A well-designed wooden deck has become the heart of the outdoor living space – a place for summer barbecues, gardening, walking barefoot after a sauna or simply unwinding on a warm evening surrounded by a peaceful garden. That is why homeowners are paying increasing attention to how a deck looks, how it complements the house and garden and how well it supports everyday outdoor living.
In recent years, decking design has clearly shifted towards more natural and open outdoor spaces. Small, standalone platforms are becoming less common, while larger decks that connect the house, garden and relaxation areas into one cohesive space are increasingly popular. Many contemporary designs combine outdoor dining, seating areas and the surrounding landscape into a single, seamless environment. In these projects, the choice of decking boards, their colour, layout and profile all play a significant role.
Which Deck Designs Are Most Popular in Nordic countries?
One of the most popular solutions is a full-width wooden deck that extends directly from the living room or kitchen. During the summer months, this creates a natural extension of the indoor living space and gives the home a greater sense of openness. Wider decking boards are often used in these projects because they reduce the number of visible joints, speed up installation on larger surfaces and create a cleaner, more uniform deck finish.
At the same time, smaller decks at the front entrance or next to a sauna remain highly popular. An entrance deck creates a practical transition between the house and the surrounding outdoor space while visually connecting the building with the landscape. A simple deck built beside a sauna or summer cottage is often designed with natural timber and understated detailing, where the emphasis is placed on the material itself rather than elaborate design features.
Balcony decking has also become increasingly popular in recent years. In urban homes, timber decking is more frequently used to transform smaller balconies into practical outdoor spaces for seating or quiet relaxation. Narrower decking boards and lighter timber tones are often preferred in these areas, helping smaller spaces feel more open and spacious.
The Most Popular Decking Board Profiles
The most popular decking board in Nordics continues to be the planed decking board, valued above all for its comfort and practicality. The smooth surface feels comfortable underfoot, is easier to clean and helps the deck maintain a neat and well-kept appearance over time.
Wider decking boards have also become increasingly popular, particularly for contemporary homes. They create a more unified look across larger deck areas and reduce the visual interruption caused by numerous board joints. This makes them an excellent choice for spacious decks and open outdoor living areas, where wider boards help achieve a clean, modern finish.
Narrower decking boards are better suited to decks with more corners, steps, walkways or irregular layouts. They are commonly used on staircases, access paths and more complex decking projects where precise board placement and detailing are important.
The direction in which the decking boards are installed also has a significant impact on the overall appearance. Boards laid lengthwise can make a deck appear longer and more spacious, while boards installed across the deck can emphasise its width or create a stronger visual connection with the architecture of the house.
The Most Popular Decking Colours
While dark brown decks were once the preferred choice, today’s trend is moving towards more natural timber tones. Thermowood decking has become increasingly popular thanks to its warm brown colour, which creates a natural, high-quality appearance even without heavy surface finishes.
Light and natural decking colours complement Nordic architecture particularly well and help maintain a timeless appearance for years to come. Lighter decking boards also absorb less heat during the summer months, making them more comfortable to walk on barefoot.
Darker decks remain a popular choice for modern homes, particularly when combined with black fence posts, metal deck railings or darker fencing. This contrast creates a striking contemporary look but usually requires more maintenance, as dirt and everyday wear are more visible on darker surfaces.
Increasingly, homeowners are designing decks as part of a complete outdoor living space rather than as standalone structures. The same garden timber is often used throughout the project, from decking and fencing to pergolas, fence boards and seating areas. This thoughtful approach creates a cohesive landscape where every element complements the next.
The best decking solution is not necessarily the largest or the most expensive one. It is the one that becomes part of everyday life. Carefully selected decking boards, durable materials and thoughtful timber choices create an outdoor space that naturally becomes an extension of the home, providing enjoyment throughout the week and during the longest summer evenings.
The Best Deck Is the One That Fits Your Lifestyle
While current trends and popular decking designs offer plenty of inspiration, the best deck is ultimately the one that suits the way you live. For some, the ideal wooden deck is a place for long family dinners. For others, it is somewhere to enjoy a quiet morning coffee at sunrise or simply unwind after a busy day. The appearance of the deck certainly matters, but what matters even more is the feeling you get when you step onto it barefoot and realise it truly belongs to your home.
Your own choices, from the colour of the decking boards and their layout to the timber profile and how the deck connects with the garden, are what give the finished space its unique character and make it feel more personal over time.
If you are looking for the right decking boards or garden timber for your next project, get in touch with our team. We will help you find the ideal timber solution for your home, your garden and the result you want to achieve.
