Decking can be installed at ground level or elevated, it can be simple or elaborate, large or small all depending on your requirements and of course your budget! All decked areas are individually planned to take into account safety issues relating to size and height. Due to construction methods, where relevant, decking can be constructed above the damp course level, this usually means decked areas would be just under door seal height.

Things to consider

• Soft or hard wood deck boards
• Smooth or grooved boards
• Size and height
• Balustrade - this is a vertical railing used as either a feature or barrier
• Rope and post edging - used as a decorative feature
• Lattice fascia-attached vertically to the outer sub frame as a feature

The chosen area would be dug out where necessary and have a layer of geotextile laid to help suppress weed growth. The sub-frame is then constructed using pressure treated 4"x 2" sawn timber which is screwed together for additional strength. The joist centres are placed no more than 600mm apart. The deck boards are then cut to required length and then screwed down using specially coated screws.

All timber is cut using an electric precision cut compound mitre saw with dust extraction - this prevents your garden having a decorative layer of sawdust!

Deck boards are usually profiled but there are many different types available, including smooth, softwood and hardwood varieties. We usually use boards which are supplied with up to a 15 year guarantee against rot and insect attack.

Maintenance

We recommend that you sweep a deck regularly and then clean with a brush and hose at least twice a year, this will all depend on the amount of usage and deck location. Most deck boards are supplied treated with a preservative, needing no further treatment. However, to improve deck performance and to help prevent cracking, a water repellent can be used at least every other year.

Please note that decked areas tend to be slippery in frosty and icy conditions.