Decking options offer as many visual treats for the outdoors as there are homes. And you know Aussies swarm to the outdoors like seagulls on a hot chip! So being having a great useable deck is highly popular and a great way to expand your outdoor living areas.

decking options

Image courtesy of  Richard Cole Architecture

As an extension of your living space, you will want to use your decking options to include everything from reading a good book to family gatherings. Decking needs to cope with variant weather, heavy traffic, furniture and often BBQ spills and food getting dropped; nothing worse than oil-stained decking when it’s not Cabot’s Decking Oil.

decking options

Images courtesy of Eagle Bay Beach House (d-max Photography) and Sarah Davidson Interior Design

decking options

Images courtesy of Decks by Kiefer and SD Independent Construction

Popular Decking Options

Research material options before you design and build you deck. You’ll see that for popular decking options wood is the optimal decking material – for looks and wear – often combined with feature elements such as stone paving, recycled bricks, even vertical gardening. As decking is often an extension of the actual living room, you’ll want a seamless transition. Or you may want a design and materials that are different from, but complement, the house.

decking options

Images courtesy of Au-Haus Architecture and Urrutia Design

decking options

Images courtesy of  Anston Paving Stones and Parker & Associates Building Design Consultants

decking options

Images courtesy of White Chalk Interiors and Anna Carin Design

There are many decking options so bear in mind price, appearance, maintenance, and location. For example, is it by the sea? Will it have to withstand salt? Is it exposed to wind & rain? Different decking options include pine, hardwood, blackbutt, spotted gum, boral, jarrah, or composite.

Choose your top two or three materials and then give consideration to the shape of the site and its elevation. Is it flush with the interior floor, raised, adjacent or remote for the house? Covered or uncovered? Will this option be safe for your family? Is it by a pool? Do you wish to incorporate a BBQ or fire pit? Finally, make it feel like home by investing in high-quality outdoor furniture and fun decor.

decking options

Images courtesy of Paul Uhlmann Architects and Apex Landscapes

decking options

Images courtesy of DDB Design Development + Building and Cacao Photography

decking options

Images courtesy of Amber Road Design and The Home

decking options

Images courtesy of Coogee House (JPR Architects) and Zaher Architects

How much time and money do you want to invest in your new decking? Do you like the look of natural timber? It has to be weatherproofed and stained annually. A composite is easier to care for but may not give you the finished look you want.

There are cheaper alternatives, like plastic, and more expensive options like aluminum. Whilst budget is important, ultimately you want the decking you can afford, care for and that looks SENSATIONAL.

decking options

Image courtesy of Harrisons Landscaping

decking options

Images courtesy of Dig Design and Julie Firkin Architects

decking options

Images courtesy of Luigi Rosselli Architects and Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design

Bringing the indoors out, or outdoors in, is often a high priority for homeowners. The solutions below are very clever taking into consideration space, light, use and different weather conditions.

decking options

Images courtesy of Vitalmark Construction and Elaine Richardson Architecture

You can see how the homeowners can utilise these wonderful indoor/outdoor spaces depending on the climate. I do hope they have good mozzie zappers, tho.

In decorating your new decking, consider how you will use it. Weatherproof fabrics are required unless you want to move and store outdoor furniture. Built in seating can be a terrific solution – built from concrete or weatherproofed wood, cushions can often be stored inside the seating. If you have a small deck, consider furniture that looks fine or transparent so it doesn’t overpower the space.

decking options

Images courtesy of Peter Glass & Associates and Baxter Creative

Now that you are all decked out, how will you use the space. Now is the time to decorate with suitable furniture – comfortable patio furniture with weatherproof upholstery, an umbrella or other shade option, room for dining (table and chairs) or relaxing (some chaise lounges), and eating – BBQ, pizza oven, hibachi, easy access to an indoor kitchen or a full-blown outdoor kitchen.

To get the most use from your outdoor living area, consider heating options for cooler nights, lighting and mosquito/insect control.

decking options

Images courtesy of Outside In Landscape Architects and BDA Architecture

decking options

Images courtesy of Annabelle Chapman Architects and Chicago Green

decking options

Images courtesy of DE Atelier Architects and Angus MacKenzie Architect

decking options

Image Courtesy of Troppo Architecture and Brent Builders

decking options

Images courtesy of Acorn Garden Houses and Maxa Design

decking options

Images courtesy of Platinum Building Group and rnarchitect.com.au

 

Did this give you some good ideas? What issues do you have in creating an outdoor living area? Do you have any useful tips for other readers?

I’ll be featuring more deck ideas and also patios, courtyards, balconies and outdoor living.