The grey-day guide to planning your outdoor space
don’t wait for the forecast
Spring has arrived, and while the British weather may still be doing its best impression of November, there’s no better time to start thinking about your outdoor space. In fact, planning your deck or terrace during the quieter months means you’ll be ready to step outside the moment the sun decides to show up, and trust us, it will.
start with the vision
Before you think about materials, colours or layouts, ask yourself how you actually want to use the space. Is it somewhere to eat and entertain, a quiet spot to sit with a morning coffee, or a play area that also needs to look good? Perhaps it’s all three. Getting clear on its purpose early on shapes everything that follows, from the size and shape of your deck to how it connects with the rest of your garden.
Think too about where the sun falls throughout the day. A sun-trap spot in the afternoon will feel very different to a shaded corner in the morning. If you’re planning for year-round use, consider factoring in shelter as well as sunshine.
decking that does the hard work
The surface you choose sets the tone for the whole space. It’s also what you’ll be walking on, as well as cleaning and maintaining for years, so it’s worth getting right. Traditional timber has long been a popular choice, but it can demand regular time-consuming attention to stay looking its best: sanding, staining and treating to protect against the elements.
Millboard Enhanced Grain decking offers a practical alternative without compromising on appearance. Hand-moulded from carefully selected premium oak, the boards contain no wood yet replicate natural timber’s grain and variation with a level of authenticity that has to be seen to be believed. Crucially, it resists rot, warping and splintering, and requires nothing more than an occasional wash with soapy water to keep it looking at its best.
With a wide range of colours spanning both contemporary and classic tones, there’s a shade to suit every style of outdoor space, from a sleek urban terrace to a rambling country garden.
think about the wider picture
A well-designed outdoor space is more than a deck with a few chairs on it. Consider how the flooring connects visually with your home’s interior, particularly if you have glazed doors or large windows. A seamless indoor-outdoor flow can make both spaces feel larger, and makes the transition from kitchen to garden feel effortless.
Planting can do a lot of the heavy lifting here. A mix of larger structural plants for definition and privacy alongside smaller pots or beds for colour and texture will help the space feel considered and layered, not sparse or afterthought-ish.
the finishing details
Outdoor living at its best mirrors the thought and care you’d put into an interior room. Lighting is often underestimated outdoors: well-placed solar or low-voltage lights can transform how a space feels after dark and extend the time you spend in it. Comfortable, weather-resistant cushions and throws invite people to linger, and a canopy or parasol means a bit of drizzle needn’t cut the evening short.
plan now, enjoy sooner
The temptation can be to wait for a run of warm days before turning your attention to the garden. But the projects that are truly ready for summer are the ones that were planned in the grey months. Browse our product and colour ranges, order complimentary samples, contact a Millboard Approved Installer for quote or visit one of our Experience Centres – and start imagining the space you want to be sitting in. The sunshine will catch up.
A stunning woodland garden transformation in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Apollo garden – An Outdoor Entertaining Space That is Out of This World
