30 Apr Timber Touches That Turn a Garden Into a Retreat

As spring sunshine begins to stretch into the evenings and summer edges ever closer, many homeowners across the South West are looking at their gardens with fresh eyes. The question on everyone’s mind? How do I turn this outdoor space into somewhere I actually want to spend time?

At Brookridge, we believe that timber holds the key. Beautiful, natural, long-lasting and endlessly versatile, timber is the perfect material for transforming gardens into warm, welcoming spaces—whether for entertaining, relaxing, or spending time with the family. With our wide range of high-quality timber products, from decking and sleepers to fencing and pergolas, the possibilities really are endless.

Let’s explore how the right timber touches can help you reimagine your garden as the perfect retreat this spring and summer.

Timber Decking: The Foundation of Outdoor Living

Few things define a garden retreat quite like building a timber deck. It creates a natural extension of your indoor space, offering a practical yet attractive platform for everything from al fresco dining to sunbathing or evening drinks.

Brookridge stocks premium slow-grown European softwood decking boards, pressure-treated to User Class 3 as standard and also available in User Class 4 for areas in contact with the ground. That means your deck won’t just look great—it’ll withstand the elements too. Our boards come in a range of sizes, and we also offer anti-slip decking for areas that need that added layer of safety. Combine with pressure-treated rails, stair treads and balustrades, and you’ve got the makings of a stylish, safe, and highly functional outdoor zone.

Sleepers: More Than Just Rustic Appeal

New and reclaimed timber sleepers are one of the most creative tools in any garden revamp. Their robust, chunky form is perfect for raised beds, retaining walls, or even simple seating areas. You can use them to introduce tiered planting, divide up your garden into zones, or add height and structure to flatter plots.

At Brookridge, our new sleepers are pressure treated for long-term outdoor durability, while our reclaimed options bring an instant sense of heritage and character. Raised beds built from sleepers don’t just look great—they also improve drainage and extend the growing season by warming up quickly in spring.

Fencing That Does More Than Mark a Boundary

Of course, fencing serves a practical purpose. But that doesn’t mean it can’t also be part of the garden’s overall appeal. A smart, well-built timber fence frames your space, shields it from the wind, adds privacy, and helps define different zones within the garden.

Brookridge supplies a full range of timber fencing materials including closeboard and overlap timber fence panels, featheredge boards, rails and posts—all manufactured on-site using pressure-treated timber. Whether you’re looking to replace panels after winter damage or start from scratch with a whole new layout, we’ve got everything you need for a boundary that blends beauty with strength.

Pergolas and Timber Features for Shade and Shape

Looking for something that makes a visual statement and adds year-round structure? A pergola might be the answer. These simple but striking timber structures offer the ideal frame for outdoor seating or dining areas, and when paired with climbing plants, they can turn a plain patch of lawn or patio into a tranquil, shaded haven.

Using Brookridge’s structural timbers—graded to C16 or C24 and pressure treated for outdoor use—you can create a pergola that’s both strong and stylish. Want to add your own creative touch? Consider using painted cladding or decking boards as privacy screens, or create a slatted roof for partial shade.

Timber Paths and Edging for Flow and Function

Pathways don’t just help guide you through the garden—they can define a sense of journey, leading you to different ‘rooms’ within your outdoor retreat. Decking boards or laid sleepers make excellent natural-looking paths that are softer underfoot than stone or gravel and much warmer in tone.

Timber edging is another subtle but effective detail. It brings neat definition to lawns and beds, making the garden feel more curated while keeping things easy to maintain. And just like all our outdoor timber products, the edging materials from Brookridge are pressure-treated for long-lasting performance.

Finishing Touches That Make It Yours

Timber is ideal for custom touches that give your garden its own personality. Raised planters, privacy screens, benches, or even a bespoke sandpit or play zone for the kids—these are the extras that turn a garden from usable to lovable.

At Brookridge, we don’t just supply the materials. We offer expert advice too—so whether you’re planning a full garden redesign or just dipping your toe in with a small project, we’ll help you choose the right timber for the job and ensure it’s properly treated for your needs.

Why Choose Brookridge for Your Garden Timber Projects?

Brookridge is one of the South West’s leading timber merchants, and we’ve built our reputation on quality, reliability, and service. All our timber products are responsibly sourced and treated in our ISO 9001-audited facility to the standards set out in BS8417. That means you can trust that what you’re building this spring will stand up to the elements for many seasons to come.

And with convenient online ordering and delivery available across Devon, Somerset, and beyond, getting the right timber for your project has never been easier.

Ready to Reimagine Your Garden?

Whether it’s a new deck, a raised bed, or a shaded space for summer lounging, Brookridge has the products, the knowledge, and the experience to help. Shop online or visit us in branch—and let’s bring your garden retreat to life.