Category: Garden Design Ideas

5 Top Tips for Building a Wooden Deck

Decking Accessories Decking Advice Garden Design Ideas Garden DIY No Comments
building a wooden deck

Building a wooden deck is an ambitious project for even the most avid DIY fan. However, knowledge is power and armed with the right tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to crafting up your very own deck.

Ready to take the plunge? Here are our 5 top tips for building a wooden deck

 

Consider Your Decking Materials

Building a wooden deck is a great way to encourage more time spent in the garden. But, depending on the materials you pick, this could mean much longer than you really want due to maintenance and up keep.

If time is a major factor for you, then look to a hybrid material such as composite decking. Composite decking is partially made of plastic, meaning it will last out against the elements, but retain all the beauty of wooden decking for many years.

Similar to composite decking, hardwood decking is growing in popularity due to its long lifespan and aesthetic appearance. Hardwood decking does tend to be more expensive, but there’s always an absolute bargain suited to your budget waiting to be snapped up at eDecks!

 

Level Up

Struggling to make things fit in your garden? Think you’re limited to decking options because your backyard is on a slope? Think again. Adding a level or two is a great way to make the most of your available garden space and helps to break up long unsightly staircases.

Building a wooden deck on a slope has its challenges, so be sure to swot up on best practice and safety guidelines before tackling your next big project.

 

Style Up with Rails

For some decking, railings may be a mandatory safety requirement, but for others who don’t have this limitation, railings can also help to decorate your deck. Even if your decking is made of wood, alternative materials such as metal, glass or even cabling can be used to spruce up your decking.

Looking to add interest beyond a standard set? Why not use lattice to add interest make your decking rails a feature point?

 

Customise Your Colours

When designing your own deck, taking into account the look of your house and garden is key. Often when building a wooden deck, it can be too easy to get caught up in the final decorative touches, but don’t forget to stop and take stock of your core materials. Will your wooden decking boards match up with the rest of your theme?

Anxious they won’t match? Don’t worry – that’s what decking stains were made for! If you’re not sure which shade of wooden decking to opt for, pick the lighter of the options. This way, you can always adjust the colour of the wood gradually – and it’s always easier to go from light to dark than the other way about.

 

Let Your Deck Bloom

Want to hide unsightly screw-heads? Perhaps you’ve used a few reject decking boards that stick out a little too much compared to the rest of your deck? Accessorising your deck with leafy plants and flowers is a great way to inject personality whilst hiding any minor nicks or flaws created in the process of building a wooden deck.

 

Building a Wooden Deck – eDecks

Ready to get cracking on your next project and begin building a wooden deck? Head on over to see the decking on offer at eDecks now! Not sure where to begin or even what materials you’ll need? Don’t worry – our super helpful sales team are on hand to help you design your project – just give them a call on 0844 474 4444.

How to Choose the Right Garden Fence Panels

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garden fence panels

Is that a pocket of sun we spot? The budding of new flowers and plant life? With the first signs of Spring finally making an appearance, it’s a good time to stop and take stock of your garden plans for the seasons ahead. For many, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate the garden – starting with your garden fence panels.

Dependent on budget, purpose and size, the variety of garden fence panels is huge and choosing the right fit for your garden can seem like an overwhelming task. Do not fear, eDecks are here to help equip you with the knowledge you need to make the decision on your next set of garden fence panels.

Aesthetics, Security and Privacy

For many, the need for garden fence panels is simply functional – to outline boundaries – such as to secure an area for children to play in. Picket fences are the ideal for those looking to freshen up your garden whilst establishing perimeters. Easily distinguishable, picket fences can be customised and painted to fit in with your house building – it is common to spot picket fences that have been painted white.

For those seeking a balance between aesthetics and security, Trellis fencing is an elegant solution. With some styles difficult to climb to begin with, Trellis fence panels are also unlikely to support significant weight – and certainly not the body weight of a burglar. If the tricky ascent of the fencing isn’t enough of a deterrent, then thieves will also have to face the prospect of a large crash when the fencing gives way – enough for some to make a hasty exit before carrying out a crime.

For those seeking privacy and security, without compromising on aesthetics, then looking to a trellis-topped style such as a triple dome panel may prove to be ideal. Trellis-topped styles can be applied to a number of different fence panel styles, allowing you to customise your fencing.

