5 Decking Ideas for Sloping Gardens

If you’re looking for decking ideas for sloping garden areas, composite decking could be the perfect solution. Sloped gardens can be challenging when it comes to planning your dream outdoor space. You might not know where to begin, but sloping gardens can actually be a blessing in disguise, allowing for more interesting designs and results.

In particular, installing decking on a sloped garden can produce stunning multi-level results and imaginative designs. Composite decking is perfect for this sort of project as it is stronger and more durable than traditional timber decking. Our composite decking is available in a range of colours and formats, with additional features such as steps, garden screens and balustrades allowing you to bring your 3D decking visions to life. The durability and versatility of composite decking makes it suitable for all sorts of decking designs.

In this article, we hope to set your mind at rest if you’re worried that a sloping garden means that you can’t have decking, and also to provide inspiration with some sloped garden decking ideas.

Article contents

• Difficulty of a Sloping Garden
• 1. Create a Raised Decking Area
• 2. Utilise Decking Steps
• 3. Create a Multi-Level Deck
• 4. Terracing
• 5. Wraparound Decking

The Difficulty of Having a Sloping Garden

Having a garden that slopes can present some unique challenges when it comes to designing and installing a deck, even with versatile and durable materials such as composite decking boards. It is important that any decking project is safe and sturdy. This may mean using specialist components such as our adjustable pedestal supports to achieve a flat and even surface. Any posts or supports need to be sited on firm foundations, however, with the potential for soil erosion or slippage taken into account.

Another issue with raised decks is that they may need planning permission. Generally, this may be the case if any part of the decking is 30cm or more above the ground underneath it.

Decking on a slope ideas can result in more diverse and eye-catching designs, but they can also be more challenging than designing and installing decking on a flat surface. If you intend to install your decking yourself, it’s important to understand these challenges and how to deal with them. You might also want to hire a professional to install decking on a sloped garden.

1. Create a Raised Decking Area

A raised decking area is simply a deck that sits in an elevated position off the ground. It’s a great way to design a beautiful decking area if you have an uneven or sloping garden, but some people may choose to incorporate raised decking areas for other reasons.

Raised decking areas can help you make the best of your space if you want to build decking on sloped garden or uneven areas. It can provide an elevated view and a distinctive space to enjoy breakfast or entertain friends. The elevated position can reduce the risk of damp or mould underneath the decking area, though composite decking boards are already resistant to these problems.

Raised decking does need strong foundations and the right supports underneath, so it might be best to get some professional help to design and install it if you’re not 100% confident in your own abilities. Raised decking over 30cm from ground level may need planning permission and you may also require balustrade railings for safety.

2. Utilise Decking Steps

Decking steps can add a unique aesthetic to your decking, giving it a cosier and more intimate appeal. They can also be a practical element, giving you easy access to raised deckings or allowing you to easily step up or down between sections of a multi-level deck.

Decking steps can be used to lead down into the garden and are perfect for decking access in sloped or uneven gardens. You could make a feature of the steps, with beautiful balustrades, contrasting colours, built-in recessed lighting, or plant stands and ornaments set safely to the sides if the steps are wide enough.

3. Create a Multi-Level Deck

One decking sloped garden idea that looks particularly stunning is to build a multi-level deck. This can incorporate raised decking areas of different heights, sections that are closer to the floor if there are flat areas of the garden, and even sunken areas that are perfect for fire pits, relaxing or entertaining.

Again, depending on the dimensions of your garden and how much it slopes, multi-level composite decking can be a fantastic way to make the best use of limited or challenging space. It can also bring an amazing aesthetic to turn visitors’ heads and give you the perfect opportunity to get creative with the structure, lighting and decor. One approach, for example, would be to add layers of contrast by using different coloured decking for different levels of the deck.

4. Consider Terracing

Terracing has been used for centuries on hilly or sloping land to make a series of flat platforms for building or agriculture. You can make use of the same technique on a smaller scale to create a stunning outdoor space with terraced decking – essentially two or more levels that are placed above one another like large flat steps.

Terracing can add a unique look and feel to your space and is only really achievable with sloping gardens, making it one of the best decking ideas for sloping garden projects. It can be a lot of work though and terracing might require a skip as a lot of digging is required.

5. Wraparound Decking

Wraparound decking involves a deck that extends around at least two adjacent sides of your house, producing a pleasing ‘wraparound’ effect. L-shapes extending around two sides of the house are the most common, but you could have a three-sided wraparound deck depending on your available space.

It can be a great way of extending any living space into the outdoors, but it can be particularly effective for decking on a sloped garden as it will extend the level area further from your doors, providing more space for dining, entertaining or relaxing. It can also be used to create a handy and attractive walkway to attached seating areas or into the garden.

Discover Our Range of Composite Decking

Having a sloping garden certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t install stunning decks, and it could even inspire you to get more creative with composite decking designs.

Our experienced team can provide more information if you need more advice on composite decking options for sloping gardens, so get in touch today or send off for your free sample pack to explore our range of composite decking colours and styles at your leisure.