The great thing about decking is that it can be tailored to suit just about any garden design. It's natural appearance makes it ideal for informal gardens where you can make the most of it's warm tones and texture.

Decking also looks good in a bold, modern setting. If you choose a particularly eye-catching design it can easily be made the focal point of your garden. Some of the colors available in wood stain work very well with a contemporary design. If you're placing decking in a formal setting, emphasize the clean lines by using stepped edges.

Interesting patterns can be achieved by fixing the planks in different directions, but on the whole it's best to keep the designs fairly simple. In some countries there are building codes to be adhered to. If in doubt, always seek the advice of a professional in your area, even if you're going to build the decking yourself.

Decking can be made from hardwood, pressure treated softwood, or plain softwood. Hardwood decking is usually made from white oak or western red cedar, and they produce a durable and practically maintenance free deck.

Pressure treated softwood decking is less expensive and reasonably durable, but it requires seasonal maintenance. Plain softwood decking will need treating, will require regular maintenance, and will not be very durable. It will also be prone to rotting.

Make sure you choose the non slip grooved planks, and space them about 6mm apart to allow for expansion and to let any rain water drain away. Attach them to the deck with galvanized nails or screws. It would be a good idea to lay the whole deck on a sheet of semi-permeable material such as landscape fabric.

The easiest decks to create are those using ready-made decking tiles. These can be laid straight onto a firm, flat surface such as an old patio, roof terrace, or hardcore. For best results, lay the tiles on top of a framework of pressure treated timber. Don't forget to treat any exposed ends with wood preservative.

You can also get decks in kit form and these are easy to put together and a good choice when the deck doesn't have to fit into a particular shape, such as an island deck part way down the garden.

Custom made decking which is supplied and fitted by a professional is the most convenient but also the most expensive option. Specialist suppliers will happily take on the whole project, from planning your deck, checking local regulations, to building it. With custom made decking you can be much more adventurous with split levels, walkways, and even raised decks. These will no doubt give you the perfect view of your garden.