Last Updated on August 27, 2025 by Nala Thorpe
Turning your garden deck into something you actually want to spend time on doesn’t need to be a massive job. A few upgrades, a bit of layout planning, and some intentional styling go a long way.
Even if your deck has seen better days, it doesn’t take a whole lot to bring some life back to it. Here are a few pointers and inspirations that can help you transform the space without the need for a full rebuild.
Add a Balustrade or Rail
A balustrade adds an entire level of safety, but also makes a deck look complete. You don’t need to go full Victorian veranda, but a clean, modern handrail helps frame the space and gives your deck a purpose.
It’s also a convenient perch for drinks or lights. If you’re even mildly handy, you can fit one yourself using timber spindles and treated posts. If not, a local joiner could likely do it in a day for a few hundred pounds, depending on size.
Timber decking is easy to come by, and isn’t awfully expensive, just make sure you’re buying from renowned timber merchants, for example, big names like MGM Timber are a good shout.
Invest in a Secure Firepit
A fire pit, if done properly, is one of the most enjoyable features you can add. It brings warmth, unbeatable atmosphere, and can make your decking usable in the winter months.
If your deck is made of timber, not composite, please consider safety matters. Place it on a heatproof mat or opt for a raised model with enough clearance underneath. Regularly supervise, and always ensure that it’s fully out before heading in for the night.
Get an Outdoor Rug
Outdoor rugs are underrated. They pull a space together, hide tired boards, and give your feet something softer to land on.
It might be time for that Ikea trip. Most garden rugs cost between £20 and £60, and they’re built for the weather, just give them the occasional brush down. If you’ve got garden furniture, a rug helps frame the space and makes it feel more like an outdoor room than just planks and pots.
Order Some Ambient Lighting
Lighting changes everything. Fitting string lights, solar-powered stakes, or low-profile LED strips along your balustrade can shift the whole mood. It doesn’t need to be fancy, Amazon sell LED spotlights for under £30, and most garden centres stock weatherproof strip lights or hanging bulbs.
We always feel it makes your deck look like something out of the Love Island villa, and if you don’t know what that is, give it a Google.
It Doesn’t Take Much to Transform a Deck
Upgrading your decking doesn’t need to be an expensive project. Most of the ideas above can be done over a weekend, and even one or two changes will elevate the space.
It’s all about creating that homely feeling. A place for a cuppa in the morning, somewhere to sit with mates in the evening, or just a quiet corner that feels looked after.
Start with what you’ve got, choose one thing to improve, and go from there. A firepit, better lighting, and decent timber can turn an unused deck into something you’ll actually enjoy using year-round.
