Introduction

It’s imperative that you plan your deck in advance of construction on paper, as it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to simply build a frame and expect the boards to fit with the required gaps between them.

Considerations

There are also a number of factors that it’s wise to consider up front so you get many years of service from your deck:

• Do you want your deck in a sunny or shady position? Bear in mind that a shaded deck will need a little more maintenance as the damper conditions will encourage algae to grow and may therefore become slippery.
• Are there any trees you want to or must keep? You can build your deck around these, but be sure to leave space around the trunk to allow for future growth.
• Ensure that you identify the location of any manhole covers and other services. A removable panel should be incorporated into the deck to allow access to these points.
• Consider the level(s) of decking that you require and any pattern you may wish to create with the decking boards, as shown in the diagrams below:

• Ensure you do not compromise your home’s damp proof course or block any airbricks.
  
• To ensure that rainwater drains from your deck, you will need to construct it at a slight angle running downwards away from your property. This should be a 1 in 80 drop, so for every 80cm of decking its height should decline by 1cm.
• Building regulations demand that any decking area 600mm (2ft) or more above the adjacent ground is surrounded by a balustrade that is 1100mm (3ft 7in) high. You can of course choose to include them as a design feature for decking situated lower than this.
• If you will require garden lighting to be incorporated into your decking, for example uplighting from the boards or hidden in the risers of steps, plan this in advance to ensure wiring and transformers can be accommodated.
• If you plan to install a hot tub in or on your deck, these weigh several tonnes when full of water. You should seek advice from a structural engineer to ensure your deck is constructed to support this weight.
• Pergolas and planting tubs can be included in the design of a deck.

Summary

Construction of a low level deck is well within the scope of a DIY enthusiast. Indeed, most single level decks can be completed in a weekend. If you’re planning something with multiple levels or any significant height however, you are advised to seek professional help and advice to ensure the structure is well supported and firm.

Further information and useful links

• Introduction to decking
• Garden decking materials
• More garden topics

• Find a Garden Decking supplier near you
• Find a Garden Centre near you
• Find a Garden Materials supplier near you