THE OUTDOOR space of 29 Gray Street (see page 4) is less a yard and more an atmospheric oasis in the middle of the city.

Designed by the owners and executed by Dave Heffernan of Deck Additions (086-8246363 or dave@deckadditions.ie) stepped spruce decking and bamboo screening hide the brick walls and block out the neighbours, transforming the space. The pergola above enhances the feeling of intimacy and privacy.

The owners use it for entertaining and barbecues (weather permitting) and uplighting on the walls and behind the palms give it a cosy, funky glow. Dave Heffernan says creepers, such as clematis, are ideal for a space like this, ensuring seasonal bursts of colour and improving privacy.

Spruce decking needs annual maintenance to prevent it from going grey, as does bamboo, which involves cleaning and oiling. He says the low maintenance option is composite decking, a mix of plastic and wood, which is maintenance-free and perfect for the Irish weather mix but twice the price of spruce.

A similar job would cost around €4,500 to €5,000.