Because it’s officially ‘chilling outside’ season.
Decking area looking a little sorry for itself?
Well, the sun has certainly put its hat on for the summer. So, why not take it as a sign that it’s time to zhuzh up the deck and create an outdoor space that you actually want to sit in?
It’s surprising what a difference a few small changes can make. Perhaps some new scatter cushions… a fresh lick of paint… a few lengths of rope for decoration.
Whether you have a compact deck intended for solo relaxation, or a sprawling wooden area that’s perfect for entertaining, here we’ve rounded up a few decking ideas that serve serious inspiration.
- Add the rainbow
Why stick with boring traditional greys and browns?
Give your outdoor space a fun 70s disco style with these technicolour deck ideas.
We’re thinking a couple of hot pink fence panels. A rainbow-coloured parasol. Some sequin-clad cushions and gold metallic plant pots. Maybe a string of multi-coloured fairy lights? Then, to finish the look, a funky decking balustrade made from our brand new PolySilk Decking Ropes.
Crafted from premium multifilament polypropylene fibres, these are soft yet durable, UV stabilised and fully weather resistant – making them a suitable candidate for prolonged outdoor use.
Available in seven eye-catching colours – including red, purple, white, black, silver grey, navy and pink – they’re an easy way to inject a little personality and give your decking a dose of party vibes.
- Get in touch with nature
Balance out the hardscaping with just as much softscaping.
This deck design idea is all about introducing greenery, breaking up the planks with as many plants and flowers as possible, and making your deck feel more connected to the garden.
If you have the space to play with, perhaps add a border of planters around the decked area – either filled with tall grasses and colourful meadow flowers, or a selection of sculptural plants to create a sleek and modern feel. You can even add a couple of small trees to create natural shade.
For smaller decking areas, the trick is to think vertically. For example, why not add a rose swag? Not just reserved for the front porch, climbing plants make a fantastic addition to decking, too. All you need is a couple of wooden posts and a length of rope. Or alternatively, perhaps you could create a ‘feature fence’ using shelves and potted succulents.
Kokedama is another fabulous decking idea – especially if space is limited.
Japan’s answer to the classic hanging basket, kokedama offer an innovative way to add flowers to your wooden space – and they’re actually pretty easy to make. Just wrap the roots of a small plant in soil and sheet moss, tie it together using a length of twine or string and hang from your pergola.
- Embrace Mediterranean boho
Longing for a trip to the med?
Bring a holiday atmos to your outdoor space with this calming garden decking idea.
The key to this one is a light, airy colour palette. Perhaps give the decking itself a new whitewashed finish. Paint the surrounding fence in a cool grey. Add an outdoor sofa and throw on a couple of subtly textured cushions and throws. Then update your existing rope fence with some White PolySilk.
To give it a true boho feel, you could also use our Cotton Rope to introduce a few macramé decorations.
Rope plant hangers are very quick and easy to knot up – even for an absolute beginner. Just follow our step-by-step guide, add your favourite flora and take your decking up a level (literally). Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not attempt to make a macramé dreamcatcher? Or decking chair? Or parasol?
Even if you don’t have a flight booked (yet), these simple yet effective decking ideas will create a dreamy space in your backyard – perfect for kicking your feet up and relaxing with a good book.
- Be inspired by nautical
A tried-and-tested decking design idea that works in all gardens and is enduringly popular. Why not give your outdoor space a timeless nautical theme?
Blue and white stripes are 100% essential. To create a statement look, perhaps paint these directly onto your decking boards. Or if you’d prefer a more conservative approach, opt for whitewashed or rattan furniture and pile it up with a selection of striped and coastal-themed cushions.
To add to the ‘at the pier’ vibe, a classic rope fence – featuring traditional Jute Rope or Synthetic Hemp – is an absolute must. And if you wish to use the space for summer get togethers, why not introduce a decking bar table and hang three or four rope swing seats from the pergola?
It’s a whimsical, super cute look that’s super simple to achieve.
Ready to spruce up the deck?
If you’re feeling inspired by our genius decking ideas and would like to give one a go, we have all the ropes you need to get started – including Decking Ropes, PolySilk Barrier Ropes, Jute Rope, Synthetic Hemp, Cotton Rope, Twines and Strings and more. All of which are available for an affordable price, in stock and ready for next working day delivery.
So why not take a look around?
Cheer up your tired decking with a few simple additions and make the most of your outdoor space this summer. And keep in mind, if you do use our ropes in your new decking design, we’d love to see the results. Just tag us in your photos on social media using #ropesdirect. Or for a chance to feature on our blog, send them over to info@ropesdirect.co.uk.