Trex has carried out research to discover what UK homeowners would include in their 'dream garden' and has compared this to what can be found in the 'average' UK garden.

As the autumn draws in, spending your days lazing in the garden might seem a distant memory. But as attention shifts to garden plans for next summer, here’s what most Brits would want to put in theirs.

Research has shown that while the average British garden contains outdoor furniture, a patio and barbecue, the UK’s dream of their outdoor space including a summer house, decking and a fire pit, with more than a third of UK homeowners choosing these aspirational items if they were creating the gardens of their dreams.

According to new research, 36% of people said they would feature a luxurious summer house in their dream garden, while 34% said a fire pit and 33% chose decking to complete their aspirational space.

Our outdoor living trends survey reveals how important people consider their outdoor spaces and reflects how much money they would be willing to spend if budgets were limitless.

While a summer house would cost approximately £5,000 to install in a UK garden, a swimming pool, arguably the most expensive of dream additions, costs, on average, £20,000 - £50,000.

The inclusion of such aspirational garden features on Brits’ wishlists can be attributed to the shift to outdoor living that began during the pandemic. The latest research shows people continue to place a high value on their gardens, seeing them as an extension of their homes.

Social media has also played a role in inspiring peoples’ gardens – and, potentially, increased appetites for luxury additions – with the same survey revealing over two-thirds of under-35s use social media platforms for garden inspiration.

Bethany Perez, Brand Manager for Trex, said: “We’re delighted that decking features so high up the list of dream garden additions - but not surprised.

“Decking instantly transforms an outdoor space, it is the perfect base for entertaining, relaxing and al fresco dining and really helps homeowners make the most of their gardens.”

The survey also found:

  • Other popular aspirational items included hot tubs (31%) pizza ovens (27%) and a swimming pool (19%)
  • 44% of respondents aged 18-24 would pick a swimming pool as their first choice their ideal garden, while 48% of the over 55s went for garden furniture
  • Artificial grass and children's play equipment were the least favourite additions with 13% and 16%, respectively, of respondents selecting these

The top five most common items in the average UK outdoor space are garden furniture, lawns, sheds, patios and barbecues.