Outdoor spaces are a big part of Australian homes, and verandas, patios and courtyards are being designed with a new level of sophistication. Traditional timber has also given way to newer materials that are easier to maintain and can withstand weather extremes.

If you are looking for a decking material for your outdoor spaces, James Hardie Australia presents an alternative to timber, plastic composite and aluminium options with the HardieDeck, a premium fibre cement decking product built to resist fire, rot, splintering and warping, and offering the versatility to be finished in a number of contemporary colours.

With HardieDeck, homeowners can create a fresh modern look that lasts. Here, James Hardie product manager Christian Hansen discusses current trends such as the Coastal and Modern looks in home decking styles.

Coastal

The coastal look draws on the natural beauty of the shoreline with whites, warm sand and neutral tones, combined with accents of coastal navy or aqua in exterior furnishing and planters, helping to create a relaxed outdoor living environment and the vibe of a holiday at home.

Homeowners can optimise the use of their outdoor areas by integrating functional elements into the decking design to create sub-spaces for the whole family to enjoy. These include sunken fire pits, and wet spaces for outdoor showers to wash the salt off after a day at the beach.

“Coastal style promotes relaxed indoor-outdoor living and lets the homeowner use the space as an extension of the home. In the planning stages, think about the colour and style you want and how you will use the space. For example, lighter colours such as grey hues and contemporary whites reflect both the heat and sun as well as brighten up spaces summing up a perfect coastal look. If you’re building a fire pit surround, or an outdoor space set in a bushfire zone, HardieDeck is a fire-resistant option that you can rely on. It can be used in the most extreme bushfire zones thanks to its FZ Flame Zone jointer,” says Hansen.

Modern

The modern look embraces slick architectural design and largely monochromatic palettes, which are also synonymous with HardieDeck.

When designing an outdoor area, it’s important to balance life and style, says Hansen. Inbuilt seating, the deck wrapped around sophisticated planting or a swimming pool, or built as an outdoor lounge to maximise space usage in tight urban settings while promoting the indoor-outdoor style of living, are some of the design considerations for the space.

“Choose decking that resists damage from moisture and will help create an outdoor space that is not only functional but also fits seamlessly with the overall look. A common trend is to finish decks in a light grey tinted sealer, or even a clear sealer for the warm grey tonal variation of raw cement,” says Hansen.

HardieDeck fibre cement decking assures greater durability over traditional materials, and is the perfect option to get the look you desire thanks to the flexibility of finishing it in a range of colours.

For further information, technical guides, warnings and warranties, please visit hardiedeck.com.au.

Architecture & Design Team

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James Hardie Australia

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