and winter, but if you’ve invested in a high-quality deck it makes sense to get the most from it whatever the time of year.

Following our tips below will save your outdoor space from looking sad, ensuring it thrives as an inviting extension of your home all year round.

Add colour

If you have an outdoor space, no matter its size, you can add colour. Pots with flowers, greenery or foliage can help soften the harder lines of decked or paved areas.

Plant bulbs – from early snowdrops for winter, through daffodils and late flowering tulips in the spring. Top with geraniums or bright fuchsias in summer and autumn-toned dahlias for September onwards. Choose violas or foliage like ivy with attractive leaves for winter to achieve year-round colour and interest.

To help reduce maintenance jobs, choose pots that won’t mark decking, such as glazed ceramic or plastic and use saucers or pot feet to protect surfaces from pooling water.

Light up

Consider repositioning any existing outdoor lights so they illuminate your outdoor seating area. Then, as soon as the clocks change, you’ll still have a useable area in the evening for al fresco meals, a glass of wine or reading, making your garden a true extension of your home.

Why not also think about solar-powered festoon lighting to add ambience on spring and autumn evenings, or fairy lights over Christmas and New Year?

Keep it clean

Give your deck a simple clean, which is all composite decking needs, whenever you have a few minutes to spare. You’ll thank yourself in the long run!

Regularly sweeping up fallen leaves, wiping away any bird droppings and removing items which live elsewhere make it far less effort to get your yoga mat out or spread jigsaws out for the children. It also makes it easier to use the table for a last-minute outdoor meal on one of those lovely, unexpected balmy evenings.

Think about heat

Think carefully about where you place any outdoor heaters, barbecues, pizza ovens or fire pits.

They’re a great addition to any outdoor space, making it more useable, but take care.

Ensure you check manufacturers' guidelines [https://uk.trex.com/customer-support/trex-owners/downloads/], not just for the appliance but for the surface you’re placing it on (whether your deck is timber or composite).

Once you’ve confirmed they’re compatible you can warm up or get cooking safely.

A shady spot

The UK may not be notorious for its high temperatures but creating a shaded area could be a valuable move, especially if you have a south-facing garden.

Position your table and chairs where the shade of a tree or hedge falls during the hottest part of the day, or why not look at freestanding umbrellas or sails that complement your garden’s style?

Somewhere to sit

Comfortable, no-nonsense furniture is a must – you don’t want to have to prep your space every time you want to enjoy it. Getting cushions out of the garage each time, for example, is no fun if you want to make the most of a sunny morning and head straight outside with your first coffee of the day.

Again, check with the manufacturers’ guidelines to see what materials are best suited for your deck’s surface.