Decking Designs

Laying a Decking

Adding a deck to your garden will provide both a focal point and a place to enjoy in good weather. If carefully constructed, it can also add value to your house. Decking isn't suitable for shady areas, however. When constructing, always use pressure-treated softwood or hardwood.

Planning

For your deck to be successful, consider the following:

• Size: Mark out the proposed area and lay out your furniture to see if is large enough.
• Location: Choose a position to catch the sun at the times of day when you will want to use the deck. South-westerly facing is usually a good choice but also consider the outlook, whether you will be overlooked, and the prevailing winds. Avoid any drains, underground pipe work and cables.
• Check to see whether planning permission is required.
• Draw a scale plan and calculate the materials you will need.

Tip: The following guide describes the construction of a simple rectangular deck attached to the house, but you could consider wrapping a deck around the corner of your house, around a tree, or sitting it away from the house completely.

Construction

Step 1: Preparing the site

• Clear away vegetation to prepare the site, and then mark out the area with pegs and string, making sure it's square.
  
  
• Cover the area with a weed-suppressant membrane and grit over top to anchor it in place.

Tip: If you want to place your decking area on sloping land, make sure it is a very gentle slope (no more than 1 in 120).