Summer is the perfect time to rejuvenate your outdoor space. Whether your garden is compact or sprawling, simple summer builds can enhance both functionality and aesthetics. We've put together a selection of ideas to inspire you and help transform your garden into the ideal summer retreat.
Decking can provide a designated spot for dining, relaxing and entertaining. It’s versatile, affordable and relatively easy to install using decking boards. A decked area can be shaped to fit the space you have and can be as big or as small as you like. Decking could be raised or level with the rest of the garden and can be used to cover slopes and uneven ground. Fitting a balustrade edge can create a section to separate your decking from another area. You can find out more decking ideas in one of our previous blogs - 6 Inspiring Decking Ideas To Enhance Your Outdoor Space.
If you’d rather not dig up part of your garden in order to create a flower bed or vegetable patch, then a raised bed or planter is a great choice. Raised beds not only add visual interest, but also make gardening easier and more enjoyable. They can be custom sized to fit almost any space. You could run them along the back of your garden or for those with more space, use them as a divider to separate different areas.
Sleepers are a good choice for building raised beds and planters as they are durable and can withstand high moisture levels. It’s a good idea to line your planter so that the soil remains inside but don’t forget to make some drainage holes. We would recommend adding feet to raise your planter off the ground especially if placing it on a patio or decked area. Do make sure that you choose plants that are suitable for the size of your raised bed or planter.
For smaller spaces, why not consider building a vertical planter wall? Vertical gardens add depth and interest, allowing you to maximise limited space. They can be easily constructed from quality timber and look fantastic filled with colourful flowers, herbs, or trailing plants.
Building your own garden furniture can actually be affordable and it means you can create something bespoke that fits the space you have perfectly. The opportunities are endless and you could make benches, loungers, tables and even footstools. Why not include hidden storage within a table or bench to make your furniture even more practical. There are so many different styles and designs that you could follow, why not recycle some old pallets and turn them into something unique or upcycle an old patio set to make it look new and modern again.
An outdoor bar is a great addition for those who love to entertain and we are sure it will make you even more popular! You could integrate a BBQ area and extend it to incorporate a garden bar or create a simpler, pop up style cart. There are so many different designs that you can choose something to utilise the space that you have. If space is limited you could build a wall mounted folding bar that can be neatly tucked away when not in use.
A pergola is traditionally an open structure with beams that form a canopy. They are really versatile and can be used to create a designated dining or seating area in your garden or can be used to encourage trailing plants to grow up and over them and create a shaded area in a sunny garden. You can buy pergolas in kit form, but they're relatively easy to build from scratch using treated softwood. You will need to paint the sawn ends with wood preservative before you start to provide the protection they need from the elements. There are plenty of designs to choose from ranging from basic and simple to complex and stylish.
A garden bar under a timber pergola has become a popular addition for summer entertaining. Why not combine the two and build a simple timber bar beneath your pergola, creating an inviting space to enjoy drinks with friends and family during warm summer evenings.
Garden fencing doesn't have to be purely functional, it can significantly enhance your outdoor aesthetic too. Decorative fence panels provide a stylish boundary, improving your garden's privacy while adding character. At KPT Timber, our decorative fence panels come in various styles, from traditional to contemporary, to complement any garden design.
NEW: This summer, consider opting for our newly introduced contemporary lattice or slatted fence panels, these modern designs add elegance and openness, allowing light to pass through while still maintaining privacy.
KPT Timber is proud to offer FSC-certified timber products, ensuring your garden projects support sustainability. Choosing sustainable timber not only helps the environment but also guarantees you receive a high-quality, responsibly-sourced product.
We hope that this has given you some inspirational ideas so that you can bring a fresh new look to your garden that you can enjoy all summer long and for many more years. If you would like any advice about selecting the materials and timber for your project, please feel free to get in touch: sales@kpttimber.co.uk