Garden Fence Panels on a Budget

For DIYers on a budget, overlap fence panels are a common and wallet-friendly solution. Whilst these panels are not quite as strong as alternatives such as feather-edge or vertical lap panels, the biggest draw for many novices is the fact they can be easily installed (with the help of another person) and of course, inexpensive with prices beginning from just £12.24 per panel, whilst still providing the desired level of privacy.

Garden Fence Panels at eDecks

Here at eDecks, we are proud to present a huge range of fence panels suitable for every need and budget. If you’re still not quite sure on which garden fence panels to pick, our friendly and helpful customer service team would be delighted to help – simply give them a call on 0844 474 4444.

How to Install Artificial Grass in 6 Steps

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how to install artificial grass

Great news – you’ve decided to save yourself all that time you spend mowing the lawn by replacing it with artificial grass. You’re looking forward to spending more time enjoying your garden and relaxing, but before you get to that stage there is just the matter of getting your new lawn in place.29

Here at eDecks we pride ourselves on being helpful to our customers, and as a family run business we believe in keeping things simple. To that end, if you are wondering about how to install artificial grass then you need to wonder no longer – here is our guide to getting your new lawn in place in 6 straight-forward steps.

Step 1: Preparation

The first stage in any DIY project, as you probably know, is the preparation.

Measure out the area(s) that you are going to lay down the artificial grass, ensuring that you get your measurements absolutely spot on, so you don’t end up with gaps (it’s good to measure then leave a couple of days and do it again to make sure you don’t rush and make a mistake). Then decide exactly what you want your lawn to look like: we offer lots of different options and variety, meaning you can choose everything from the exact colour of your new lawn to the thickness and length of the ‘grass’. We also offer our Cut to Size service, which will save you lots of your precious weekend by having everything cut to your specifications rather than you having to do it.

Step 2: The Digging

Once you’ve measured it all out, ordered your new grass and are waiting for its delivery you should get the area ready (although you’ll have to be quick as our delivery is famously fast!). Start by removing the old lawn, if there is any, and then dig out the soil that was underneath that. Not only will this remove all roots and other weeds, but it will give you room to add in a base layer, for a better looking lawn.

Step 3: The Base Layer

Once your area is dug out, you need to make sure there’s a firm base layer. This will ensure that your lawn is smooth and level, with no strange lumps that could damage the grass or make it uncomfortable to walk on. It will need to be compacted and flattened, so allow enough time for this and for it all to set firmly.

If you want your lawn to be even softer, you might want to consider adding in a base layer of shock pad matting to make it even more comfortable to walk on – it works the same way as the layer under your carpets.

Step 4: Laying your Lawn

If you’ve used our Cut to Size service, this next bit is easy (providing you roll it out the right way!). Start at one edge, and simply roll out the grass, ensuring that any joins are secured discreetly. For larger and thicker lawns, it’s worth remembering that your rolls of artificial grass are going to be heavy – get someone to help you, as it’s all too easy to injure yourself!

Step 5: Securing and Filling

Once your new artificial grass is rolled out, it’s time to secure it. Using Ground PINS, your lawn will be easy to secure and won’t be going anywhere. Space them out evenly around the edges and throughout your lawn to make it firmly held down, remembering to hammer them in flush to the base of the lawn so they cannot be seen.

Step 6: Enjoying!

With your new artificial lawn now in place all you have left to do is sit back and admire your handy work, or better still get the whole family together for a barbecue safe in the knowledge that your grass will not become patchy with people walking over it.

How to Install Artificial Grass – Stock Up!

Now you know how to install artificial grass, head on over to stock up on artificial grass essentials here.

How to Decorate Your Deck for Halloween

Decking Accessories Garden Design Ideas No Comments

Scare the neighbours and spook your friends by turning your deck into a creepy Halloween grotto! With our grizzly guide you can throw a party your family and friends will never forget. If you’ve got young kids, get them involved in the fun! They’ll love transforming their home into a ghoulish grotto and it’s a great way to keep them entertained during the October break.

 

Step 1: Carve Pumpkin Lanterns

No Halloween party would be complete without a pumpkin lantern! To make yours, use a large felt-tip pen to mark the outline of your design (the creepier the better), cut off the top of your pumpkin using a large sharp knife, scoop out the inside (this can be used to make pumpkin pie later) and very carefully, use a smaller sharp knife to cut out the design.

