Timber or composite boards
Pressure-treated softwood is the traditional choice and is widely available, but it needs regular cleaning and treating, and it can become slippery in shade. Hardwoods are denser and longer lasting, though harder to work. Composite boards, made from a mix of wood fibre and plastic, need less upkeep and don't splinter, but they can get hot in full sun and must be fixed with the manufacturer's system to allow for movement. Whichever board you choose, the frame underneath matters just as much, so ask what timber and fixings the joists will use.
When decking needs planning permission
Under permitted development in England, decking and other raised platforms are allowed only if they are no more than 30 cm above the ground, and together with extensions and outbuildings they cover no more than half the garden. Decking isn't allowed in front of the main elevation of the house without permission, and the rights don't apply to flats, maisonettes or the grounds of listed buildings. A deck built up on a slope can easily exceed 30 cm at the low end, so check the Planning Portal or ask your council.
Building a deck that lasts
A long-lasting deck needs posts or pads on firm ground, joists at the spacing the board maker specifies, a weed membrane and good airflow underneath so the frame can dry out. On Kent clay, ground that swells and shrinks can move posts, so ask how footings will be set. Leave clear space around air bricks and any vents in the house wall, and don't bury the damp-proof course. Raised decks may need balustrades for safety. Ask each landscaper how they'll handle drainage and access to any drains under the deck.
Jobs we can find a landscaper for
- Softwood and hardwood decking
- Composite decking
- Multi-level decks on sloping gardens
- Balustrades, steps and lighting
- Replacement of rotten decks
Available across Kent
Other services
Garden design and full landscaping · Patios and paving · Fencing and gates · Turfing, lawns and artificial grass · Planting, pergolas and raised beds