Decking becomes an integral part of garden design when it connects the home, the landscape and the way people move between them. At this Chalfont St Peter property, Steve and Rees constructed a carefully considered arrangement of Millboard terraces and steps, turning a substantial change in elevation into an inviting journey through the garden.
The renovated extension stood more than a metre above the garden. Connecting those levels required care: the space outside the doors needed to feel welcoming, the route down needed to be comfortable, and the terraces needed to belong within the wider landscape.
Connecting an elevated extension to the garden
The solution brings together an upper dining terrace, a lower outdoor living area and connecting steps. Each level has its own purpose, while the consistent materials and coordinated detailing give the garden a clear overall identity.
Immediately outside the extension, the upper terrace provides room to pause, dine and enjoy the outlook. From here, the steps lead naturally towards the lower terrace and the garden beyond.
Steve and Rees translated the detailed design into a carefully built structure, paying close attention to the relationships between the building, decking, steps and surrounding features.
A comfortable journey between levels
Good garden design considers movement as carefully as appearance. Where people leave the house, turn towards the steps and arrive at the next terrace all influence how comfortably the space works.
The connecting steps form a deliberate part of the composition. Generous proportions and consistent treads create a clear route, while coordinated edges and adjoining surfaces give the transition an elegant finish.
Steve and Rees’s accurate setting out was essential to achieving this relationship. The finished levels and junctions allow the different areas to feel connected, making the garden inviting to explore.
Millboard Limed Oak across both terraces
Millboard Enhanced Grain in Limed Oak provides a soft, contemporary surface across the upper balcony, steps and lower terrace. Using the same finish throughout creates visual continuity from the extension into the garden.
The pale timber-inspired colour complements the house and contrasts with the darker planting backdrops and metalwork. Its texture adds warmth to the architectural arrangement without overwhelming the planting.
Steve and Rees coordinated the board layout with the structure and carefully finished the edges, helping the decking feel like an integral element of the landscape.
Planting that brings the garden close
Pocket planting areas soften the terraces and bring foliage into the spaces where the owners sit and walk. These planted connections help the raised structures settle into the garden.
Dark backdrops emphasise the greens and varied leaf textures, while discreet lighting brings another dimension to the planting after sunset.
The balance between planting and construction is central to the result. The decking provides useful outdoor space, and the planting gives that space the atmosphere of a garden.
Bespoke steelwork with architectural character
Custom balustrades define the upper terrace and connecting steps. Their detailing complements the house while keeping the relationship between the different levels visually clear.
Along the lower terrace, tall vertical steel fins introduce rhythm, depth and changing shadows. Their naturally weathered finish contrasts with the pale Millboard boards and surrounding foliage.
Steve and Rees carefully coordinated these features with the decking and steps, carrying the design through to the finished construction.
Built with care by Steve and Rees
This project demonstrates the importance of considering decking within the whole garden. The terrace positions, routes, planting and bespoke details work together to connect a high-level extension with the landscape below.
Steve and Rees brought the scheme to life through precise construction and attention to the finish, creating outdoor spaces that feel comfortable, connected and elegant.
Garden design: Karl Harrison.
Landscape and decking construction: Steve and Rees.
Bring your home and garden together
Planning an extension, replacing a raised deck or working with challenging garden levels? Steve and Rees can help you consider how terraces, steps, planting and materials could create a more connected outdoor space.
Speak to Steve & Rees Landscapes about Millboard decking and professional landscaping in Chalfont St Peter, Amersham and the surrounding areas.
