It is most common to see houses on hillsides or slopping environments in the UK, so it’s no wonder we have most house owners looking for decking ideas to utilize their outdoor space.
Constructing decking in such areas can prove most difficult. If you own a property with a garden in such areas, there’s no cause for alarm.
You can still plant beautiful flowers and herbs in your garden by making use of any of the decking ideas below.
1. Consider Elevated Decking
It is important to note before we go on that, composite decking is the only material you should use to install decks in a sloping landscape because of its high slip resistance.
If your home is located on a hillside, elevated decking is the best option for you. With proper planning, an elevated decking can maintain your garden space and make it visually appealing.
What is an elevated decking? It is a decking that is made of upstairs and railings. So instead of constructing a standalone stairway, you can install an elevated decking, painting it to suit your garden and building.
2. Merge Your Decking With Your Fence
This can be an aesthetically pleasing sight for your garden. You can do this by building your raised decking against your garden fence thereby making a perpendicular formation.
If you have a small garden, this can be a good option for you as it helps save space, giving you a cosy little garden.
You could also paint the deck the same colour as your fencing, causing a blend of features and improving the overall outlook for your garden.
3. Opt for Multi-level Decking
This is very similar to elevated decking. The difference between the two is that elevated decking makes use of a single level whereas Multi-level decking makes use of multiple levels.
The multiple levels can vary in height, perfect for zoning your garden space for different functions such as relaxation or dining.
This would also require a lot of planning and it is advisable to get planning permission from your local authorities.
4. Embrace Tiered Decking
This is another decking option that is similar to elevated and Multi-level decking. The idea is to raise the structure high enough to create a level ground.
Therefore, just like multi-level decking and elevated decking, it enhances your garden space and is perfect for zoning your garden to make room for different activities.
But, there’s usually no space underneath the deck because of how the multiple steps enclose the landscape, thereby creating a level ground and converting your garden into a beautiful space.
With this improvement to your garden landscape, you can add sheds like pergolas to your zoned relaxation or dining area.
5. Try Out a Terraced Garden
One way to blend your decking with your garden space is to build a Terraced garden. This way you shouldn’t have to struggle to plant on such steep slopes.
You can construct tiered plant boxes, incorporating them with the stairs of the decking as you build.
This way, you can have different plants at different tiers of the decking, giving you a beautifully sectioned garden.
6. Try Out Curved Edge Decking
Who said decking has to be square or rectangular? You can try out other patterns like curved decking. This is very beneficial for your sloping garden.
It takes the edge off your landscape and gives your garden a serene feel.
7. Build a Decked Garden Pathway
Using composite decking to build a pathway in your garden is a good idea for a sloping garden.
With beautiful plants on both sides of the decked pathway, it creates a level ground you can use as an extended entrance in and out of your garden.
It also forms a border, preventing weeds or grass from growing over it and reducing your workload in the general upkeep of your garden.
8. Construct a Large Substratum Covering
Since our subject matter is raised decking, it’s almost impossible not to see the underlayer of your deck while facing it.
To avoid this, you can use some decking boards to cover the visible base thereby creating a 3D vibe and improving the general outlook of your garden.
On the other hand, you could leave this visible area open, using it as storage for your garden tools or equipment. This way, you don’t have to erect another structure as an outdoor storage.
Add a water feature
An uneven garden is a perfect place to install a water feature. The reason is that the sloppy surface of the garden will encourage the easy flow of water from position to position. This can be a spectacular sight, particularly for your property’s landscape.
To align your water feature with the aesthetics of your outdoor space, you can opt for native materials like clay, bricks and stone. Be sure to cultivate wetland plants to make the space more inviting and comfortable.
Safety considerations for sloppy garden
Sloppy gardens are relatively safe but there is a need to exercise caution, particularly for people with disabilities.
Every level of the garden has to be easily seen. Be sure to use materials to indicate the location. You can also add quality lighting for areas where there are steps and staircases.
You can also add LED strips along the slope or even overhang lights to brighten up areas in the dark. Balustrades and handrails are also great features for uneven areas and can assist people who are at risk of falling down the slope.
Conclusion
There are a lot of decking ideas you can use for your sloped garden. Some examples are elevated decking, Multi-level decking, tiered decking, curved decking, Terraced gardens etc. This is not an exhaustive list. Ensure that you combine your creativity with the ideas above. It will give you a beautiful garden that you can enjoy with loved ones, friends and family.
Remember, any decking option you choose should suit your garden space, blend with your building structure and portray your unique style.
