Decided 2024 is the year you’re going to sort the garden?
Great decision. A well thought out decking area can have a huge impact on the usability and enjoyment of outdoor space.
And your next good choice?
To use composite decking.
As the modern alternative to wood, composite boards offer long-lasting durability with virtually no maintenance – put down your paint brushes, none of that hard work is needed here!
Little wonder then, that composite decking remains one of the most popular ways people choose to modernise and enhance their gardens. Armed with quality, easy-to-fit boards, the only part of your project that will demand any real effort is getting the design right – and with a little help from the decking experts at Modern Garden, that’s easy too!
Read on for design and style inspiration as we highlight the predicted decking trends of 2024.
This year’s decking inspiration
Think outside of the box
Decking may come in regular linear boards but that doesn’t mean your decking has to be straight! This year, designs are stepping away from regimented lines and getting more adventurous with circles, curves, and wavy walkways leading the way.
And it’s not just the overall shape of decked areas getting creative. The configuration of boards looks set to take more shape too with chevrons and diagonal lines expected to feature heavily. A colour that is proving popular is black composite decking boards.
Fifty shades of grey
It would appear we still haven’t tired of grey and grey composite decking is expected to continue as one of the most popular shades for 2024.
Grey decking creates a clean, modern look without being too dark and overpowering, making it a colour that works in any space, big or small.
If you’re a little tired of grey, why not mix things up by using several different shades? Interspersing different tones of the same colour can add depth and interest. It can also be practical – for example, if you use a different shade to highlight steps or edges or to mark out different areas.
Let there be light
As the cost of living continues to bite, the trend again this year looks set to maximise value for money – which means getting the most out of your decking, day or night!
To do this, lighting is essential – perfect for setting the mood, creating a relaxing ambience, and ensuring that even when the sun goes down your decked area remains in use.
A set of fairy or festoon lights can work a treat, establishing a pretty festival vibe, however this year we’re expecting an increase in integrated lighting with lights fitted directly into steps or boards. Not only does this look ultra cool, it’s also a great way to illuminate edges and walkways.
Bring the outdoors in
We all know that there’s no guarantee when it comes to British weather, which is why, particularly since the days of lockdown, there’s been a growing tendency to bring the outside in, creating areas that are usable whatever the forecast.
Pergolas and gazebos are great for this, but more and more people are going a step further and creating entire ‘outside’ rooms – think dining area, bar or a sheltered space to sit and chill.
Take a look at our image gallery for inspiration.
Get back to nature
Year after year, the push to be greener and more sustainable increases and 2024 is unlikely to show any let up.
Made from recycled materials, with zero need for any treatments containing harsh chemicals, composite decking has already earned green credentials, but this year we expect decking designs themselves to focus more heavily on the environment.
Planting will feature highly whether in borders, pots, or wall planters, designed to encourage wildlife, with areas to cultivate shrubs and blooms expected to be an integral part of decking plans. But don’t panic if you’re short on space. Try alternative quick wins, such as adding pots of lavender. This will help to encourage bees, whilst adding colour and interest (it smells pretty good too!).
The key here is to create a space that blends in and is sympathetic to the surrounding environment – traditional brown composite boards will work well for this.
Don’t forget the finer details
Finishing touches can be the difference between decking that looks good and decking that looks great! Taking time to ensure decking is finished off correctly is well worth the extra thought and effort.
This year, expect to see an increase in different materials coming into play as people experiment with stone edges to mark out decking perimeters. Creating this ‘picture frame’ effect, it’s a clever way to add flare to your design.
Not sure about stone? Then what about creating the same look with plants instead.
Plan a successful project
Get the New Year off to a great start and unlock the true potential of your garden with composite decking.
Shop with Modern Garden and you’re guaranteed high-quality decking and great value. Our decking won’t fade, is easy to fit and requires nothing more than a gentle clean to keep it in tip-top condition… leaving you with plenty of time to work on all those other resolutions you made!
Order your composite decking online now or to talk your project through in more detail with a member of the team, call us on 01695 557 711.
