Decking and diving

Decking aficionadoes are in on a garden design secret. Never mind fashion: for warmth, good looks, easy installation and reliability it's hard to beat a sturdy wooden deck.

There's a great range of decking available and it's so straightforward you can lay a smaller project in a weekend. Still not convinced? Here are a few more reasons to enjoy the delights of decking:

Great choice of finishes: Hardwoods such as oak or renewable teak are best for outdoor use: softwoods treated with preservative are an economical alternative.

Non-slip surfaces: most decking is already grooved and textured so surfaces aren't slippery when wet. For added grip look out for non-slip decking coating to paint on the top.

Great for uneven surfaces: on slopes, or where the ground is too bumpy for lawns and patios, decking raised on stilts or stepped into intriguing changes of level evens out the space and makes it useable again.

Versatile designs: sinuous sweeping curves, rugged rope edging, or textured decking tiles showing off the timber's natural grain: whatever your look, there's decking to suit.

Please ask the staff in our garden centre for more information and advice about using decking in your garden.