Then hang or place the lanterns in prime position around your deck. We recommend using fake LED candles but if you want to use real ones, be careful to place the lanterns where they won’t be knocked over!

 

Step 2: Unleash Flying Bats

Ok, so they aren’t exactly flying or real bats but, hanging fake bats from the roof of your deck or along your hand railings will help to create a creepy atmosphere. You can pick up toy bats from most toy shops or if you’re feeling wickedly crafty, round-up the kids and have a go at making your own. All you need to pick up is black card from an art supplies shop and a bat shaped stencil for the kids to draw around, you can even make the stencil yourself with thicker card. Once you’ve cut out your bats feel free to leave them dark and mysterious or, let the kids decorate them with paint, glitter and anything else that takes their fancy.

 

Step 3: Add Spooky Lighting

Think orange paper lanterns and dimmed lamps to set an eerie atmosphere. You want it to be bright enough so that you can tell one witch from another but dim enough to create a spooky setting. This year we’re planning on hanging orange, green and black lanterns along the roof of our deck.

 

Step 4: Don’t Forget the Details

Fake cobwebs? Check! Sinister toy skeletons on the garden furniture? Check! Dry smoke? The possibilities are endless! Dangling toy spiders from the roof is guaranteed to give the neighbours a fright. Welcome guests onto raised decking with tombstones guarding the foot of the steps or drape chiffon across a garden mirror for a shadowy effect.

 

Step 5: Don’t forget the Treats

You’ve got the tricks covered, now it’s time for the treats! Halloween themed goodies are a fun way to top off the night. You can either stock up on Halloween themed food at the supermarket or have a go at making your own.

For the children, how about creepy cupcakes? Just add a little bit of green food dye into the icing and add chocolate bats or sugar fangs. Keep the grown-ups happy with a blood-red or ghastly green cocktails.

 

How are you planning to dress-up your deck for Halloween? Share your pictures on our Facebook page today.

If you want to treat your wallet, shop at eDecks for the best discounts on premium gardening supplies. We promise it isn’t a trick, we just stock high quality products at wallet friendly prices.

Our Pick of this Summer’s Gorgeous Gazebos

Garden Design Ideas Garden DIY Gazebos 1 Comment

Well hello there sun, welcome back old friend! We’re making the most of the warm weather in the eDecks garden with ice cold drinks and a shady gazebo – the perfect way to stay cool when the temperate gets hot.

Don’t have a gazebo in your garden yet? Why not? eDecks’ budget friendly prices and superior quality timber means that the dream of owning your own gazebo could finally come true! Now the only question is: with eDecks’ wide range of gazebo designs to choose from, which one will you pick?

To help you answer this burning question, here are some of our favourite gazebo designs:

 

The Budleigh Gazebo

Budleigh Gazebo

Install the stunning Budleigh Gazebo in your garden to instantly create a country cottage garden. The lattice panels let the sunlight stream in while the sturdy roof will keep cool. No respectable wall garden would be complete without a climbing plant or two. The frame on each panel provides a sturdy climbing frame for ivy or the stunning Rosa ‘Danse du Feu’ variety of climbing rose.

 

The Regis Gazebo

Budleigh Gazebo

Want a centrepiece for your garden? Call of the search and spend your summer relaxing in style in the Regis Gazebo. This incredible design piece mixes the traditional bandstand gazebo railings with modern latticed panels to create a style as special and unique as your garden. The Regis Gazebo is made from specially selected softwood timber that’s planed and pressure treated to prevent rot and decay. To finish, we’ve added a green tinge to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

 

Canterbury Gazebo

C.Gazebo

Pared back and stylish, this classic bandstand style Canterbury Gazebo will compliment your existing garden décor perfectly. The in-built bench makes it the perfect place to sit back and relax while the world goes by. During the height of summer this gazebo will provide gardeners with a shady paradise after a long afternoon tending to their blooms in the sun. If you’re planning on customising your gazebo, the simple design is the perfect base to stamp your personality into. Why not personalise it by letting your kids paint their designs onto the side panels?

 

If our picks of the top summer gazebos has inspired you, take a look at our full range of spectacular gazebos online today. Once you find the one that’s right for your garden we’ll deliver it within a few working days – now how’s that for service?! Shop at eDecks’ today to find out more.

© eDecks 2024

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