Adding decking to your outdoor space is a great way to create a stylish and functional area for relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying the fresh air. But before you start building, there’s an important decision to make—should you go for a raised decking area or a flat one?
While both options have their benefits, a raised deck can sometimes be the smarter choice, depending on your garden’s layout, terrain, and overall needs. Let’s explore the situations where a raised decking area makes more sense than a flat one and the key factors to consider before making your decision.
When a Raised Decking Area Makes More Sense
1. Your Garden is Sloped or Uneven: If your garden isn’t naturally level, a flat deck can be difficult—if not impossible—to install. A raised decking area provides a practical solution by creating a stable, even surface, regardless of the terrain underneath. It also allows you to make better use of areas that would otherwise be wasted due to steep inclines or dips in the ground. Click on the link to find out how composite decking holds up over time if you’ve got a difficult garden to work with.
2. You Want to Maximise Your View: A raised deck can transform the way you experience your outdoor space. If your home overlooks scenic landscapes, such as rolling hills, the sea, or a beautifully maintained garden, elevating your decking ensures you get the best view possible. Even in suburban settings, a raised deck can offer a little more privacy by keeping you above fences and hedges.
3. Your Home’s Doors are Above Ground Level: If your patio doors or back entrance sit higher than ground level, a raised deck can provide a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. This is especially common in homes with basement levels or properties built on a slope. A flat deck, in contrast, would require a set of steps, which can disrupt the flow of movement between spaces.
4. Your Garden is Prone to Drainage Issues: Poor drainage can quickly turn a flat deck into a damp, slippery mess. If your garden is prone to flooding or has heavy clay soil that retains water, a raised deck keeps your outdoor living area above the problem. By allowing airflow underneath, raised decking also helps to prevent moisture damage, which can extend the life of your deck.
5. You Need Extra Storage or Functional Space: One of the biggest perks of raised decking is the space it creates underneath. This area can be used for storing garden furniture, tools, or outdoor equipment. If the deck is high enough, you could even create a sheltered space underneath, such as a covered seating area or a play area for kids.
6. You Want to Improve Accessibility: Raised decking can make your garden more accessible, particularly if steps or ramps are needed for mobility reasons. For elderly residents or individuals with disabilities, a well-designed raised deck with a gentle slope or ramp can make a big difference in usability and comfort.
Signs You Should Get Decking in Your Garden
Are you on the fence about building a decking area in your garden? This can seem like a huge expense, and you might be apprehensive about moving forward with this type of project. After all, you want to be certain before you lay out this type of money. Thankfully, there are ways to assess this situation and see whether this is really the right renovation for your garden. So, let’s take a look at some signs you would benefit from decking.
You Want a Sitting Area
Do you plan on spending more time outside and in the sunshine? Well, you want a sitting area you can enjoy. Having grass can be nice, but when the weather has been wet the day before, you won’t be able to sit down and relax. But, the good thing about decking is that it can be used all year round. Whether you want to host a barbeque for friends and family or you just want to relax outdoors on a Saturday morning with a cup of tea. Decking gives you the perfect setting for this.
You Have a Sloped Garden
When you have a sloped garden, it can be difficult to lay areas like paving. But, the good thing about decking is that you can make this work on a sloped garden. With the right foundation, it’s easy to have a decking space that connects to your home. It’s much easier to build this type of space than having to level out the whole garden, which can also cost a fortune with professionals.
You Want a Safe Space
You’ll find that decking can be made safe for the whole family, which can include pets. You can have railings and gates around it, as well as joining to your back door. This can allow you to watch children, as well as keep pets enclosed.
Conclusion
A raised decking area can be a fantastic addition to your home, especially if your garden has uneven terrain, poor drainage, or stunning views. It also provides extra storage space and improves accessibility. However, if your garden is already level and you’re looking for a lower-maintenance, budget-friendly option, a flat deck might be the better choice.
Ultimately, the best decking option depends on your specific needs and the layout of your garden. If you’re unsure, consulting a professional can help you make the right decision for your home.
I hope you found this content useful!
Your generous support helps me produce more practical, hands-on content that I hope you’ll find useful.
Steve Maxwell
