While great for relaxation, decks also need maintaining.

You don’t have to be a farmer to appreciate the benefits of a shed but sure as eggs if you are a farmer without a shed you’re most likely in trouble.

Of course, any reference to ‘the shed’ in today’s world can mean anything from a smallish three by three metre galvanised steel garden shed (or even a flashier cedar version) for the garden tools, to a massive barn with a span of seven metres or more and designed to house the tractor, trailer, tools, workbench and a great deal more.

‘The shed’ could be the haybarn or a potting shed, it might even be a double garage with office attached and in some places ‘the shed’ has even been turned into a gazebo.

But whatever form ‘the shed’ comes in, it has a place both on the farm, the lifestyle block or the urban backyard.

Removed from the house, it offers users the opportunity to lose themselves in practical, fulfilling chores, hobbies or maybe an escape from the rest of the household. At least that’s what some shed owners say! 

And with Labour Weekend upon us a lot of folk will be out in ‘the shed’ sorting equipment for after-winter maintenance, which could mean repairing and painting decks, building new hard landscaping, erecting fences or adding a bigger, better deck where family and friends can make the most of the summer.

If restricted space and layout is an issue perhaps some aspects of the existing design, such as where the house meets the garden, may require a rethink. Access to any outdoor area should definitely be easy and preferably seamless.

Sliding, stacking, bi-fold or French doors invite the outdoors in and offer easy access to the grounds but in making the step from indoors to out it’s important to have a dry area underfoot where children can play and where there is a place for the barbecue and loungers.  

With this in mind ensure decks are built large enough to be useful. Many are only wide enough to walk along, which certainly doesn’t encourage a successful al fresco lifestyle.

As a general rule, for an outdoor dining setting, a deck should be four times larger than the size of the table so diners can comfortably access and depart the setting without feeling restricted or falling off the deck edge.

An awning or sail is a must too, for enjoying long, leisurely lunches.  Decks can incorporate seating and planters too. Perhaps a generous lawn is preventing the creation of an al fresco dining area.

Large lawns always look pleasing but can be high maintenance if they receive little use. The footprint of outdoor living areas can be extended with pavers, tiles, brick, stone and, of course, decking.

Retaining a strip of lawn wide enough to lie on under the shade of a tree might be more than adequate and there’s still something to mow should someone in the household be particularly fond of the activity.

Rather than the garden being a place where people always toil, give thought to the creation of relaxation zones.