Decking colour ideas: Make your garden bloomin’ beautiful

Upgrade your decking with fresh life and colour for the summer!

We’ve gathered some decking colour ideas and put them in a perfect blog bouquet for your viewing pleasure.

Is your decking looking drab or faded? Hoping for some alfresco entertaining this summer? Pick one of our trends to throw on your decking to instantly add interest and intrigue.

However, before you begin, follow these easy tips to prep your deck:

• Prepare the surface by roughly sanding down any loose or flaking paint
• Give it a good scrub using a stiff brush and decking detergent specifically designed to remove dirt, algae and mould
• Give it a rinse and allow it to dry before applying your chosen colour or stain

Top tip: Regularly treat your deck with an anti-slip decking stain. This is an extra safety feature for those of us in wet and cold climates.

Deck paint colour ideas – from drab to fab

Stonewash grey lets your garden take centre stage

In outdoor spaces where plenty of lush and verdant plants happily grow, allow your beautiful garden to steal the show.

By painting your deck in a muted, complimentary tone so it fades into the backdrop, your furniture, flowerbeds and house features will lead the eye instead.

Opt for natural decking paint shades; for example, grey slate or sage green, and allow the bright and vivid vegetation to be the heroes of your outdoor area – especially if you have wonderful treetop views.

It’s also perfect for homeowners who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.

Dusty orange creates a serene autumnal glow

An orange decking area is perfect if you’re looking for a pop of colour to complement your forest view. Try to match the orange with the tones of your house to create the right impact.

The trick is to use a colour light and dusty enough that the maintenance requirements are low. If it’s too bright, you risk overpowering the space. If it’s not bright enough, your decking will look worn and tired.

Related content: Garden decking cost.

Navy decking colour ideas for nautical bliss

If you want to embody the sea and set sail for destination decking envy, opt for navy blue. However, as it’s a bold and stormy colour, pair it with accessories such as rope boundary fences, white furniture, and lots of potted greenery.

This decking has a matching fire pit to make the most of those choppy winds and storms in a teacup. Why not enjoy some s’mores while you’re counting your treasure and plotting your next course?

Related content: How much does a fire pit cost?

Blushing rose decking for a garden pretty in pink

When used sparingly or paired with pebble borders or flowerbeds, a rose coloured decking area adds a whimsical atmosphere to your garden.

Set beneath the eaves of a wooden pergola, this pink decking matches the rose bushes and uniformed lines of this well-kept garden. It creates a magical finish straight out of a fairy tale.

Deck stain colour ideas for low-maintenance charm

Let your plants pop with dark decking colour ideas

A deep, dark deck stain doesn’t only protect your decking timber from weathering, it also adds a rich and warm finish to your aesthetic. Plus it lets your plants steal the show.

A clear stain lets the natural beauty of the wood grain show through. However, be aware that heavy traffic areas will wear quicker and may need staining more frequently.

Top tip: If your decking connects to your home, take cues from your indoor wood flooring and choose a deck stain that matches it for effortless cohesion.

Welcome the bees with your own lavender field

Lavender is a bee-friendly, calming, and fragrant colour that works perfectly in most English gardens. It’s a noble and luxurious colour with roots in spirituality, nobility, and wisdom.

So, why wouldn’t you want to incorporate this colour into your garden? Why not opt to brush it over your decking like pictured for a watered down stain?

Just imagine strolling across your decking on a bright summer’s day, sipping some iced tea and watching the honey makers enjoy their pollination process. Pure bliss.

Related content: Creating an eco-friendly garden.

Cream tea wood stain for a clean and classic finish

There’s something enduring and familiar about white decking. Whether it’s memories of snow covered bandstands or ice rinks before mulled wine, it’s an enchanting and quintessential trip down memory lane.

White deckings particularly suit homes with bold exterior walls, such as this teal example. However, they’re also great for minimalist aesthetics or those who want to let their flowers do all the talking.

Top tip: Choose a white wood stain over white paint if possible. It’s easier to maintain your decking colour if the natural grain is a part of the aesthetic. Decking paint will quickly need a re-coat due to the amount of foot traffic dirtying the white.

Related content: How to stain decking.

Bold garden decking colour ideas

Deep red is a regal statement to everyone who passes

A deep, bold red has the same effect as other dark decking ideas in terms of blending in and being low maintenance.

This burgundy shade tows the line between traditional and contemporary, its darker shade keeping the look sophisticated and understated. It makes a statement while blending nicely with the lakeside views.

You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade.

Yellow fence and decking colour ideas create year-long sunshine

For a cheerful and sunny setting, choose a bright yellow decking paint for instant upbeat vibes. Team it with a smart fence in a warm wood stain and you’ll create the perfect backdrop to any kind of day.

Top tip: Choose a deck paint that promises slip-resistant protection, particularly on balconies that are at a height.

Distressed costal grey for oceanside tranquility

Love the laidback, beach house look? Well, recapture this breezy, relaxed style in your own garden by installing a deck with a rustic, sun-bleached finish.

All you need to do is sand it down and add a clear stain. Your deck will then weather naturally and reveal a lovely silver patina over time.

To finish the look, style your decking with white adjustable garden furniture that enhances the coastal feel.

Decking and fence ideas for cohesion and style

Go for cohesion with grey decking and fence ideas

Grey remains a popular, on-trend colour for outdoor decking as it creates a sleek and modern feel. Keep it simple and classy by matching your decking and fence colours.

However, for more edge, consider combining different tones of grey. For example, use a pale grey on the deck area to keep it feeling light and spacious and choose a darker grey for the fencing to add contrast and a sense of privacy.

Top tip: Selecting some vibrant garden furniture will instantly inject your new look with some personality. Also, painting your balusters white or another shade of grey will give the fencing an extra sense of depth and interest.

Choose contrasting colours like mint green and gold wood

Inject some Cotswold’s flair into your garden with this mint green decking and golden-hued fencing.

Whether you’re enjoying a jug of Pimms, a glass of cider, or a tumbler of elderflower cordial, do it in style with subtle yet complementary colour contrasts. Other pairings include lilac and mahogany, charcoal and rose copper and pebble, and monochrome.

Don’t limit it to decking and fences either. Consider ways to play with colour when it comes to accessories too; for example, planters, cushions, throws, chairs, tables, and rugs.

Like what you see? There’s more where this came from. Check out Checkatrade’s blog for more tips, ideas, how-tos, and inspiration.