10 Innovative Decking Ideas for a Sloped Garden

Ah, the good old garden deck. A staple of British garden design and the lynchpin of a $13 billion global industry, this garden feature is perhaps one of the most versatile out there. From chic modern composite designs to the comforting warmth of traditional wood, there are so many choices available, and – the best part – it is suited to practically all types of garden. Welcome news to the ears of homeowners.

First Up, Can You Deck a Sloped Garden?

Absolutely! Just because your garden is on a slope or the ground is uneven doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the myriad benefits that a garden deck has to offer. No, fortunately, there are a handful of doable ways to install the structure on your sloped garden without cause for concern. For one, you could use support posts or pedestals to keep everything flat and properly supported, and if this isn’t for you, there is always the option of raising up or levelling the area around your deck. If all else fails, there are some non-traditional applications you could try that provide the visual appeal of the material without the hassle of installing a complete deck. (Stay tuned for our main ideas!)

Why It Works

So, sloped garden decking – is it a good idea? Well, many landscapers and gardening hobbyists would say so. At its simplest, a well-designed garden deck can add a new dimension of practicality to a garden at an incline, making it more usable, presentable and safer for those with limited mobility and, of course, the little ones. There’s also an architectural advantage to be had: instead of a steep, neglected lawn, you get valuable space that you can not only use for dining, seating or other activities, but it also enhances the visual appeal of your property and even its value. Sounds ideal, right?

Quickfire Considerations

By now, you might be hooked on the idea of decking for your sloped garden – but how feasible is it to accomplish, and what do you need to think about before whipping out your garden tools? To cut to the chase, any competent DIYer can handle the installation, as long as they have a good eye, steady hands and the right tools; although it is also true that there are a lot more considerations to go through beforehand. Here is a quickfire list of the many elements to mull over:

• As with any home improvement project, your budget needs to be top-of-mind to avoid any surprises later down the line.
• Materials are another key one – for example, will you pick timber or composite decking?
• You may need to think about levelling out any areas that are too steep for your decking plans.
• Drainage is needed so your garden doesn’t become waterlogged.
• Finally, think very carefully about the structural elements like posts and joists, which form the support system accommodating the garden’s slope.

   

10 Innovative Decking Ideas for Gardens on a Slope

Finally, the part you’ve been waiting for: 10 interesting decking ideas for style-conscious homeowners. Once you’re aware of the considerations at play, it’s time to dive into a wealth of options. Allow us to provide some direction…

1)      Zone Your Garden by Purpose

You might’ve heard this tip in conjunction with indoor spaces, especially open-plan rooms, but it works equally effectively in the garden. By zoning your exterior by purpose or functionality, you can completely change the feel of the space and provide a sense of cohesion it was previously lacking. We talk about this in more detail in our guide to garden dividers, but the idea goes something like this: you use different edging materials, screen partitions, ground materials and raised areas to delineate different sections like a play section, dining area or sun trap. With them clearly sectioned off, it’s much easier to maintain them and cater to different needs. Plus, with your decking defining a particular area, it looks so refined too.

2)      Install a Raised Deck

One of the best parts about introducing a raised deck into your sloped garden is that it effectively cancels out the problem. Providing a nice even surface, it’s much more comfortable to sit and enjoy what the outside world has to offer, from evening sunsets to soft birdsong as you enjoy your morning coffee.

3)      Go Down the Veranda Route

Decking is a no-brainer when it comes to making the choice for your veranda surface. Simple to maintain, clean and decorate with potted plants and outdoor furniture, it’s not difficult to see why these outdoor structures are becoming increasingly popular. To install one, you might not have to level the entire garden either – only ensuring that the square footage marked around your home is even and treated with the right irrigation system. With that sorted, your perfect blend of outdoor living and indoor comforts is just around the corner.

4)      Give Drop-Down Decking a Go

What is drop-down decking, you say? Besides from being the solution to gardens on the steeper side of the equation, they’re a type of deck structure that you can raise or lower, usually via a mechanical system like a winch. This way, you can gain back the unusable inches of your garden for all sorts of recreational pastimes, like entertaining your friends around a BBQ or doing some solo crafts.

5)      Don’t Forget Stairs & Handrails!

When it comes to raised decking or decking on a slope, safety is paramount – but before you get bogged down in the seriousness, do know that this doesn’t have to hamper your sense of style. Not at all! In fact, decking balustrades and railings are an important aspect of your decking styling, providing points of contrast, additional detailing and a sense of balance. Similarly, there’s plenty of fun to be had exploring your stair options. From railway sleeper steps to low-profile composite solutions complete with in-built recessed lights, there’s much to consider.

6)      Get Groovy with Aesthetics

Speaking of styling, why stop at railings and stairs when there are so many opportunities for customisation? From getting groovy with your decking lighting schemes – lanterns and LED spotlights are both great choices – to the combinations of materials around the deck, you can cultivate an ambience specific to your tastes. Want to add a bit of an edge to an otherwise fairly plain garden? Then why not take a look at which decking panels can enhance the look? Along with a manila rope handrail, decking panels are an effective way to add a decorative touch to bring things to life.

7)      Create Your Own Viewing Deck Atop the Slope

A lovely way to drink in and admire all the hard work you put into designing and maintaining your garden is from the vantage point of a deck looking down over the vibrant blooms framing your home. Here, you can even add another degree of functionality to your retaining wall ideas by having decked stairs leading up through the different levels you’ve created. It’s all about marrying visual interest with usability.

8)      Carve Out a Sheltered Seating Area

There’s nothing more calming than the feeling of being sheltered in a cosy seating nook, whether that’s a reading cubby you carved out in an alcove or some well-placed armchairs. But did you know you can replicate this in your garden too? By crafting a sunken seating area with your decking, perhaps at the bottom level of your garden, you’re not only satisfying your animalistic need for shelter but sprinkling a touch of luxury over your plot. From a more practical perspective, it’s much easier to look after and define the space – especially, if it’s an intimate spot centred by a fire pit.

9)      Pave the Way with a Decking Path

If you’re not so keen on pavers or concrete, decking boards make a wonderful alternative for introducing a path into your garden. From more stepping-stone-adjacent aesthetics to a conventional path leading to a dedicated seating area, there’s a lot of styles to play around with and, crucially, with fewer decking boards in the mix, it makes for a more budget-friendly option for homeowners hoping to save.

10)                             Think Outside the Box with Your Decking Boards

If none of these decking ideas for a sloped garden fully resonate with you, it’s time to take a different approach. If you’re feeling brave, or perhaps simply in a creative mood, why not ditch the structure itself in favour of some outdoor décor? By this, we mean taking the decking boards and transforming them into something completely different – after all, decking boards can be used for a whole world of projects, not just your classic garden deck. From outdoor furniture to classy wall cladding, there are so many alternative ways to stimulate the mind when you step into your outdoor space.    

From Idea to Reality

A garden deck is a simple yet striking way to add a pinch more creative flair and functionality to your outdoor space, no matter the incline. With these decking ideas for a sloped garden, we hope that you’ll agree with us that, yes, it’s for everyone. So, if you’ve a hankering for a dedicated al fresco dining zone or simply a convenient surface for sitting out in the sun with your latest read, don’t let anyone tell you that a steeper plot is insurmountable. Hungry for more outdoor inspiration? Why not explore the rest of our garden and landscaping blog? Or, if you’re ready to take the leap, browsing our versatile range of decking products is a great next step.