Investing in quality decking can give your garden some structure and personality. Decking provides an opportunity to create flat spaces in sloped and uneven gardens. If you want, you can add built in seats and create multi-level platforms to add some more complexity. If taken care of, our timber decking will last for decades.
Decking Design
Flat and sloped gardens benefit from different styles of decking. In flat gardens, we can install ground level flats that sit just above the grass. In sloped gardens, we recommend raised decks that create level spaces without excessive excavation. Decking can also be split into different levels to add variation. This works especially well in long gardens.
We will measure your garden and develop a decking plan that makes the most sense for the space. From our experience, some customers come to us with detailed decking designs. This is perfectly fine, but if you don’t have a complete plan, we can help you develop a complete and practical design. Our design build process begins with us determining the overall size, height, and structure, and only then do we start cutting the wood.
Materials
Wood decking is the most popular choice among homeowners. It may be the most affordable, and best look, and has a lifespan of 15-20 years before needing replacement. The timber comes pre-treated with preservatives that protect against rot and insect invasion.
Iroko, balau, and ipe are some common options for decking that costs more due to its hardness. Weathering is common with wood, but you can oil them to maintain the original color. Expect a lifespan of 25-30 years with hardwood, even in the wettest of conditions.
Composite is the plastic-wood mixture decking option that most big-name contractors are moving toward. Specialty timber composite is becoming the standard in the industry.
Construction
Decking needs a solid frame underneath. In our trade, we call this the sub-structure. The sub-structure needs to be level, balanced, and secure enough to support not just the decking, but also patio furniture and people moving on it.
Deck board spacing is something most don’t think about vs how much it can affect drainage. If boards are spaced too tightly, water can pool and drainage can slow. If boards are spaced too widely, it can lead to discomfort when walking on the deck. Here at Huyton Landscaping, we fit boards with the right spacing to avoid discomfort and achieve optimal drainage.
Building regulations require Balustrades after decking is installed at a certain height. We construct these using treated timber balusters and can use other materials you may have in mind. The regulations do specify how wide the gaps can be in between balusters, so it may be somewhat restrictive, but other style choices can be made to fit with the rest of your garden.
Steps and Access
Lowering decked areas will require the installation of steps. We construct these as part of the decking structure, ensuring the steps are comfortable and user-friendly, as well as compliant with building regulations. Handrails are installed when needed.
Additional features like built-in seating and planters are extremely popular to incorporate into the decks. It is important to note that these features will need close planning at the design level, as the deck frames will need to be reinforced to account for the extra weight and the boards will need more precise cutting in order to fit around custom designed cutouts.
Adding Wooden Structures
These structures are great for adding some vertical height and something for climbing plants to grow on. They also provide some partial shade and protection without complete blockage.
Depending on your style and budget, we can build these structures from softwood or hardwood. The posts can be either concreted into the ground, or bolted to the patio. For more shade, we can add cross beams to the overhead beams.
An attached pergola secures to your house and overhangs your patio/decking area, and freestanding pergolas can be located anywhere else in the garden. Of both types, strong foundations are crucial, because a pergola that shakes in the wind won’t last long, and your guests won’t be comfortable sitting underneath one.
Care
Timber decking requires maintenance, and pressure treated wood needs to be preserved, either by decking oil or some other wood protector, every 1-2 years, depending on how sun exposed the wood is. This will help the wood from degrading and prevent moisture build up.
You can let the hardwood gray naturally, but it’s a good idea to oil it once a year to maintain the wood. In any case, it’s your responsibility to wipe the dirt off the surface and remove any debris that accumulates between the boards.
Pergolas require the same care: Inspect the wood, apply treatment if it looks dry, and check to see if any bolts or other fasteners need to be tightened.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
Most decking can go up without needing any planning permission aside from a few exceptions, like if it is unusually high or if your property is in a conservation area. In terms of building regulations, the only rule that comes into play is if the deck is over 300mm from the ground level. In this case, balustrade safety and the overall structure need to be sound.
To avoid any problems down the road, we have a system that is fully up to standard regulations. If you are unsure of what is allowed or not allowed, we can explain it clearly before we begin the work.
Supply or Fitting
If you plan to source your own decking materials, we are happy to fit them as well. If you want us to source the materials, we have longstanding relationships with suppliers that allow us to buy materials at a good price and with good quality.For pergolas, we can either build from your plans or collaborate with you to create something that fits your garden best.
Areas Covered
We operate all over Oxfordshire and the surrounding mid-counties. Garden projects differ greatly in scale, so distance is hardly ever a problem. Get in touch and we will schedule a time to come out.
Get a Quote
Email info@candc-carpentry.co.uk with a summary of what you have in mind. Pictures of your garden assist us in visualizing the area. We’ll visit the site to take measurements and discuss options before issuing you a formal quote.