Dave Kile sheds light on how to harmonise new with existing decks
Your client has a gorgeous garden and they are thinking of building a deck. Or they wish to combine a new with an existing one to balance beauty and functionality.
Depending on the type of plants, deciduous trees and blooming shrubbery native to the region, you can arrange the garden and landscape to fit their patio or deck area.
Flowing together is the goal. If the garden includes more flowering bushes, forge a pathway between the hedges. If trees are prominent, build a deck surrounding them perhaps.
Common ground cover such as asarabacca can fill in the areas between pathway and deck. A trellis is perfect for climbing plants like ivy. Best yet, it aids in creating privacy, as can a pergola.

Water features
Three popular water features include ponds, fountains and pools. Also, I’ve seen some great ideas for hot tubs, though more often, they are in an area closer to the house.
No matter what size, ponds can be blended easily into the landscape. Construct a pathway to take visitors to the pond using stepping stones and river pebbles, or a combination of the two.
Water features such as a fountain can be small and placed on a tabletop on the deck, or incorporated into the garden. Can anything match hearing babbling water while relaxing in the late afternoon.
Most people place pools next to a deck or might be surrounded by one. Whatever their size, remember to add shade. Surround the pool with large plants and trees to provide shade and enrich the air with oxygen. Or a shade sail may be more to the client’s taste.

Hot tubs
Hot tubs or spas are a brilliant addition to any yard, patio, or deck but they need special consideration. When planning for a hot tub or spa, assess electrical availability, drainage and proximity to shelter. A few shade trees or large plants near the hot tub will help protect users from uv rays and provide privacy.

Shedding light on the subject
For some clients, lighting can prove an afterthought. But it’s both a practical and dramatic way to ensure the garden is safe and stunning. Use in-ground lights along footpaths to illuminate the way around the garden. Installing lights adjacent to any steps, stairways or a change in a tread surface will help exponentially.
Uplighting trees, highlighting railings and shining a beam of light on a focus point on the deck or patio space will give the outdoor space a sense of purpose. It also will help create an ambience for your client and their guests to enjoy in the evening.
String lights or a lighting rope can help guide guests around your garden and patio. Wall lights are ideal for decks and deck supports. Additionally, utilise solar lights to keep your garden sustainably lit.

Surface structure and material
Materials you use for the deck, walkway, patio and even seating area will likely be dictated by availability. Several types lend themselves to hardscaping around foliage.

Stone is attractive to integrate and will complement foliage, trees and deck if you have one. Use stone to build a retaining wall as it helps direct people to all the garden features.
Bricks and pavers work congruently to create paths along garden. Also, pavers and bricks can lead up to a patio to create an aesthetic of a larger outdoor space and maintain consistency.
River pebble is sustainable and not something to underestimate, coming in different sizes and colours to enhance the beauty of the patio, landscape and water features. Plus, river pebble is sustainable.
Timber easily can be used to build walkways, stairs and a deck. Between treated pine, teak, redwood, or cedar, many choices are on hand to beautify the yard and build a natural deck.
Composite is the most sustainable and ecologically friendly material to use. It will last longer than your average timber deck, is much lower maintenance easily blends with an outdoor oasis. Those such as Trex come with an extended warranty to help guarantee that the deck outlasts a timber one.

Terrain
Consider the slope of the yard, the elevation of the deck or patio and the view the client wants. Between terrain characteristics and the shape and size of the backyard, plan accordingly. If there are curves, follow the natural direction of the yard. If there’s already a partial wall, think about building on to that. Building up existing structures will help generate a successful, sustainable outdoors.

Hardscaping
Finally, consider these two factors in the plans: the type of landscaping should complement hardscaping, and vice versa. These two components, if balanced, will bring the client years of pleasure and sustainability.

Dave Kile is owner of IBP LLC, an innovator in decking solutions

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